Witness involvement in the criminal justice system and intention to cooperate in future prosecutions

This study examined whether systems-related problems or relationships with criminal justice personnel were the more important factors associated with witness intention to cooperate in future prosecutions. Using correlation and regression analysis procedures it was determined thatfactors related to the responsiveness of criminal justice system personnel were significantly greater predictors than system-related factors of an intention to cooperate in the future. It was concluded that the responsiveness of personnel to a witness is a very important factor in the witness's formation of attitudes toward the criminal justice system and his or her participation in that system, and that the personnel in a prosecutor's office who interact with witnesses should be aware of the role they play in influencing these attitudes.