|
2013
|
How New York City Reduced Mass Incarceration: A Model for Change?
By Austin, James; Jacobson, Michael P..
Vera Institute of Justice (New York, NY); New York University. School of Law. Brennan Center for Justice (New York, NY); JFA Institute (Washington, DC).
“Are there connections between these three shifts – a decrease in crime, a decrease in the correctional population, and a sharp increase in controversial police practices? What factors contributed to these shifts? What about the costs of these shifts? Have they been evaluated and weighed against the benefits? In this report, leading criminologists James Austin and Michael Jacobson take an empirical look at these powerful social changes and any interconnections. Examining data from 1985 to 2009, ... Read More
|
28 pages
|
|
2010
|
Kentucky Pretrial Risk Assessment Instrument Validation
By Austin, James; Ocker, Roger; Bhati, Avi.
U.S. Bureau of Justice Assistance (Washington, DC).
JFA Institute (Washington, DC).
The validity of the Kentucky Pretrial Service Agency (KPSA) risk assessment instrument is determined. Other pretrial agencies can compare their risk assessment instruments to this evaluation to see where they stand. Sections of this report are: introduction; research methods; use of special conditions; and improvement of the current tool. Based on conflicts in the prior instrument, a modified tool resulted from this study.... Read More
|
16 pages
|
|
2009
|
The Michigan Department of Corrections Special Alternative Incarceration Program First Year Process Evaluation: An Independent Review of Program Improvements
By Austin, James; Chapman, Gabrielle.
JFA Institute (Washington, DC).
The effectiveness of Michigan’s Special Alternative to Incarceration (SAI) program is assessed. The results from this evaluation should interest other agencies looking to modify aging or inefficient boot camp programs. SAI “was modified significantly in 2008 to become an integral part of the Michigan Prisoner ReEntry Initiative. As such it should no longer be characterized as a traditional boot camp program but an intensive prison diversion and/or release program” (p. 2). Sections contained in t... Read More
|
78 pages
|
|
2004
|
Prisoner Intake Systems: Assessing Needs and Classifying Prisoners
By Hardyman, Patricia L.; Austin, James; Peyton, Johnette.
National Institute of Corrections (Washington, DC).
George Washington University. Institute on Crime, Justice, and Corrections (Washington, DC); National Institute of Corrections (Washington, DC).
Tasks, assessments, and technology used in prisoner intake systems are examined. Following an executive summary, this report has seven chapters: introduction; national overview of facility characteristics, facility functions, intake components and personnel responsibilities, and obstacles to intake assessments; four chapters review select agency's corrections population, intake facilities, intake process, processing time and flexibility, classification, and needs assessment -- one chapter per De... Read More
|
80 p.
|
|
2004
|
Objective Prison Classification: A Guide for Correctional Agencies
By Austin, James; Hardyman, Patricia L..
National Institute of Corrections (Washington, DC).
George Washington University. Institute on Crime, Justice and Corrections (Washington, DC).
The current state of the art in prison classification is reviewed. Seven chapters follow an executive summary; introduction; a brief history of objective prison classification; what is objective prison classification; effective strategies -- guidelines for implementing classification systems; evaluations of prison classification systems; classification of women prisoners; and other special topics and issues in classification. ... Read More
|
78 p.
|
|
2004
|
Classification of High-Risk and Special Management Prisoners: A National Assessment of Current Practices
By Austin, James; McGinnis, Kenneth.
National Institute of Corrections (Washington, DC).
National Institute of Corrections (Washington, DC); Security Response Technologies, Inc. (Middleton, MA); George Washington University. Institute on Crime, Justice and Corrections (Washington, DC).
Results from a survey "designed to obtain information on the procedures used to classify high-risk inmates, particularly those in protective custody or administrative segregation, and inmates with mental illness or medical problems" are presented (p. xvi). Six chapters follow an executive summary:
- Introduction;
- Overview of risk assessment;
- Risk assessment systems and instruments;
- Findings of the National Survey of the Management of High-Risk Inmates;
- Identificati... Read More
|
87 p.
|
|
2003
|
Findings in Prison Classification and Risk Assessment
By Austin, James.
National Institute of Corrections. Prisons Division (Washington, DC).
New information and knowledge learned regarding classification and risk assessment systems are reviewed. Topics discussed include: differences between prison classification and public risk assessment; differences between external and internal prison classification systems; standards in evaluating prisoner classification and other risk assessment instruments; the logic of prisoner classification systems; issues in reliability; issues in validity; factors associated with misconduct; impact of pris... Read More
|
7 p.
|
|
2002
|
Revalidating External Prison Classification Systems: The Experience of Ten States and Model for Classification Reform
By Hardyman, Patricia L.; Austin, James; Tulloch, Owan C..
National Institute of Corrections (Washington, DC).
George Washington University Institute on Crime, Justice and Corrections (Washington, DC); National Institute of Corrections (Washington, DC).
Work undertaken by the participating states is described, an outline of the fundamental tasks required for a revalidation effort is provided, and external classification trends and lessons learned from these classification reforms are summarized within this report (p. x). This report is comprised of the following sections: executive summary; introduction; NIC classification goals and objectives; description of the ten states' external classification initiatives (Virginia, Montana, Oregon, Oklaho... Read More
|
129 p.
|
|
2001
|
Critical Issues and Developments in Prison Classification
By Austin, James; Hardyman, Patricia L.; Brown, Sammie D..
National Institute of Corrections. Prisons Division (Washington, DC).
In order to enable correctional administrators to anticipate further improvements in objective classification, this bulletin provides a summary of current critical classification issues. Topics briefly discussed include: re-evaluation of existing prison classification systems; external and internal classification; classification systems for women inmates; identification of high risk and special management inmates; the use of classification for reentry and inmate transition programs; the impact... Read More
|
3 p.
|
|
1998
|
Objective Jail Classification Systems: A Guide for Jail Administrators
By Austin, James.
National Institute of Corrections (Washington, DC).
National Institute of Corrections (Washington, DC).
Objective jail classification (OJC) is a process of assessing every jail inmate's custody and program needs and is considered one of the most important management tools available to jail administrators and criminal justice system planners. An effective system of inmate classification will reduce escapes and escape attempts, suicides and suicide attempts, and inmate assaults. OJC systems use locally developed and validated instruments, one at intake and another after a period of confinement, that... Read More
|
72 p.
|
|
1997
|
Women in Jail: Classification Issues
By Brennan, Tim; Austin, James.
National Institute of Corrections (Washington, DC).
National Institute of Corrections (Washington, DC).
The authors examine issues related to classification of female jail inmates by profiling the female inmate population and discussing problems associated with using a single classification system for both male and female inmates or a gender-neutral system. This document also provides guidelines for designing a classification system specifically for women. ... Read More
|
23 p.
|
|
1995
|
New Jersey Department of Corrections Initial Classification System: Design and Validation, Final Report
By Hardyman, Patricia L.; Austin, James.
National Institute of Corrections (Washington, DC).
National Council on Crime and Delinquency (San Francisco, CA).
This report documents the development of an objective classification system that addressed the specific organizational needs and population of the New Jersey Department of Corrections. It reviews the methodology, initial classification validation results, instrument modification recommendations, impact of the modifications, projected lengths of stay and the average daily population, implementation results, training/orientation programs, and next steps to be taken.... Read More
|
72 p.
|
|
1994
|
Understanding Why Inmates Are Misclassified: The Use of Qualitative Methods in Evaluating Objective Prison Classification
By Alexander, Jack; Austin, James.
National Institute of Corrections (Washington, DC).
National Council on Crime and Delinquency (San Francisco, CA).
This study of classification systems has two purposes. The first is to test new methods for evaluating objective prison classification systems by using qualitative research methods. The second is to examine why inmates often do not behave as expected according to their classification level. By looking at two prison systems, this report provides the process evaluation results of their classification systems and explains the factors that influence inmate behaviors.... Read More
|
63 p.
|
|
1994
|
Survey Report on Internal Offender Classification System
By Austin, James; Chan, Luiza.
National Institute of Corrections (Washington, DC).
National Council on Crime and Delinquency (San Francisco, CA).
The report presents the results of a survey on internal offender classification systems across the United States. The report discusses survey methods and prevalence of these systems. It then briefly describes the offender classification systems in various states and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The survey also solicited agency interest in participating as an internal classification test site. A table detailing each state's response to the survey questions is included.... Read More
|
10 p.
|
|
1993
|
Indiana Department of Corrections Women Classification Study
By Austin, James; Chan, Luiza; Elms, William.
National Institute of Corrections (Washington, DC).
National Council on Crime and Delinquency (San Francisco, CA).
This study evaluates the effect of the current Indiana Department of Corrections classification system on female inmates, with special emphasis on possible over-classification. It also assesses the specific needs and difficulties that female inmates experience during incarceration. Data presented compare male and female inmate classifications and examine female inmates' demographics, abuse history, children, and prison visitation. From this data, the report provides recommendations for adjusting... Read More
|
46 p.
|
|
1992
|
Handbook for Evaluating Objective Prison Classification Systems
By Alexander, Jack; Austin, James.
National Institute of Corrections (Washington, DC).
National Council on Crime and Delinquency (San Francisco, CA).
Developed to provide correctional professional with a tool for more effectively and efficiently managing their departments, this document presents a critical review of issues relevant to the evaluation of correctional classification systems. Topics covered include: standards for conducting classification evaluations, impact evaluation and validation goals, evaluation questions, designs, and methods; and sampling and data collection techniques.... Read More
|
98 p.
|
|
1992
|
Female Offenders in the Community: An Analysis of Innovative Strategies and Programs
By Austin, James; Bloom, Barbara; Donahue, Trish.
National Institute of Corrections (Washington, DC).
National Council on Crime and Delinquency (San Francisco, CA); National Institute of Corrections (Washington, DC).
This report describes various strategies and programs that appear to provide effective community supervision and/or treatment of female offenders. It describes the results of a national survey of public and private community programs that supervise female offenders. Additionally, the report discusses the pertinent issues, needs, and problems of this population. Along with describing various programs, the report assesses positive aspects of these programs from their objectives through follow-up a... Read More
|
82 p.
|
|
1990
|
Jail Classification System Development
By Austin, James F.; Brennan, Tim; Buchanan, Robert A..
National Institute of Corrections. Jails Division (Boulder, CO).
National Council on Crime and Delinquency (San Francisco, CA); Correctional Services Group (Kansas City, MO).
Contents: (v. 1) Consultant's Guide to Conducting a Phase I Jail Classification Assessment; (v. 2) Evaluating Jail Classification Systems: Practical Approach; (v. 3) Executive Summary; (v. 4) Final Report; (v. 5) Guidelines for Developing, Implementing and Revising an Objective Jail Classification System; (v. 6) Objective Jail Classification System User's Manual; (v. 7) A Review of the Literature; (v. 8) Survey of Jail Classification Systems; (v. 9) Training Manual; (v. 10) Implementing Objecti... Read More
|
10 v.
|
|
1989
|
Evaluating the Impact of Ohio's Community Corrections Programs on Public Safety and Costs: Final Report
By Austin, James; Quigley, Peter; Cuvelier, Steve.
National Institute of Corrections (Washington, DC).
National Council on Crime and Delinquency (San Francisco, CA).
The impact of the state of Ohio subsidized, county-operated Community Corrections Act programs (CCA), Intensive Diversion Units (IDU), and the Community Based Correctional Facilities (CBCF) are reviewed. The study concludes that these programs do serve to divert offenders from state prisons.... Read More
|
72 p.
|
|
1987
|
Success and Failure on Parole in California: A Preliminary Evaluation
By Austin, James.
National Institute of Corrections (Washington, DC).
California Board of Prison Terms (Sacramento, CA); National Council on Crime and Delinquency (San Francisco, CA).
The high level of parole revocations is contributing to the prison overcrowding crisis in California. This project, entitled California Parole Revocation Evaluation, attempts to analyze a number of factors that are having an impact on parole revocation.... Read More
|
|
|
1985
|
Using Policy Simulation Analysis to Guide Correctional Reform: The Utah Experience
By Austin, James; Joe, Karen; Litsky, Paul.
National Institute of Corrections (Washington, DC); Edna McConnell Clark Foundation (New York, NY).
National Council on Crime and Delinquency (San Francisco, CA).
By analyzing current sentencing practices and dispositional guidelines for probation, prison, and parole caseloads and comparing these current practices with other well established correctional screening tools through statistical simulation analysis, this study intends to provide legislators with estimates of the impact of proposed policy modifications on sentencing, classification, and correctional population size.... Read More
|
54 p.
|