Handbook for Evaluating Objective Prison Classification Systems

摘要

The development of fair, objective, and manageable offender classificationsystems has been a significant concern of correctional administrators for some time. Institutional populations are growing and prison overcrowding is a fact of life in virtually every correctional system in the nation. Under these conditions, a sound classification system is an invaluable management tool. Building and facility expansion programs are critically affected by classification decisions, as is resource allocation for programming. Additionally, parity issues and the possibility of litigation are major concerns. This document presents a critical review of issues relevant to the evaluation of correctional classification systems.