NCJ Number
151189
Date Published
1992
Length
27 pages
Annotation
This performance audit of Michigan's Office of Community Corrections (OCC), an autonomous entity within the Department of Corrections, focused on OCC's effectiveness in diverting nonviolent offenders from prisons and jails, complying with laws pertinent to its work, and efficiently contracting for residential center services.
Abstract
The audit scope was to examine the program and other records of the OCC, selected community corrections advisory boards, and selected nonprofit residential centers funded by OCC for the period October 1, 1989, through May 31, 1992. The audit found that OCC-funded grant programs in some corrections advisory boards of small communities did not show a potential for reducing commitments to prisons or to jails with a potential for reducing prison overcrowding. Neither did OCC take timely steps to develop a system to evaluate or report on the effectiveness of local grant programs in diverting offenders. In reviewing OCC's compliance with laws, policies, and procedures, the audit found that OCC did not limit the residential center program to prison- bound offenders as required by annual appropriations acts. OCC did not finalize performance measures, administrative rules, policies, and procedures and did not assess the residential center program's effectiveness in diverting offenders from prison as required by statutes. In assessing whether OCC efficiently contracted for residential center services, the audit found that OCC did not formally document needs or develop a Statewide plan for residential center services. Neither did residential center contracts identify the specific level of services to be provided at each center for the $35 per diem rate. Recommendations and agency responses to audit findings are included.