NCJ Number
80355
Date Published
Unknown
Length
152 pages
Annotation
A conceptual model and methods for evaluating jail classification systems are presented.
Abstract
Jail classification occurs when inmates are assigned to housing units, provided differing levels of custody or surveillance, and given access to or denied jail activities and services. Data from classification system evaluations can be used in planning inmate housing assignments, activities, and services. These evaluations also generate data relevant to inquiries on a jail's conformity to legal standards for incarceration. The evaluation plan presented consists of an impact analysis, which measures the effects of the existing classification system, and a process analysis, which examines the development, methods, application, and participants of the classification system. The impact analysis considers such classification effects as the level of violence in the jail, undesirable inmate behavior, inmate use of jail programs and services, costs, staff and inmate attitudes, inmate custody distribution, and the impact on other criminal justice and related community agencies. Data derived from the process analysis indicate (1) whether the classification system is logical, consistent, and equitable; (2) whether classification criteria and procedures are clear and uniform; (3) whether the classification system is useful; (4) how the classification system is perceived by staff, inmates, and other criminal justice and community agencies; and (5) whether the classification system meets standards and legal guidelines. The concluding section of this guide presents the data collection instruments, along with instruction on use, analysis, and a discussion of problems associated with each data collection task. Appended are a bibliography of research and evaluation books, a selected bibliography of classification studies, and a codebook for completing intake and release forms.