NCJ Number
98209
Date Published
1985
Length
136 pages
Annotation
This report presents the recommendations of the Oregon Prison Overcrowding Project (OPOP), summarizes how project members arrived at these recommendations, and presents a correctional philosophy for Oregon.
Abstract
OPOP conducted three surveys which formed the basis of their recommendations. The first survey gathered data on 1,003 prison inmates, 2,240 persons released from community jails, and 3,312 probationers. The second data set is an inventory of both sanctions and services conducted on a county-by-county basis; the third is a survey of Oregon public opinion on correctional issues. OPOP concluded that Oregon's correctional policies are basically sound, but recommends a clear and consistent criminal justice sanctioning philosophy and a coordinated punishment/risk management sentencing policy. There are numerous advantages to a punishment/risk management model. For example, it recognizes the importance of social response to crime and the equity in sentencing offenders and it retains a level of discretion within the sanctioning system. Such a model would be applicable to decisionmaking at all points across the criminal justice system, not just corrections. There are three principal technical implications of a risk management model. First, risk-screening devices are useful for identifying low-, rather than high-, risk offenders. Second, the statistical basis for risk management policies must be sound; and third, risk management practices must be devised for early identification and classification of errors. To accomplish the development of a valid, reliable risk assessment tool, OPOP supports the formation of a Criminal Justice Council. Thirty-two notes are included.