NCJ Number
175564
Date Published
1997
Length
49 pages
Annotation
This report examines the ability of the California Department of Corrections (CDC) classification system to sort inmates appropriately into the four security levels California uses to denote variations in security features designed to prevent escape and inmate misconduct.
Abstract
The analysis focused on the classification score and the administrative determinants, which are the elements used to determine the offender's security level. The research analyzed data on approximately 600,000 placements incarcerated in CDC institutions between 1989 and 1996. The analysis also focused on supplemental data taken from the charts of 6,000 CDC inmates incarcerated during 1994. Results revealed that the classification works well, is effective in reclassifying inmates based on their behavior in prison, and is an effective indicator of misbehavior for female inmates. However, it is too early to make definitive conclusions on third strikers due to the limited amount of longitudinal data on them. Findings also indicated that administrative determinants are an integral part of the score process and that the use of some additional factors and reweighting current factors could improve the scoring system. CDC reviewed the consultant's reports and decided to continue the current system and not make changes that would result in significant changes in the distribution of offenders by level. Appended forms and guidelines