NCJ Number
85010
Date Published
1982
Length
145 pages
Annotation
The discussion of Illinois' design for adult institution classification focuses on theoretical models for offender classification, and design and evaluation considerations, while validation of the design applies the classification instrument to a sample of inmates.
Abstract
The major goals for classification are to (1) develop a departmentwide system for classification decisionmaking for adult offenders, (2) place inmates in the lowest level of security classification consistent with public protection, (3) impact institutional programming through a more effective allocation of resources, and (4) improves the management and service delivery of the department through the use of classification designation. Criteria for evaluating the design are completeness, clear operational appropriateness, environmental features, reliability, validity, adaptive capability, economy, linkages to treatment and intervention, control for bias, multidimensionality, and flexibility for data collection. A postdictive study was designed to build and test a classification instrument and assess its impact prior to actual implementation. This was accomplished drawing a sample of 1,479 inmates released to supervision from November 1980 through July 1981. The analysis tested the predictiveness of the instrument and identified the impacts that different cutting points would have on the distribution of the institutional population prior to the implementation of the instrument. The study found that age, marital status, and job stability are better predictors of institutional conduct than preincarceration behavior patterns. About 230 references are listed, and the classification instrument is provided.