Automated Correctional Data Systems

• NCJ Number: 93404
• Author(s): J M Tien; S Rosenberg; F DiCesare; P B Mirchandani
• Date Published: 1982
• Length: 155 pages
• Contract Number(s): J-LEAA-014-78
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Justice NIJ Pub
• Corporate Author: National Institute of Justice (NIJ); Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: National Evaluation Program, Phase I Assessment Summary Report

Annotation

This study attempts to assess the effectiveness of automated correctional data systems (ACDS). The paucity of available information and knowledge about ACDS precludes an explicit answer, although pertinent issues are identified.

Abstract

Three different samples were used. All corrections agencies examined have in common the responsibility for incarcerated, sentenced offenders. Otherwise, they vary widely in environment and level of ACDS development. Those agencies with a larger number of facilities exhibited a greater need for computers to help with transfers and inmate tracking. Those agencies developing their second system had more concrete, realistic ideas of what they expected from computerization. The study analyzed 20 offender-based applications. ACDS issues fall into four categories: input, process, outcome, and systemic. The input issues focus on the system's background and development; the process issues focus on the system's operation or performance; the outcome issues focus on the system's immediate impacts, especially in relation to its users; and the systemic issues focus on the system's broader impacts, as gauged from a total systems viewpoint. Two recommended development activities and four recommended evaluation activities require the immediate attention and funding of the Federal Government. Exhibits accompany the text. The appendix consists of a copy of the data collection instrument. A glossary and 81 references are included.