NCJ Number
102617
Date Published
1982
Length
177 pages
Annotation
This phase I assessment for the national evaluation of automated correctional data systems (ACDS's) determines States' ACDS characteristics, identifies issues needing attention and knowledge gaps, and recommends an evaluation design applicable in phase II.
Abstract
The study, which was conducted in 1978 and 1979, examined the characteristics of 47 ACDS's, identified issues needing attention in 26 systems, and developed an evaluation design based on an analysis of 5 ACDS's. Information was obtained through a questionnaire, telephone interviews, and site visits. The ACDS characteristics presented include the mainframe, the mainframe location, the number of interactive terminals, source of programming support, software sources, software packages, software languages, extent of online processing, and interface with other criminal justice systems. Offender-based ACDS applications are also cited for the systems studied. ACDS system issues identified are in the areas of input, process, outcome, and systemic conditions. Recommendations are offered for dealing with these issues. The ACDS evaluation design recommended focuses on test hypotheses, the selection of experimental and control groups, and a measurement framework and methods. Questionnaire, study contacts, data summaries, glossary, and 81 references.