NCJ Number
176909
Date Published
1999
Length
182 pages
Annotation
This process evaluation examined the implementation of Illinois' Taylorville Correctional Center (TCC) in December 1996, a minimum-security prison that screens those admitted so that only non-gang members are housed at the facility.
Abstract
Historically, Illinois has reported one of the highest concentrations of prison gang members across the Nation. In addition to perpetuating criminal activity, gang members threaten and intimidate other inmates and often challenge correctional administrators for control over prisons. Illinois is apparently the first State correctional system to separate inmates who are not involved with gangs from those who are gang members; the effort should be of considerable interest to both the correctional practitioner and researchers. A process evaluation conducted in 1998 involved an in-depth study of the TCC environment, a comparison of three minimum-security prisons in downstate Illinois, and the collection of Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) central office staff opinions and system- level data. Seven data sources were used: staff interviews, inmate and staff surveys, inmate focus groups, site observation, IDOC Offender Tracking System data, TCC operational indicators, and document review. The evaluation concluded that the TCC successfully implemented a program that parallels its institutional mission. The key facets of the TCC are a gang-free environment that provides a safe, secure, and humane living and working condition where inmates can make lifestyle changes. To varying degrees, efforts toward this end have been successful; for example, most believe the TCC is free of gang pressures, and the inmate selection process is relatively successful. Furthermore, staff believe the TCC environment now is safer for both inmates and staff, and preliminary positive results have been achieved with Lifestyle Redirection. TCC staff are currently considering two changes: the development of a "flag droppers" program, which would be a place to house inmates who wish to drop their gang affiliation; and an expansion of the Lifestyle Redirection effort. This evaluation report provides cautionary statements regarding the development of these two programs. Appended evaluation instruments and supplementary information on methodology