NCJ Number
186549
Journal
Corrections Compendium Volume: 25 Issue: 8 Dated: August 2000 Pages: 1-26
Date Published
August 2000
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This report presents the methodology and findings of a survey of corrections professionals designed to identify corrections research programs, needs, and interests.
Abstract
Project objectives were to identify individuals or contacts for those who may conduct research in corrections; determine the structure and responsibilities of agency research units; determine current research priorities; and identify the obstacles to research efforts. Questionnaires were mailed to adult and juvenile corrections and probation/parole authorities throughout the United States. Responses were received from 49 of the 50 States. Out of the 163 questionnaires mailed to the various correctional departments and agencies, 116 responded (71 percent). Of the reporting agencies, 26.5 percent did not have any specified agency component to conduct or oversee research activities. For the agencies with research units, the units' annual budgets were either less than $100,000 or more than $400,000. The most common responsibilities of research units were conducting general "correctional issue" research and evaluating the programs managed by the department. In identifying "important" areas of work, "repeat offenders" was most often cited. Other topics viewed as important were special needs inmates, institutional programs, and interagency collaborations. The primary obstacles to research were identified as lack of staffing, poor data sources, and lack of resources. 7 tables, 5 references, and appended list of respondents