Survey of Research and Evaluation Priorities of DOC (Department of Corrections) Central Office Administrators and Institutional Administrators

• NCJ Number: 111316
• Author(s): M W Forcier
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 46 pages
• Corporate Author: Massachusetts Dept of Correction
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Administrators in the central office and institutions of the Massachusetts Department of Corrections were surveyed to obtain their perceptions of research needs and priorities and to identify administrative problems that might be addressed through research.

Abstract

Data came from semistructured interviews with the administrators of 14 division directors and the legislative aide and with 31 superintendents and other staff of correctional institutions. They answered seven open-ended questions. Topics mentioned in the interviews were rank-ordered according to the frequency with which they were mentioned. Critical needs and problems were cited in four major areas: inmate classification, programs, resources, and informational needs. Program impact evaluation, comparative research, and population trend analysis were the types of research most often mentioned as being helpful. Five research projects were recommended for Fiscal Year 1988. Appended list of respondents and study instrument.