National Evaluation of Objective Prison Classification Systems: The Current State of the Art

Abstract

This article summarizes the first national evaluation of objective prison classification systems. Conducted by Correctional Services Group, Inc., this study focused on the development and implementation activities of correctional agencies having objective systems and analyzed the effectiveness of three representative systems. Although a majority of agencies view objective systems as important management tools, the study found that inadequate planning and validation hindered many developmental efforts. An examination of three specific systems found that although individual classification scoring items evidenced only modest correlations with prison misconduct, the instruments as a whole demonstrated a capacity to classify according to risk. The article concludes with suggested guidelines for developing, implementing, and revising objective prison classification systems.