NCJ Number
111316
Date Published
1987
Length
46 pages
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.