NCJ Number
149289
Date Published
1994
Length
105 pages
Annotation
In 1991, the Scottish Parole Board began a process in which the parole dossier was revised to include Form PRX, designed to provide comprehensive background information on the inmate; Form PRX(U), on which the information contained in Form PRX could be updated; and Form PRQ, a composite form on which information on behavior and progress would be recorded by all staff having regular contact with an inmate.
Abstract
This evaluation of the new system and documentation was carried out over a 12-month period commencing when the pilot was introduced. Qualitative data on the experiences and views of the subjects of new reports, those involved in compiling them, and those who use them, were supplemented by a content analysis of the written reports. The first section of this report discusses the practical implications of the new system, in terms of its administration, the circulation of PRX among prison specialists, the personal officer's expectations, and the parole candidate's experiences. The second section presents results of the content analysis, as well as responses from the Local Review Committees and the Parole Board to the new documentation. The evaluation found that, in general, the quality of reports produced under the new system has declined, probably due to the need for better administrative controls and more extensive training for the officers assigned to compile reports. 15 notes and 20 appendixes