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Impact of Truth in Sentencing on Prison Classification Systems

NCJ Number
171232
Journal
Corrections Management Quarterly Volume: 1 Issue: 3 Dated: (Summer 1997) Pages: 53-59
Author(s)
J Austin
Date Published
1997
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article shows that many States that have passed truth- in-sentencing statutes will need to revise their classification scoring criteria to avoid a significant level of overclassification and the construction of inappropriate prison bed space.
Abstract
States such as Ohio, California, and Oregon have passed sentencing legislation, including mandatory minimum sentences and three-strikes statutes, that will change the length of prison sentences and the proportions of offender types. One of the unintended consequences of these legislative measures is the impact on prison classification systems and the associated consequences on prison operations and construction plans. This article provides examples of three well-established prison classifications systems (Ohio, California, and Oregon) that rely on the inmate's sentence length and/or time-left-to-serve calculations to determine an inmate's custody level. All three States are undergoing special studies to determine whether recently enacted legislative reforms that alter sentence lengths will distort their classification figures and have a direct impact on how the inmate is classified. The experiences of these States suggest that unless these and other States take steps to adjust their instruments and policies, inmates will be overclassified; and the types of facilities being constructed will not mirror the security needs of an older and less aggressive inmate population. The end result will be excessive costs in prison construction and operations. This article recommends and provides an outline of the steps for a comprehensive evaluation to assess current practices, pilot test new criteria, and implement the necessary modifications in classification policy. 12 references