Alabama Sentencing Commission Prison Population Computer Simulation Model Project

The Alabama Sentencing Commission received earmarked funds to provide continued support for the development of a computer based simulation model designed to allow researchers and policymakers to "test" the impact of proposed sentencing and prison release policy changes prior to the actual implementation of the stated policies. Specifically, the proposed simulation model enhancement project will modify the existing Alabama discrete-event simulation model to incorporate Alabama's new sentencing guidelines worksheet structure. Funds will be used to employ an on-site statistician to assist in the data analysis and to evaluate the accuracy of the simulation model in predicting changes in Alabama's probation, community corrections and prison populations occurring as a result of sentencing and release policy changes.