Evaluating How Well Your Classification System Is Operating - A Practical Approach

With the wide application by many States of objective prison classification systems, there has been an associated expectation among prison officials that these new systems would foster improved prison operations and reductions in prison violence. However, this has not always been the case. Failure to realize these expectations can be more accurately traced to improperly designed or implemented classification systems rather than the validity of these systems as originally designed. Referred to as 'process evaluation,' the approach outlined in the article is intended to assist prison officials to 'fine tune' their classification systems and establish a method for accurately monitoring the most critical aspects of prison operations. (Author abstract)