NCJ Number
180561
Date Published
April 1997
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This is the third of three reports that evaluate the prisoner classification system used by the California Department of Corrections.
Abstract
The study attempted to determine whether there was any evidence that striker inmates (two-strikers or three-strikers) present special behavior problems. In addition, it examined how well the existing inmate classification system works for strikers. The current classification system worked about as well for strikers as for the general inmate population. In general, inmates with higher classification scores have been correctly regarded as greater risks while incarcerated. But for three-strikers, the risks of misconduct are perhaps overestimated. There was no evidence that three-strikers were especially problematic inmates. Conclusions were less clear for two-strikers and results for the role of security level were inconsistent. The best policy recommendation is not to make any dramatic changes in how the current classification system places strikers until more experience with them has been considered. Tables, notes