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LEADERSHIP AGENDA

OPERATIONAL SCAN

DEPARTMENT PERFORMANCE

Corrections

John Baldwin, Director

Mission Statement:
To protect the public, the employees, and the offenders from victimization.

Measures:
Rate of return to prison within 3 years of release
Prison inmates completing GEDs prior to discharge
Community Corrections Offenders who paid victim restitution by discharge
Prison inmates who paid victim restitution by discharge
Sex offenders returned to treatment
Substance abusing offenders whose risk is substantially lowered
Prison Overcrowding

•  Performance Plan - How we measure our progress


•  Strategic Plan - How we plan for progress


•    Performance Report - How we report our progress


• Department Home Page - Learn more about this department

Why this is important:
The primary purpose is public safety, through reducing the likelihood of new crimes being committed by repeat offenders.


What we're doing about this:
The Department of Corrections and district departments of correctional services are continuously working to improve provision of evidence-based treatment for offenders both while in prison and upon release. By evaluating what works, we can stop doing what doesn't work, and maximize the return on investment of each corrections dollar spent. It's working. Offenders released in more recent years are less likely to return to prison than those released in the past.

Why this is important:
The primary purpose is public safety, through reducing the likelihood of new crimes being committed by repeat offenders. According to the Correctional Education Association, prison inmates who are involved in education are less likely to be re-arrested, re-convicted and re-incarcerated than non-participants.


What we're doing about this:
Currently, 1,529 prison inmates have less than a high school education, which is a reduction from the past number of over 1,600. The Department contracts with community colleges to provide GED classes to offenders in prison in order to reduce their chances of re-offending, and increase their chances of obtaining a job when released. The Department's goal for FY 2010 is based on targets set for each institution taking into consideration past performance and available resources.

Why this is important:
The primary purpose is restorative justice - offenders giving back to the community. By paying back their victim restitution obligations in full, offenders learn responsibility, as well as positive values and attitudes that will assist them in successful reentry into the community.


What we're doing about this:
The Department of Corrections and district departments of correctional services hold offenders accountable by assisting them in setting up payment plans, and monitoring offenders' victim restitution payments. Also, given that offenders are unable to pay much restitution while incarcerated, the Department of Corrections and district departments of correctional services have formed collaborative partnerships with communities to facilitate successful offender reentry. Offenders under community supervision are able to pay more victim restitution, which benefits everyone.

Why this is important:
The primary purpose is public safety, through reducing the likelihood of new crimes being committed by repeat offenders. According to a study by the Division of Criminal & Juvenile Justice Planning, offenders who successfully complete sex offender treatment are about three times less likely to be rearrested for a sex offense than offenders receiving no treatment.


What we're doing about this:
Sex offender treatment within the Iowa prison system used to be one-size-fits-all. Commitment to evidence-based practices has led the Department to create treatment for shorter-term offenders (who would otherwise discharge prior to completing the regular program), a separate program for offenders with special needs, and the ACT program for resistive and uncooperative offenders. In particular, the ACT program is demonstrating that offenders who are uncooperative can and do change their attitudes, and can eventually be enrolled in ex offender treatment.

Why this is important:
The primary purpose is public safety, through reducing the likelihood of new crimes being committed by repeat offenders. About 90% of offenders in Iowa's prison system have a history of alcohol or drug problems, and about 50% have had problems with both drugs and alcohol. Substance abuse treatment is the most common top priority need of offenders within the prison system, and in community-based corrections. According to the National Institute of Justice, illegal drug use was found to increase the odds of committing any crime sixfold (Research Preview: Adult Patterns of Criminal Behavior, Washington, DC, 1996).


What we're doing about this:
It's a matter of working smarter with the same amount of resources, and this is happening through commitment to evidence-based practices. In 2007, performance audit data was compiled for the Department's prison-based licensed substance abuse programs, as well as for community-based corrections treatment options. As a result of the findings, changes are occurring which will lead to more effective treatment programs.

Why this is important:
The primary purpose is responsible prison management. Prison overcrowding is often a contributing factor in the likelihood of conditions suits being filed.


What we're doing about this:
The Department of Corrections is employment strategies to increase the number of release recommendations to the Parole Board, and improve pre-release planning.

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