Planning and Administration - Minnesota Community Corrections Act Evaluation

The study focused on the development of the local community corrections organizations mandated by the act, with emphasis on planning, training, research and information systems, budgeting, and organizational structure. Data were collected via mail surveys, interviews, and analysis of documents such as comprehensive plans. Local community corrections organizations were found to have developed organizations to manage the implementation of the law. However, the planning and information systems of those organizations were only partially established. The budgeting and training functions were fully institutionalized within the local organizations, but little data were available about the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of these functions. Findings indicated that the planning and administration of corrections has improved under the Community Corrections Act. However, several unresolved problems and issues remain, including the roles and responsibilities of advisory boards and of the judiciary in the supervision of court services personnel and probation and parole officers. Data tables and footnotes are provided.