Sentencing
The Earned Time System: First Annual Evaluation (NCJ 67770, 1977)
This document is a coding sheet appendix from the 1977 first annual evaluation of Georgia's Earned Time System, conducted by the Department of Offender Rehabilitation. It details the data coding schema used to evaluate institutional records, including performance plans, assessments, and privilege slips. The document provides methodological insight into how the Earned Time System was evaluated but contains no aggregate statistics or findings.
Where this research is used
This page is a research collection: individual facts drawn from the sources listed further down, each traced to where it came from. A research topic brings many collections together into one overview of an issue. The facts on this page feed these 6 topics; open one to see how they fit with the rest of the evidence.
Historical Context
Georgia's prison system was built on the 13th Amendment's punishment exception, converted within a year of ratification into a convict leasing regime that leased Black prisoners to railroads, mines, brick kilns, and plantations from 1866 until 1908 — a system whose annual death rates in some camps exceeded 20 percent. Abolition did not end coerced labor: chain gangs, prison farms, and eventually Georgia Correctional Industries carried the same economic logic forward, and the state today pays most incarcerated workers nothing while operating one of the largest prison labor systems in the country. Federal courts dismantled the worst conditions at Georgia State Prison between 1972 and 1999, but the record assembled across these collections shows a system that has reverted to the same constitutional failures whenever oversight ends — and that Georgia has never created an independent body to watch it.
2,070 data points
Oversight & Accountability
Georgia runs one of the largest prison systems in the United States with no independent body empowered to inspect it, and every internal mechanism that might substitute for outside oversight — the Board of Corrections, the Office of Professional Standards, the inmate grievance system, PREA audits, ACA accreditation, and the department's own mortality reviews — is staffed, funded, and answered to by the agency it would police. The result is a documented pattern in which the only functioning accountability actor has been the federal government: a Justice Department investigation opened in 2016, expanded twice, and concluded in October 2024 with a finding that Georgia's prisons violate the Eighth Amendment, followed by no consent decree, no enforcement action, and no new federal prosecution of prison staff. This page collects what the record shows about how oversight fails in Georgia, how the failures are measured, and what the evidence says an actual oversight mechanism would require.
16,182 data points
Parole & Sentencing
Georgia's parole system has contracted sharply over three decades: the Board of Pardons and Paroles released 5,588 people on parole in FY2025, down 42% from 9,455 in FY2019, and its lifer grant rate has fallen from 21.9% in FY2001–FY2006 to roughly 5% today. Average time served on a life sentence for a serious violent felony has risen from under nine years in 1973 to 29.6 years in FY2025 per the Board's own reporting — 31.1 years by GPS's separate count. The result is a system in which parole eligibility at 7, 14, or 30 years increasingly ends in denial, reconsideration up to eight years later, and release for many only at the maximum sentence date.
12,868 data points
Population & Demographics
Georgia holds roughly 53,000 people in state custody — the fourth-largest state prison population in the country — after a decades-long buildup, one pandemic-era collapse, and a rebound that has carried the count back toward its pre-COVID level. Black Georgians are about 31 to 33 percent of the state and 58 to 61 percent of its prisoners, and one in five people in a Georgia prison is serving a life sentence. The series that describe this population do not agree with each other, and Georgia publishes no count at all for some of the people it holds.
11,185 data points
Recidivism & Reentry
Georgia reports one of the lowest recidivism rates in the nation — a 25 to 27 percent three-year felony reconviction rate — but that figure counts only new felony convictions, only within three years, and only among people who survive the window. Georgia's own reconviction rate has climbed every year since 2019, reaching 30.7 percent for the 2022 release cohort even as the state spends more than a billion dollars a year on corrections, releases 12,000 to 16,000 people annually with almost no preparation, and funds vocational education at $172,000 statewide. The evidence on what works is unusually clear — education, vocational training, cognitive-behavioral programming, and transitional beds all correlate with substantially lower recidivism — and Georgia has systematized almost none of it at scale.
12,548 data points
Reform Models & Programs
Georgia operates a statewide cognitive-skills curriculum for parolees, twelve reentry and cognitive programming centers, contracted addiction treatment, step-down units inside its Tier segregation system, and an earned-time credit statute — and the national evidence base for each of those program types is unusually strong. What the record does not contain is current, published, rigorously designed outcome data for most of Georgia's own programs, and the state's direct spending on them amounts to a fraction of one percent of the prison budget. This page sets out what the research verifies, what Georgia actually runs, what it spends, what other states have achieved, and where the evidence stops.
12,091 data points
Key Findings
The most impactful data from this research collection. Tap a card for the full finding, GPS commentary on why it matters, and its source.
The finding
The Supervisor's Evaluation (SE), the primary transaction document for periodic assessment of inmate performance under the Earned Time System, was present in only 40% of the files sampled during the first annual evaluation.
Why it matters · GPS commentary
With the main assessment document missing from most sampled files, the record meant to justify each person's earned time often did not exist, making it hard to check whether credit was awarded fairly.
Our reading of the finding above. It is not part of the source.
The finding
At the time of Dr. Allen Ault's public position paper (1975), Georgia's institutions housed more than 11,000 inmates in facilities designed to hold 4,200.
Why it matters · GPS commentary
Earned time began in a system already holding far more people than its buildings were designed for, so a program that could shorten stays bore on crowding as much as on behavior.
Our reading of the finding above. It is not part of the source.
The finding
More than half of the Supervisor's Evaluations present in sampled files contained only the notation that the inmate had not been assigned to that detail for a long enough period of time to allow a meaningful evaluation.
Why it matters · GPS commentary
Short assignments left supervisors with nothing to rate, so even the evaluations on file often gave no basis for granting or withholding earned time in a system built on measured performance.
Our reading of the finding above. It is not part of the source.
The finding
Georgia's correctional system was at 195% of design capacity in 1975, with a baseline of 8,200 inmates against a 4,200 design capacity.
Why it matters · GPS commentary
Whichever of the evaluation's counts is used, Georgia's prisons held far more people than their 4,200 design capacity, the crowding Earned Time may reduce through earlier release.
Our reading of the finding above. It is not part of the source.
The finding
At the time of the evaluation, Georgia's institutions housed more than 11,000 inmates in facilities designed to hold 4,200.
Why it matters · GPS commentary
A population far beyond what the buildings were designed for set the stakes for earned time, which the evaluation hoped would ease crowding and public cost by moving release dates earlier.
Our reading of the finding above. It is not part of the source.
The finding
The rating procedure that allows an 'Unsatisfactory' denotation for poor performance does not seem to be utilized at any of the 14 institutions visited during the evaluation. During informal interviews with Case Managers, a completely processed unsatisfactory rating was reported on only one occasion.
Why it matters · GPS commentary
Earned Time was meant to answer poor performance as well as reward good work, but with the unsatisfactory rating almost never carried through, that side of the system went largely unused at the institutions visited.
Our reading of the finding above. It is not part of the source.
The finding
At a smaller state institution in the Southwest District, counselors were faced with caseloads of 190 each yet, encouraged by upper management, developed Performance Plans in a thorough if not timely manner.
Why it matters · GPS commentary
Caseloads that size show the staffing strain behind earned time, which required more counseling, paperwork and observation, and they help explain why Performance Plans there were thorough but late.
Our reading of the finding above. It is not part of the source.
The finding
The average Disciplinary Report rate per 1,000 inmates for FY77 was 5.56 points higher than the average rate for FY76, the year immediately preceding ETS implementation. The report suggests this may reflect increased staff observation due to intensive ETS training.
Why it matters · GPS commentary
Earned time was expected to reduce discipline problems, so the first-year numbers neither confirm that hope nor clearly refute it, since disciplinary reports measure staff reporting as well as conduct.
Our reading of the finding above. It is not part of the source.
The finding
Insofar as could be determined, the institutional privilege lists were produced almost exclusively by management and staff with little formal input from inmates.
Why it matters · GPS commentary
Earned time was framed as a contractual working relation, yet one side set the rewards almost alone, which weakens the employer-employee model the program claimed to follow.
Our reading of the finding above. It is not part of the source.
The finding
More than half (31) of American correctional agencies award good time automatically and take it away for prohibited behavior. Seventeen other agencies award good time contingent upon satisfactory work performance and/or conduct.
Why it matters · GPS commentary
Automatic good time was the more common model nationally, so Georgia's earned time, which tied sentence credit to rated performance, placed the state with the smaller group of agencies making credit depend on work or conduct.
Our reading of the finding above. It is not part of the source.Sources
- Smith, Robert R. 'A Survey of Good Time Policies and Practices in American Correctional Agencies' (1975)
- Smith, 'A Survey of Good Time Policies and Practices in American Correctional Agencies' (1975)
The finding
The mean number of privileges on lists from state institutions is 8 with a median of 7.5; and from county institutions, 4 with a median of 4.5.
Why it matters · GPS commentary
People held in county institutions had about half as many privileges to earn as those in state institutions, so the same performance could bring unequal rewards depending on where a person was held.
Our reading of the finding above. It is not part of the source.
The finding
The two most frequently requested privileges by far were the telephone call and extended or additional visit. These accounted for 81% of the total privileges granted.
Why it matters · GPS commentary
Rewards under earned time were mostly contact with people outside, so the institutions that did not offer telephone calls or extra visits lacked much of what participants actually sought.
Our reading of the finding above. It is not part of the source.
The finding
Friedman and Mann attempted to determine the accuracy with which staff members at a correctional institution predicted recidivism of a group of court-adjudicated delinquents. Two factors emerge as key influences on staff predictions: (1) the level of seriousness and degree of violence of the youth's most serious offense; and (2) the extent to which the youth was liked. Overall, however, predictions were only slightly better than chance.
Why it matters · GPS commentary
Staff judgments that track how well a person is liked are a weak basis for decisions affecting release, which supports the evaluation's interest in more objective, uniform standards for rating performance under earned time.
Our reading of the finding above. It is not part of the source.Source
- Friedman, C. Jack and Mann, Frederica. 'Recidivism: the Fallacy of Prediction' (1976)
The finding
For many inmates the payoff of time off the end of their sentence may be too far away to act as a reinforcer [Fitzgerald, 1974], or possibly the entire concept of a shortened prison time lacks motivating force for an incarcerant.
Why it matters · GPS commentary
For a system built on operant learning, time off the end of a sentence that may be too far away, or may lack motivating force, could weaken the reward Earned Time relies on to shape behavior.
Our reading of the finding above. It is not part of the source.Source
- Fitzgerald, Thomas J. 'Contingency Contracting with Juvenile Offenders' (1974)
The finding
It is unlikely that many inmates will choose to serve straight time, and to date none have.
Why it matters · GPS commentary
Participation posed little limit on Earned Time's reach in the institutions where it was running, since evaluators expected few people in prison to choose straight time and none had.
Our reading of the finding above. It is not part of the source.
The finding
To date no inmate has decided not to participate in ETS.
Why it matters · GPS commentary
Participation in the system was voluntary, but people who did not take part forfeited jail time credit and those who delayed forfeited earned time credit, so declining carried a cost.
Our reading of the finding above. It is not part of the source.All Data Points
500 verified data points extracted from primary sources.
ETS represents a change from custodial care to contractual working relation Finding
For personnel involved, ETS may represent a change in the institutional goal of custodial care toward that of a contractual working relation.
Use of Force Reports at state institutions FY76 Statistic
The total number of Use of Force reports written at state institutions during FY76 was 161, for an average monthly rate of 13 reports.
161 reports
Georgia Work Release Law approval date Legal fact
The Georgia Work Release Law was approved on April 12, 1969.
Supervisor's Evaluation present in only 40% of sampled files Statistic
The Supervisor's Evaluation (SE), the primary transaction document for periodic assessment of inmate performance under the Earned Time System, was present in only 40% of the files sampled during the first annual evaluation.
40%
Georgia prison design capacity in 1975 Statistic
Georgia's correctional system was designed for 4,200 inmates in 1975, but the figure changes each year.
4,200 inmates
Georgia Earned Time Law effective date Legal fact
Georgia's Earned Time Law became effective on July 1, 1976.
Total ETS sample size for institutional files Statistic
The total sample size for the evaluation of institutional files was 156 cases, representing 28% of Earned Time inmates assigned longer than 60 days.
156 cases vs. 28 percent of E's assigned longer than 60 days
Coding schema for Performance Plan updates Methodology note
The coding sheet records the exact number of updates since the Performance Plan was signed, with codes for no form, form present with no entries, no date on Performance Plan, and no Performance Plan to date.
Georgia inmate population exceeded design capacity at ETS enactment Statistic
At the time of Dr. Allen Ault's public position paper (1975), Georgia's institutions housed more than 11,000 inmates in facilities designed to hold 4,200.
11,000 inmates vs. 4,200 design capacity
ETS represents rational change consistent with performance emphasis in DOOR Finding
It can be argued that ETS represents an example of rational change. This innovation is consistent with the recent performance emphasis in Georgia's Department of Offender Rehabilitation. The notion of earning time rather than receiving good time off means that accountability reaches the level of the inmate.
Use of Force Reports at county institutions FY76 Statistic
The total number of Use of Force reports written at county institutions during FY76 was 12, for an average monthly rate of 1 report.
12 reports
Atlanta Advancement Center establishment Case detail
One year after the Georgia Work Release Law was approved (April 12, 1969), a prototype work release center was established, to be known as the Atlanta Advancement Center.
More than half of Supervisor's Evaluations contained only 'not assigned long enough' notation Finding
More than half of the Supervisor's Evaluations present in sampled files contained only the notation that the inmate had not been assigned to that detail for a long enough period of time to allow a meaningful evaluation.
Georgia prison overcrowding rate in 1975 Statistic
Georgia's correctional system was at 195% of design capacity in 1975, with a baseline of 8,200 inmates against a 4,200 design capacity.
195% vs. 8,200 inmates vs 4200 design capacity
Georgia inmate population exceeds capacity by nearly 3x Statistic
At the time of the evaluation, Georgia's institutions housed more than 11,000 inmates in facilities designed to hold 4,200.
11,000 inmates vs. 4,200 design capacity
Total Earned Time inmates permanently assigned longer than 60 days Statistic
Across all institutions sampled, 568 Earned Time inmates were permanently assigned longer than 60 days out of 2,088 total E's at sampling.
568 inmates vs. 2,088 total E's at sampling
Coding schema for Conviction Verification requests Methodology note
The coding sheet tracks whether a Request for Conviction Verification form is present and whether a response from the Central Office was received, with codes for no form, form present, no response, and response received.
Earned Time Law enacted July 1, 1976 Legal fact
On July 1, 1976 the Georgia legislature enacted the Earned Time Law in an attempt to address the problems of overcrowding, a negative subjective philosophy of corrections, and a lack of defined criteria for release on parole.
ETS may reduce crowding and public cost through earlier release Finding
If inmates are able to leave sooner than previously, there may be a reduction in crowding and in public cost to support the prison population.
Use of Force Reports at state institutions FY77 Statistic
The total number of Use of Force reports written at state institutions during FY77 was 129, for an average monthly rate of 10.8 reports.
129 reports
ETS theoretical basis in operant learning Finding
The Earned Time System (ETS) is theoretically a positive, objective system having its base in operant learning principles.
Unsatisfactory rating process unused at all 14 institutions visited Finding
The rating procedure that allows an 'Unsatisfactory' denotation for poor performance does not seem to be utilized at any of the 14 institutions visited during the evaluation. During informal interviews with Case Managers, a completely processed unsatisfactory rating was reported on only one occasion.
Square footage per inmate in Georgia prisons in 1975 Statistic
In 1975, Georgia prison dormitories provided 36 square feet per inmate and cells provided 42 square feet per inmate, below the standard of 56 square feet per inmate.
36 square feet vs. 56 standard square feet per inmate
ETS replaces good time system Policy
The Earned Time System replaced the 'good time' system in Georgia's correctional institutions. Under the good time system, an inmate was given a block of time at the beginning of his sentence allowing early release, with time taken away for negative behavior and restored for good behavior.
GDCC Earned Time inmates permanently assigned longer than 60 days Statistic
At GDCC, 30 Earned Time inmates were permanently assigned longer than 60 days out of 644 total E's at sampling; 20 files were sampled (66% of E > 60). The 644 figure includes inmates present for diagnostic processing, not necessarily assigned to GDCC.
30 inmates vs. 644 total E's at sampling
Coding schema for Habitual offender declaration Methodology note
The coding sheet records whether an inmate was declared Habitual or Non-Habitual, with separate codes for each designation.
ETS implemented in every state and county institution after 15 months Finding
After 15 months as a Georgia law, the Earned Time System is implemented to a greater or lesser degree in every state and county institution.
ETS may reduce discipline problems through employer-employee relationship Finding
If the employer-employee relation develops, discipline problems should be reduced. This may result in a decrease in the cost of control and control implements.
Use of Force Reports at county institutions FY77 Statistic
The total number of Use of Force reports written at county institutions during FY77 was 10, for an average monthly rate of 0.83 reports.
10 reports
ETS goals for public safety Finding
Optimally, ETS will address the issue of public safety (1) by reducing overcrowding and the concomitant problem of violence in prisons; and (2) by enhancing the objectivity of parole decision-making, thereby reducing the potential for high risk offenders being discharged early.
Staff perceive unsatisfactory rating process as too cumbersome Finding
Staff generally perceive the unsatisfactory rating process as too cumbersome and time-consuming for removing an inmate from an assigned activity. Both staff and managers suggested that the distinction between unsatisfactory performance and insubordination is often so unclear that the lesser time-frame required to process the disciplinary report becomes the deciding factor in a choice of supervisory actions.
Cell square footage per inmate in Georgia prisons in 1975 Statistic
In 1975, Georgia prison cells provided 42 square feet per inmate, below the standard of 56 square feet per inmate.
42 square feet vs. 56 standard square feet per inmate
ETS based on operant learning principles Finding
The Earned Time System is a positive, objective system having its base in operant learning principles. The inmate is viewed as an individual who has not acquired the basic interpersonal skills necessary to function successfully in the community.
GIl Earned Time inmates permanently assigned longer than 60 days Statistic
At GIl, 31 Earned Time inmates were permanently assigned longer than 60 days out of 330 total E's at sampling; 19 files were sampled (61% of E > 60). The 330 figure includes inmates assigned to V.R. caseload.
31 inmates vs. 330 total E's at sampling
Coding schema for Performance Assessment Sheet and Supervisor's Evaluation Methodology note
The coding sheet records whether a Performance Assessment Sheet and Supervisor's Evaluation form are present, with codes for no form and form present.
Counselor caseloads of 190 at Southwest District institution Statistic
At a smaller state institution in the Southwest District, counselors were faced with caseloads of 190 each yet, encouraged by upper management, developed Performance Plans in a thorough if not timely manner.
190 inmates per counselor
ETS may compel more objective standards and uniform treatment of inmates Finding
Finally, the whole system should become more rational if ETS compels more objective standards and uniform treatment of inmates.
Use of Force Report rate decline during FY77 Trend
The rate of Use of Force reports per quarter per 1,000 inmates dropped steadily during FY77, from 1.33 in July-September 1976 to 0.92 in April-June 1977. The report attributes this possibly to the opening of new institutions and a consequent reduction in tension levels.
ETS views inmates as lacking interpersonal skills Finding
Under the Earned Time System, inmates are viewed neither through the traditional medical model as subjects to be 'cured,' nor through a strictly punitive model as inherently 'bad' criminals to be punished. Rather, they are viewed as individuals who have not acquired the basic, interpersonal skills necessary to function successfully in the community.
Some institutions not rating performance at all Finding
Several institutions, including most of the county camps, are not rating at all, while others such as the state's largest are rating at such a low frequency level as to be non-existent.
Baseline disciplinary reports per 1,000 inmates in Georgia prisons in 1974 Statistic
In 1974, Georgia prisons had a baseline of 595 overall disciplinary reports and 47 violent disciplinary reports per 1,000 inmates.
595 disciplinary reports per 1,000 inmates vs. 47 violent disciplinary reports per 1,000 inmates
GSP Earned Time inmates permanently assigned longer than 60 days Statistic
At GSP, 154 Earned Time inmates were permanently assigned longer than 60 days out of 367 total E's at sampling; 15 files were sampled (10% of E > 60).
154 inmates vs. 367 total E's at sampling
Coding schema for Case Manager Checklist Methodology note
The coding sheet records whether a Case Manager Checklist form is present, with codes for no form and form present.
County camp with no managerial support failed to complete ETS documentation Finding
At the county camp with similar caseloads but no managerial support, Plans were completed sporadically and Quarterlies and performance reports, not at all.
Georgia corrections described as loosely coupled system Finding
Although institutions may be centralized and standardized, the system of corrections in Georgia resembles what might be termed a 'loosely coupled system' with the state institutions each constituting somewhat distinct entities and the multiple county units prizing a degree of independence from each other, the large state institutions, and the central office support.
Disciplinary Report rate increase under ETS Finding
The average Disciplinary Report rate per 1,000 inmates for FY77 was 5.56 points higher than the average rate for FY76, the year immediately preceding ETS implementation. The report suggests this may reflect increased staff observation due to intensive ETS training.
ETS participation is voluntary Policy
An important concept of ETS is the recognition of the individual's right to refuse to participate. By indicating his choice of participation at the outset of his incarceration, the inmate tacitly assumes responsibility for his own actions and affirms a desire for positive change. This decision should be documented in the inmate's file.
Many supervisors refused to give excellent reports Finding
Inmates consistently noted during interviews that many supervisors refused to give excellent reports. These observations were subsequently confirmed by the supervisors themselves, many of whom seemed to interpret the concept of 'excellent performance' in its strictest context.
Three-year recidivism rate for 1971 Georgia prison exits Statistic
The recidivism rate was 53% (3-year tracking period) for 1971 exits from Georgia prisons.
53%
Fulton CCI Earned Time inmates permanently assigned longer than 60 days Statistic
At Fulton CCI, 98 Earned Time inmates were permanently assigned longer than 60 days out of 118 total E's at sampling; 10 files were sampled (10% of E > 60).
98 inmates vs. 118 total E's at sampling
Coding schema for Intake Assessment entries Methodology note
The coding sheet records the number of entries in each category of the Intake Assessment, with codes 0-9 for number of entries and X for no logical entries possible (e.g., no Performance Assessment Sheet). Complete Medical is indicated by 6 or 7 entries.
County camp with exemplary case management lacks performance rating process Finding
The county camp with the exemplary case management system, for example, has no performance rating process.
ETS success may vary by institution and institution type Finding
To some degree it is difficult to apply the label 'system' to the State correctional effort or to refer to the Department of Offender Rehabilitation as a single organization. ETS success may vary with institution and institution type.
Disciplinary Report rates highest at youthful offender institutions Finding
Disciplinary Report rates are consistently highest across the system at institutions with younger populations. The Youthful Offender Program specifies a contingency-based contract that determines the inmate's release date, requiring close observation of behavior, which may explain the highest rates at these institutions.
Performance Plan completion timeframe Policy
This entire process of needs assessment, verification, and plan development should be completed within 60 days of the inmate's arrival at an institution.
Performance notices often written in terms of overtime only Finding
Performance Notices and their resultant Performance Exception Reports are often written in terms of one pervasive criterion: overtime. Particularly in the Work area, little attention seems to be given to the specifics delineated on the PAD concerning satisfactory performance in that particular activity.
Annual reentry rate for revoked parolees and probationers in Georgia Statistic
The annual reentry rate for revoked parolees and probationers in Georgia was approximately 17%.
17%
Clarke CCI Earned Time inmates permanently assigned longer than 60 days Statistic
At Clarke CCI, 13 Earned Time inmates were permanently assigned longer than 60 days out of 15 total E's at sampling; 4 files were sampled (31% of E > 60).
13 inmates vs. 15 total E's at sampling
Coding schema for Extended Assessment entries Methodology note
The coding sheet records the number of entries in each category of the Extended Assessment, with codes 0-9 for number of entries, A for no change from Intake, B for no Extended Assessment, and X for no logical entries possible.
FBI Transcript requirement hampers timely Plan completion at young offender institution Finding
The young offender institution with the model privilege system is hampered in its efforts toward timely Plan completion by the requirement for an FBI Transcript before classifying an inmate according to Earned Time System procedures.
Treating inmates as employees may conflict with security mindset Finding
Treating inmates as employees is an idea which may be inconsistent with confinement, dangerousness, and security in the minds of institutional personnel. For the inmate, a change in treatment may be regarded with suspicion.
Disciplinary Report rate drop in second quarter of FY77 Finding
During the second quarter after ETS implementation, the Disciplinary Report rate dropped at 11 of the 17 state institutions; at one facility the decrease was 55 points, at another only 5. During the comparable time frame in FY76, only 6 of the 17 institutions decreased in report rates, with declines averaging 20.8 compared with 25.4 for the second quarter of FY77.
Performance Activity Description (PAD) purpose Policy
Performance criteria are specified throughout the system by means of the Performance Activity Description (PAD); thus, inmates know from the moment of their assignment to a work detail, or academic or vocational program exactly what they must do to complete that specific program, to fulfill that certain work requirement, and to earn release on parole.
53 varied privilege lists developed across institutions Statistic
Each institution was encouraged by ETS program personnel to develop its own privilege list, tailoring it to its specific inmate population and available facilities. This approach resulted in some 53 varied lists of privileges, each of different size or content.
53 privilege lists
ETS impact on Georgia prison population Finding
Based on 4 1/2 years experience, it appears that the Earned Time System will impact favorably on population, unless the overall average performance drops below 50%.
Non-participating inmates forfeit jail time credit Policy
A non-participating inmate does not receive earned time credit for jail time, is not able to earn time off his sentence, and is not able to earn institutional privileges.
Chatham CCI Earned Time inmates permanently assigned longer than 60 days Statistic
At Chatham CCI, 20 Earned Time inmates were permanently assigned longer than 60 days out of 54 total E's at sampling; 10 files were sampled (50% of E > 60).
20 inmates vs. 54 total E's at sampling
Coding schema for Performance Plan 'Needs' column Methodology note
The coding sheet records the number of entries in each category of the 'Needs' column of the Performance Plan, with codes 0-9 for number of entries, A for no entry at all, B for information incorrectly entered as 'Need', and C for no need identified.
Training needed in need assessment and Plan development Finding
Overall, more training of a more specific nature seems to be needed, particularly in the areas of need assessment and Plan development.
ETS requires additional counseling, paperwork, and inmate observation Finding
Despite the willingness of personnel, they may be unconvinced that the benefits of the system justify additional counseling, paperwork, and inmate observation.
Staff increased caution in writing Disciplinary Reports under ETS Finding
Many institutional personnel from line officers to teachers to managers reported during interviews that they were much more careful about writing a Disciplinary Report on an Earned Time inmate than they had been under the previous system. They felt that the implications of a non-returnable time loss warranted additional deliberation and perhaps another course of action entirely.
ETS earning rate for satisfactory performance Policy
As long as the inmate's performance and attitude comply with those specified for that activity in the PAD, he earns a unit of time off the end of his prison term for each day he serves.
Privilege lists produced almost exclusively by management and staff Finding
Insofar as could be determined, the institutional privilege lists were produced almost exclusively by management and staff with little formal input from inmates.
ETS man-year savings at 100% performance Statistic
At 100% performance under the Earned Time System, the total decrease in man-years was 631 across sentence lengths of 1-10 years.
631 man-years
Six-month window to change non-participation decision Policy
A non-participating inmate may not change his decision whenever he wishes. If he does not request to participate in ETS within six months of his initial decision, he will only be allowed to do so annually from that date.
GT&DC Earned Time inmates permanently assigned longer than 60 days Statistic
At GT&DC, 30 Earned Time inmates were permanently assigned longer than 60 days out of 69 total E's at sampling; 10 files were sampled (33% of E > 60).
30 inmates vs. 69 total E's at sampling
Coding schema for correspondence between Intake and Extended Assessment Methodology note
The coding sheet records correspondence between Intake Assessment and Extended Assessment, with codes 0 for no correspondence, 1 for some correspondence, 9 for cannot tell, 3 for no form, A for no change from Intake, B for information incorrectly placed, and X for no logical correspondence possible.
Habituality distinction may need reassessment after 15 months Finding
Certain processes need to be reassessed to determine their viability after 15 months' experience; one of these may well be the habituality distinction.
ETS positive impact on max-out population requires performance above 50% level Finding
The Earned Time System will have a positive impact on max-out inmate population to the extent that it performs at more than a 50% level; this figure can be expressed in terms of number of man-years saved.
ETS inmates vocational program completion rate Statistic
The Earned Time population produced only 1 successful completion (or 1.7% of terminations) in 20 selected vocational programs during a 12-month period, while the previous year's new admissions generated 16 successful completions or 11% of all terminations.
1.7% vs. 11 First year cohort completion rate
ETS negative sanctions for poor performance Policy
Exceptionally poor performance--not resulting from a lack of skills--or any rule infraction carries a negative sanction which may include removal from this earning status for a specific period of time.
Master ETS privilege list contains 68 different privileges Statistic
The master privilege list for the Earned Time System presently contains 68 different privileges. Not every privilege is available at every institution, although one privilege does appear almost universally on individual institution lists: the telephone call.
68 privileges
ETS man-year savings at 50% performance Statistic
At 50% performance under the Earned Time System, the total decrease in man-years was 47 across sentence lengths of 1-10 years.
47 man-years
Delayed participation forfeits earned time credit Policy
If an inmate delays his decision to participate until after diagnostic intake, he will not receive earned time credit for his jail time or for time spent at the institution up until that point.
GWCI Earned Time inmates permanently assigned longer than 60 days Statistic
At GWCI, 25 Earned Time inmates were permanently assigned longer than 60 days out of 162 total E's at sampling; 11 files were sampled (44% of E > 60).
25 inmates vs. 162 total E's at sampling
Coding schema for correspondence between Extended Assessment and Performance Plan 'Needs' Methodology note
The coding sheet records correspondence between Extended Assessment and 'Needs' identified in the Performance Plan, with codes 0 for no correspondence, 1 for some correspondence, 9 for cannot tell, 8 for no entry in 'Needs' column, and X for no logical correspondence possible.
60-day procedural deadline for Plan development may need alteration Finding
Timeline problems need to be addressed, perhaps by altering the procedural deadline of 60 days for Plan development.
Majority of inmates leave via parole making parole impact significant Finding
The possible impact [of ETS on parole] is significantly greater since the majority of inmates leave via parole.
Transfers as reason for vocational program termination Statistic
For the four quarters tracked in the selected vocational programs, transfers accounted for 43% of Earned Time inmate terminations and 19% of the first year cohort terminations. During the second quarter of incarceration, 5 of the 6 program terminations for ETS inmates were for transfers, while 1 of the 10 terminations for the first year cohort was for transfer.
43% vs. 19 First year cohort transfer termination rate
Privilege awards should be comparable across groups Policy
Privilege awards should be comparable in terms of age, race, and ability groups at each institution.
Telephone call available at 48 of 53 institutions (91%) Statistic
The telephone call privilege appears on 48 of 53 institutional privilege lists, or 91% of lists, making it the most frequently recurring privilege in terms of availability.
48 institutions vs. 53 total institutions with privilege lists
ETS man-year savings at 90% performance Statistic
At 90% performance under the Earned Time System, the total decrease in man-years was 539 across sentence lengths of 1-10 years.
539 man-years
Gwinnett CCI Earned Time inmates permanently assigned longer than 60 days Statistic
At Gwinnett CCI, 14 Earned Time inmates were permanently assigned longer than 60 days out of 20 total E's at sampling; 6 files were sampled (43% of E > 60).
14 inmates vs. 20 total E's at sampling
Coding schema for correspondence between 'Needs' and 'Activities' in Performance Plan Methodology note
The coding sheet records correspondence between 'Needs' and 'Activities' in the Performance Plan, with codes 0 for no correspondence, 1 for some correspondence, 9 for cannot tell, and 8 for no entry in 'Activities' column when a Need was entered.
ETS success coexists with unsuccessful elements at every institution Finding
Is the Earned Time System working? No simple answer will do: successful elements coexist with unsuccessful ones at every institution. The best that can be said, perhaps, is that change comes slowly, but we have at least made a beginning.
ETS may reduce disciplinary problems through reduced crowding and reward contingencies Finding
ETS may influence disciplinary problems in two ways. First, if crowding is reduced, the resulting reduction in stress and tension may lead to fewer disciplinary problems. Second, ETS by placing responsibility on the inmate and providing appropriate reward contingencies may reduce the rates of violence and disciplinary problems.
ETS inmates academic program completion rate Statistic
Earned Time inmates sustained a successful academic program completion rate ranging from 21% to 27% over four quarters, while the first year cohort showed a steady increase from 17% to 39% successful completions over the same period.
21% vs. 17 First year cohort starting completion rate
Parole Board agreement on deficient inmates Legal fact
The State Board of Pardons and Paroles has agreed not to parole any inmate declared 'deficient' by DOR, at least until such time as this deficiency has been satisfied.
Extra or extended visit available at 41 of 53 institutions (77%) Statistic
The extra or extended visit privilege appears on 41 of 53 institutional privilege lists, or 77% of lists, making it the second most frequently recurring privilege.
41 institutions vs. 53 total institutions with privilege lists
ETS active inmate population in county institutions Statistic
There were 3,670 active inmates in ETS county institutions and 5,113 active inmates in non-ETS county institutions, totaling 8,783.
8,783 inmates
Lee CI Earned Time inmates permanently assigned longer than 60 days Statistic
At Lee CI, 19 Earned Time inmates were permanently assigned longer than 60 days out of 63 total E's at sampling; 9 files were sampled (47% of E > 60).
19 inmates vs. 63 total E's at sampling
Coding schema for correspondence between 'Activities' and actual program assignment Methodology note
The coding sheet records correspondence between 'Activities' specified and actual program assignment (the 'Date' column), with codes 0 for no correspondence, 1 for some correspondence, 4 for cannot tell, 5 for inmate refused to participate, 6 for no program available, 7 for no program assigned under 'Activities', 8 for scheduled program assignment not yet enrolled, 9 for no date entered, and X for no logical correspondence.
ETS not yet introduced into community-based facilities during evaluation Methodology note
Since the Earned Time System had not yet been introduced into community-based facilities during the data accumulation period of this report, the evaluation focuses on state and county correctional institutions.
Baseline data indicate low program completion rates Finding
Baseline data indicate low program completion rates. The evaluation will assess the successful program termination rate of ETS inmates compared to baseline information.
Academic program terminations due to transfer Statistic
Academic program terminations due to transfer were higher for the Earned Time group than for 1975's new admissions: 23% over four quarters versus 18%.
23% vs. 18 First year cohort transfer termination rate
Initial processing facilities for male and female inmates Policy
An inmate entering the Georgia Penal System is processed initially at Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Center (GDCC) or at Georgia Women's Correctional Institution (GWCI).
Supervised fishing trip available at 23 of 53 institutions (43%) Statistic
The supervised fishing trip privilege appears on 23 of 53 institutional privilege lists, or 43% of lists, making it the third most frequently recurring privilege.
23 institutions vs. 53 total institutions with privilege lists
Felon proportion in ETS county institutions Statistic
In ETS county institutions, 96% of active inmates were felons (3,539 of 3,670), compared to 99% in non-ETS county institutions (5,092 of 5,113).
96% vs. 99 percent felons in non-ETS county institutions
Performance rating frequency varies widely across system Finding
The frequency of performance rating varies widely across the system. Generally, at institutions where inmate performance is not rated, management has failed to enforce or support this process of the Earned Time System.
Montgomery CI Earned Time inmates permanently assigned longer than 60 days Statistic
At Montgomery CI, 31 Earned Time inmates were permanently assigned longer than 60 days out of 78 total E's at sampling; 10 files were sampled (32% of E > 60).
31 inmates vs. 78 total E's at sampling
Coding schema for Classification Committee approval of Performance Plan Methodology note
The coding sheet records approval of the Performance Plan by the Classification Committee, with codes 000000 for not signed, MMDDYY for signed and dated, 999999 for signed but not dated, and 333333 for no form.
Evaluation data accumulated over six-month period with six additional months of observation Methodology note
This report presents certain quantifiable data accumulated over a six-month period and with that data, an interpretation based upon six additional months' observation of the Earned Time System and its implementation.
First-year evaluation cannot assess recidivism impact Methodology note
The first-year evaluation cannot assess impact on recidivism, but measures should be made during subsequent years.
Combined program transfer termination rates Statistic
Overall transfer termination rates are higher for ETS inmates than for the first year cohort: 38% vs. 27%; the non-Earned Time segment of the present population averages a 26% rate of program termination due to transfer.
38% vs. 27 First year cohort transfer termination rate
ETS orientation materials include comic book Policy
During the orientation session audio-visual materials are used to introduce the inmate to the corrections system generally and to the Earned Time System (ETS) specifically. Each inmate is issued a handbook containing functional and organizational information and regulations concerning inmate behavior. In addition, the inmate receives an ETS comic book that graphically illustrates the basic concepts of ETS including the implications of non-participation.
Detail change available at 17 of 53 institutions (32%) Statistic
The detail change privilege appears on 17 of 53 institutional privilege lists, or 32% of lists, making it the fourth most frequently recurring privilege.
17 institutions vs. 53 total institutions with privilege lists
Misdemeanant proportion in ETS county institutions Statistic
In ETS county institutions, 3.6% of active inmates were misdemeanants (131 of 3,670), compared to 1% in non-ETS county institutions (21 of 5,113).
3.6% vs. 1 percent misdemeanants in non-ETS county institutions
PADs not utilized routinely for performance rating Finding
In their present form the Performance Activity Descriptions (PADs) have fulfilled a need for a systemwide delineation of all Work, Educational, and Vocational activities. At this point, however, they are not being utilized on a routine basis by institutional staff for purposes of inmate performance rating.
Stone Mountain CI Earned Time inmates permanently assigned longer than 60 days Statistic
At Stone Mountain CI, 11 Earned Time inmates were permanently assigned longer than 60 days out of 16 total E's at sampling; 7 files were sampled (68% of E > 60).
11 inmates vs. 16 total E's at sampling
Coding schema for Quarterly Review Summary Methodology note
The coding sheet records the number of entries in each category of the Quarterly Review Summary, with codes 0-9 for number of entries, A for entry is 'No Change', BBBBBBBB for no form, and C for entry is 'N/A'.
DOR aligned with rehabilitative model of corrections Finding
Close reading of various policy documents emanating from the Georgia Department of Offender Rehabilitation indicates Departmental alignment with the rehabilitative model.
ETS consistency measured by ratio of E to privileges Methodology note
Consistency will be measured by ratio of Els to privileges (P). ETS should move toward having similar evaluation criteria, similar privileges, and similar ratios of E to P and U to time-outs.
Combined program success rate trend Trend
The first year cohort showed a gradual increase in successful combined program completions from 15% to 34%; Earned Time inmates showed first a gradual increase from 13% to 24%, then a setback in Quarter 4 to a 19% rate.
ETS classification based on felony convictions Policy
The staff member who will conduct the final interview with this inmate determines his ETS classification by counting the number of felony convictions reported on his FBI transcript. If the inmate has fewer than three felony convictions, he is classified as 'Non-Habitual'. If the inmate has more than three felony convictions, he is classified as an 'Habitual'.
Day off work or activity available at 15 of 53 institutions (28%) Statistic
The day off work or activity privilege appears on 15 of 53 institutional privilege lists, or 28% of lists, making it the fifth most frequently recurring privilege.
15 institutions vs. 53 total institutions with privilege lists
White male proportion in ETS county institutions Statistic
In ETS county institutions, 42% of active inmates were white males (1,552 of 3,670), compared to 34% in non-ETS county institutions (1,724 of 5,113).
42% vs. 34 percent white males in non-ETS county institutions
Unsatisfactory reports not used routinely Finding
'Unsatisfactory' reports are not being used on a routine basis, and several staff members at different administrative levels suggest replacing them entirely with the Disciplinary Report.
Terrell CCI Earned Time inmates permanently assigned longer than 60 days Statistic
At Terrell CCI, 19 Earned Time inmates were permanently assigned longer than 60 days out of 23 total E's at sampling; 9 files were sampled (47% of E > 60).
19 inmates vs. 23 total E's at sampling
Coding schema for Privilege Slips Methodology note
The coding sheet for Privilege Slips records inmate number, first three letters of inmate's last name, institution code number, date privilege granted (MMDDYY), privilege code number, and date privilege awarded. Special codes include X for missing data, REFUSD for privilege refused by inmate, and EXPIRD for privilege expired before redeemed by inmate.
More than half of American correctional agencies award good time automatically Statistic
More than half (31) of American correctional agencies award good time automatically and take it away for prohibited behavior. Seventeen other agencies award good time contingent upon satisfactory work performance and/or conduct.
31 agencies vs. 17 agencies with contingent good time
Sources
- Smith, Robert R. 'A Survey of Good Time Policies and Practices in American Correctional Agencies' (1975)
- Smith, 'A Survey of Good Time Policies and Practices in American Correctional Agencies' (1975)
ETS equity measured across race, class, age, sex, and offense categories Methodology note
Equity of ETS will be measured by the consistency within institutions among differing race, special class, age, sex and type of offense categories. The ratio E to P and U to disciplinary, or time-outs should remain constant across categories.
Parole Review Summary presence in sampled files Statistic
A Parole Review Summary, or an Inmate Evaluation, or both, were present in all 46 of the sampled files of inmates due for parole consideration.
46 files
Non-Habitual ETS earning rate Policy
If the inmate has fewer than three felony convictions, he is classified as 'Non-Habitual'. If he subsequently agrees to participate in ETS, he earns time at the rate of two days off his prison time for each day served, including his jail time.
Privilege list size ranges from 1 to 13 items Statistic
Individual privilege lists range from a high of 13 items at a former Youthful Offender institution to a low of 1 at the institution for older and infirm inmates. Officials at the latter facility point out that the base list of daily privileges already accorded these inmates as a function of being assigned to this institution is so extensive as to preclude any additions.
13 privileges vs. 1 minimum list size
Non-white male proportion in ETS county institutions Statistic
In ETS county institutions, 51% of active inmates were non-white males (1,896 of 3,670), compared to 63% in non-ETS county institutions (3,208 of 5,113).
51% vs. 63 percent non-white males in non-ETS county institutions
Rating frequency differences noted by inmates and staff Finding
Differences in rating frequencies from one supervisor to another were noted by inmates and verified by interviews with staff.
West CCI Earned Time inmates permanently assigned longer than 60 days Statistic
At West CCI, 56 Earned Time inmates were permanently assigned longer than 60 days out of 56 total E's at sampling; 11 files were sampled (20% of E > 60).
56 inmates vs. 56 total E's at sampling
Georgia Youthful Offender Act of 1972 established contingency contract system Legal fact
The Georgia Youthful Offender Act of 1972 established a means whereby the criminal justice system could isolate offenders who appear to be amenable to treatment and provide them with prompt and individualized levels of such attention. The target population was non-capital offenders aged 17 through 24 years, male or female.
ETS responsiveness measured by time lag between citations and disciplinary actions Methodology note
Responsiveness is also related to delay between granting of Els, privileges, and usage; and between initial citations for unsatisfactory performance and subsequent disciplinary actions. The greater the time lag, the less the impact on positive behavior.
Performance Plans in sampled parole files Statistic
Performance Plans were included in 13% or 6 of the sampled files of inmates due for parole consideration.
13%
Habitual ETS earning rate Policy
If the inmate has more than three felony convictions, he is classified as an 'Habitual'. If he subsequently agrees to participate in ETS, he earns time at the rate of one day off his prison time for each day served, including his jail time.
Mean privilege list size: 8 for state institutions, 4 for county Statistic
The mean number of privileges on lists from state institutions is 8 with a median of 7.5; and from county institutions, 4 with a median of 4.5.
8 privileges vs. 4 county institution mean
White female proportion in ETS county institutions Statistic
In ETS county institutions, 2% of active inmates were white females (76 of 3,670), compared to 1% in non-ETS county institutions (59 of 5,113).
2% vs. 1 percent white females in non-ETS county institutions
Proposal to process Unsatisfactory reports through Disciplinary Committee Finding
One possible solution to the time problem might be to allow the 'Unsatisfactory' report to be processed through the Disciplinary Committee in the same manner as the Disciplinary Report. Instead of automatically opting for isolation and resultant time out, the Supervisor and the Committee would be encouraged to apply more innovative sanctions.
Georgia Correctional Continuing Center Earned Time inmates permanently assigned longer than 60 days Statistic
At Georgia Correctional Continuing Center, 68 Earned Time inmates were permanently assigned longer than 60 days out of 89 total E's at sampling; 12 files were sampled (18% of E > 60).
68 inmates vs. 89 total E's at sampling
Youthful Offender Act provided indeterminate sentence of zero to six years Legal fact
The Act provided for an indeterminate sentence of zero to six years, the ultimate termination of which sentence depended upon the offender's specific treatment needs.
ETS magnitude measured by frequency of E, U, and privilege assignments Methodology note
The magnitude of ETS will be measured by the frequency that inmates receive Els, U's and privileges.
Quarterly Review Summary in sampled parole files Statistic
A Quarterly Review Summary was included in 24% or 11 of the sampled files of inmates due for parole consideration.
24%
Request for Conviction Verification process Policy
If he feels that he has been classified an Habitual offender based upon incorrect information, the interviewer assists him in completing a 'Request for Conviction Verification.' This form is submitted to Offender Administration (Central Office) for processing; if the conviction and the classification are, in fact, not valid, the inmate's earning status will be changed retroactively.
Mean time between privilege award and redemption: 8.8 days Statistic
Of the 1,396 privileges recorded from 11 institutions, the mean time between the date an inmate received a privilege slip and the date that he redeemed it was 8.8 days with a standard deviation of 11.3.
8.8 days
Non-white female proportion in ETS county institutions Statistic
In ETS county institutions, 4% of active inmates were non-white females (146 of 3,670), compared to 2% in non-ETS county institutions (122 of 5,113).
4% vs. 2 percent non-white females in non-ETS county institutions
Eight county institutions offer only two privileges Statistic
Eight county institutions offer only two privileges while four state institutions offer fewer than six.
8 county institutions
Parole Board file sample size Statistic
Of 175 Earned Time inmates who were either granted or denied parole since the Earned Time Law was passed, 26% or 46 of the files were sampled and given an in-depth review. The final sample included 29 inmates who had been denied parole (63%) and 17 inmates who had been granted parole (38%).
46 files vs. 175 total Earned Time inmates granted or denied parole
M.O.R.E. project initiated August 1, 1972 at Georgia Training and Development Center Case detail
On August 1, 1972, the Motivation in Offender Rehabilitating Environments (M.O.R.E.) Project was initiated at the Georgia Training and Development Center in Buford, Georgia. The project was based upon behavioral principles and provided a system of incentives aimed at influencing the inmate's level of achievement in a positive manner.
ETS equilibrium measured by ratio of E/U and P/time-outs Methodology note
The measure of magnitude will be refined to show equilibrium by ratio of E/U and ratio of P/Time-outs. Values greater than one will indicate a positive system, and values less than one will indicate a negative system.
Face Sheet presence in sampled parole files Statistic
Face Sheets were present in 93% or 43 of the sampled files of inmates due for parole consideration.
93%
Non-participation consequences in ETS Policy
A non-participating inmate does not receive earned time credit for jail time; is not able to earn time off his sentence; is not able to earn institutional privileges; and may not change his decision whenever he wishes. If he does not request to participate in ETS within six months of his initial decision, he will only be allowed to do so annually from that date. If he delays his decision to participate until after diagnostic intake, he will not receive earned time credit for his jail time or for time spent at the institution up until that point.
1,396 privileges recorded from 11 institutions Statistic
A total of 1,396 privileges were recorded from 11 institutions in the evaluation sample for analysis of privilege scheduling and equity.
1,396 privileges
ETS active inmate population in community facilities Statistic
There were 100 active inmates in ETS community facilities and 214 active inmates in non-ETS community facilities, totaling 314.
314 inmates
Four state institutions offer fewer than six privileges Statistic
Four state institutions offer fewer than six privileges.
4 state institutions
Inmate classification noted in ETS files Statistic
Of the 156 files sampled, the inmate's classification (habitual or non-habitual) was noted in 154 or 99% of the cases.
154 files vs. 156 total files sampled
M.O.R.E. project used point-based token economy Case detail
A list of institutional activities was compiled with a certain number of points being made available for achievement within that activity. Passing a test at a given level within a prescribed period of time earned the inmate a specified number of points which were recorded on his personal statement sheet. These points were then negotiable for commodities or for intangible privileges such as an extra visit or special phone call.
ETS cost effectiveness measured by placement ratio after program completion Methodology note
Cost effectiveness will be measured by the placement of inmates after program completion. The higher the ratio of placement/no placement, the more effective the training.
DOR Case Study presence in sampled parole files Statistic
DOR Case Studies were present in 46% or 21 of the sampled files of inmates due for parole consideration.
46%
Case Manager assignment within five days Policy
After the inmate completes diagnostic processing, he is assigned to a permanent institution. Within five days after his arrival, he is assigned to a Case Manager.
Average monthly privilege award rate: 0.11 Statistic
The average monthly rate of privilege award actions for the 11 institutions evaluated was 0.11, with a median of 0.07. The rates range from a high of 0.22 at the former Youthful Offender institution to a low of 0 at one of the smaller state institutions.
0.1 privileges per inmate per month
Felon proportion in ETS community facilities Statistic
In ETS community facilities, 64% of active inmates were felons (64 of 100), compared to 68% in non-ETS community facilities (146 of 214).
64% vs. 68 percent felons in non-ETS community facilities
Recommended minimum privileges: 5 county, 10 state Finding
It is recommended that a minimum number of privileges be established for each institution: five for county camps and ten for state institutions.
Participation status form present in ETS files Statistic
The participation status form was present in 153 or 98% of the sampled files. To date no inmate has decided not to participate in ETS.
153 files vs. 156 total files sampled
ETS privilege slip functions as medium of exchange similar to M.O.R.E. points Finding
Elements of this token economy are evident in the Earned Time privilege system where the privilege slip rather than the actual commodity is used as a medium of exchange. Reinforcement is not as immediate as that used in the M.O.R.E. project, but it is predicated on similar principles.
Procedures for declaring an inmate deficient not yet established Data gap
DOOR will establish procedures for declaring an inmate deficient. The evaluators will examine inmate files to determine if these procedures are being followed. It is noted here that procedures for determination of deficiencies have not been established.
Complete Performance Assessment presence in sampled parole files Statistic
Complete Performance Assessment Sheets were found in 44% or 20 of the sampled files of inmates due for parole consideration. An additional 13% or 6 contained only the Intake Assessment. In all, 57% or 26 of the files contained some ETS diagnostic data.
44%
Extended Assessment period duration Policy
The subsequent Extended Assessment period lasts no less than 30 days and no more than 60 days from the time of the inmate's arrival at his permanent institution.
Privilege award rates higher at institutions with younger populations Trend
Rates are significantly and consistently higher at institutions with younger populations, with the two highest rates occurring at Georgia Training and Development Center and Georgia Industrial Institute.
Misdemeanant proportion in ETS community facilities Statistic
In ETS community facilities, 36% of active inmates were misdemeanants (36 of 100), compared to 32% in non-ETS community facilities (68 of 214).
36% vs. 32 percent misdemeanants in non-ETS community facilities
Privilege awards equitable by race and ability Finding
The award of privileges seems to be equitable in terms of race and ability groups across the system.
Performance Assessment Sheet present in ETS files Statistic
The Performance Assessment Sheet was present in 143 or 92% of the files sampled. Presence was defined as a form with the top one-third completed.
143 files vs. 156 total files sampled
Geller contingency management program in Virginia correctional system faced ethico-legal criticisms Case detail
Geller and several colleagues instituted and supervised a large-scale contingency management program in the Virginia correctional system. Since the program dealt with inmates confined to segregation facilities and had as its primary goal 'to provide a rehabilitative environment that was conducive to changing habitual behavioral patterns described as unmanageable', it invited a barrage of ethico-legal criticisms. Not the least of these was the charge that the program aimed at the 'institutionalization' of these inmates.
Source
- Geller, E. Scott; Johnson, Daniel F.; Hamilton, Paul H.; Kennedy, Thomas D. 'Behavior Modification in a Prison: Issues, Problems, and Compromises' (1977)
ETS precision determined by comparison with Pre-ETS documentation Methodology note
This criterion will be determined by comparison of documentation for ETS inmates with that for Pre-ETS inmates. If the Earned Time Inmates do not have more objective behavioral information, then precision is not evident and an important goal of ETS is not being achieved.
Intake Assessment only in sampled parole files Statistic
An additional 13% or 6 of sampled parole files contained only the Intake Assessment, representing inmates assigned to a Vocational Rehabilitation counselor's caseload with no requirement for an Extended Assessment.
13%
Performance evaluation on exception basis Policy
Once the inmate has been assigned to a program or work detail, his performance is evaluated on an exception basis as the behavior occurs. 'Exception' refers to either excellent or unsatisfactory behavior.
Phone call and visit privileges account for 81% of total privileges granted Statistic
The two most frequently requested privileges by far were the telephone call and extended or additional visit. These accounted for 81% of the total privileges granted.
81%
White male proportion in ETS community facilities Statistic
In ETS community facilities, 12% of active inmates were white males (12 of 100), compared to 24% in non-ETS community facilities (51 of 214).
12% vs. 24 percent white males in non-ETS community facilities
Younger offenders receive more privileges Finding
Younger offenders generally receive more privileges, but this higher rate is more a function of the total performance-based orientation of their institutions than of a discriminating attitude on the part of staff. It may also indicate that an institutional privilege is a more powerful motivator for a younger offender than it is for an older one.
Intake Assessment completed in ETS files Statistic
The Intake Assessment was completed in 141 or 90% of the cases sampled.
141 files vs. 156 total files sampled
Staff recidivism predictions only slightly better than chance Finding
Friedman and Mann attempted to determine the accuracy with which staff members at a correctional institution predicted recidivism of a group of court-adjudicated delinquents. Two factors emerge as key influences on staff predictions: (1) the level of seriousness and degree of violence of the youth's most serious offense; and (2) the extent to which the youth was liked. Overall, however, predictions were only slightly better than chance.
Source
- Friedman, C. Jack and Mann, Frederica. 'Recidivism: the Fallacy of Prediction' (1976)
ETS congruence measured by Parole Board agreement on deficiency declarations Methodology note
This criterion is concerned only with the degree of agreement of Parole Board decisions concerning deficiency. If many inmates declared 'deficient' by DOOR are being released, then congruence is not evident. There may be circumstances that would lead to 'deficient' inmates being paroled but these should occur rarely.
Employment Interview Data presence in sampled parole files Statistic
Employment Interview Data were present in 35% or 16 of the sampled files of inmates due for parole consideration.
35%
Monthly Performance Exception Report process Policy
At the end of the month the activity supervisor reviews his accumulation of P.N.'s for each inmate and decides if the inmate's cumulative behavior warrants a monthly Performance Exception Report (PER). If the activity supervisor issues an 'Excellent' PER on an inmate, the Case Manager meets with the inmate and offers him a privilege from the list of approved institutional privileges.
566 phone call privileges requested (55% of total) Statistic
In all, 566 phone calls were requested or 55% of the total privileges granted.
566 privileges
White female proportion in ETS community facilities Statistic
In ETS community facilities, 30% of active inmates were white females (30 of 100), compared to 7% in non-ETS community facilities (15 of 214).
30% vs. 7 percent white females in non-ETS community facilities
Parole documentation originates mostly from Parole Board Finding
The majority of information in the parole review file on each inmate seems to originate at present with the Board of Pardons and Paroles itself. The Parole Review Summary or Inmate Evaluation is the only documentation supplied with any regularity at this point.
Extended Assessment completed in ETS files Statistic
The Extended Assessment was completed in 125 or 80% of the cases sampled.
125 files vs. 156 total files sampled
Justice model advocates determinate sentencing and abolition of parole Finding
An old argument with a new name and new premises has recently been appearing in the literature: it is termed the 'justice model'. Basically, its proponents advocate a model based on individual responsibility with uniform penalties consistently imposed for like crimes (determinate sentencing) and an end to coerced institutional treatment. They recommend that parole be abolished, with the rationale that parole board 'predictions of postinstitutional behavior ... have proved disastrously inaccurate'.
Sources
- Citizens' Inquiry on Parole and Criminal Justice. Prison Without Walls (1975)
- Fogel, David. We are the Living Proof: The Justice Model for Corrections (1975)
- Lipton, Douglas; Martinson, Robert; Wilks, Judith. The Effectiveness of Correctional Treatment (1975)
- MacNamara, Donal E. 'The Medical Model in Corrections' (1977)
Even small reduction in time served before parole can significantly reduce overcrowding Finding
Even a small reduction in time served before parole can significantly reduce overcrowded conditions.
Computerized Psychological Profile presence in sampled parole files Statistic
Computerized Psychological Profiles were present in 30% or 14 of the sampled files of inmates due for parole consideration.
30%
Time out sanction for unsatisfactory performance Policy
The Disciplinary Committee reviews the PER-U and either declares it null and void or initiates a Disciplinary Report. This latter action results either in imposition of an institutional sanction or placement in 'time out,' i.e., relegation of the inmate to a non-earning status for a specified period of time. When his 'time out' ends, the inmate is returned to the earning continuum and begins to earn time toward his release once again.
272 visiting privileges requested (26% of total) Statistic
A total of 272 visiting privileges were requested or 26% of the total privileges granted.
272 privileges
Non-white female proportion in ETS community facilities Statistic
In ETS community facilities, 36% of active inmates were non-white females (36 of 100), compared to 17% in non-ETS community facilities (36 of 214).
36% vs. 17 percent non-white females in non-ETS community facilities
Average entries on parole review forms range 7 to 12 Statistic
The average number of entries on these forms range from 7 to 12, indicating the scarcity of concrete data items.
7 entries minimum vs. 12 entries maximum
Supervisor's Evaluations present in ETS files Statistic
Supervisor's Evaluations were present in 63 or 40% of the files that were sampled. During the assessment period the need for this form is left to the discretion of the Case Manager; it is only required on a quarterly basis thereafter.
63 files vs. 156 total files sampled
Proximate reinforcers have meaning even to inmates serving long sentences Finding
Proximate reinforcers, on the other hand, seem to have meaning even to inmates serving long sentences [Geller, 1977]. Although prison life does include most of the basic necessities, it also deprives the individual of the normal valued reinforcers--social, financial, etc.--present in free society. Thus, small commodities, such as cigarettes and other commissary items, as well as simple contact with the free world, assume greater importance to the inmate.
Sources
- Geller, E. Scott; Johnson, Daniel F.; Hamilton, Paul H.; Kennedy, Thomas D. 'Behavior Modification in a Prison: Issues, Problems, and Compromises' (1977)
- Hosford, Ray E. and Moss, C. Scott. 'Counseling in the Prison: Implications for Counselor Training' (1975)
Inmate interviews planned at three points during sentence Methodology note
Inmates will be sampled at three times during their sentence: shortly after orientation to ETS; three months after beginning ETS; and at the termination of sentence.
Parole Board file items from Parole Board staff Statistic
Proportions present in sampled files of items provided by Parole Board staff rather than Departmental personnel: Personal History Statement 93% or 43; Pre-Parole Social 67% or 31; Pre-Parole Legal 39% or 18.
93%
180 days time out triggers deficient status Policy
If the inmate has accrued more than 180 days in 'time out' during his incarceration, the Director of the Earned Time System declares him 'deficient' on the Parole Review Summary and indicates a date by which the deficiency will be satisfied.
51 fishing trip privileges requested (5% of total) Statistic
The next most popular privilege was the fishing trip which accounted for 51 or 5% of the total privileges granted.
51 privileges
Average number of inmate maxouts per year under previous good time system Statistic
Under the previous good time system, the average number of inmate maxouts per year varied by sentence length: 428 for 1-year sentences, 228 for 2-year, 228 for 3-year, 73 for 4-year, 132 for 5-year, 40 for 6-year, 24 for 7-year, 19 for 8-year, 7 for 9-year, and 35 for 10-year sentences.
428 maxouts per year
Performance Plans present in ETS files Statistic
Performance Plans were present in 125 or 80% of the sampled files. Of this number 108 or 69% of the total sample were at least signed, if not dated, by the Classification Committee.
125 files vs. 156 total files sampled
Time off sentence may be too distant to act as reinforcer for many inmates Finding
For many inmates the payoff of time off the end of their sentence may be too far away to act as a reinforcer [Fitzgerald, 1974], or possibly the entire concept of a shortened prison time lacks motivating force for an incarcerant.
Source
- Fitzgerald, Thomas J. 'Contingency Contracting with Juvenile Offenders' (1974)
Inmate interview sampling planned at eight institutions Methodology note
We anticipate sampling between three and ten inmates from Georgia State Prison, Georgia Industrial Institute, Georgia Women's Correctional Institution, Stone Mountain Correctional Institution, Georgia Training and Development Center and five other institutions.
Case Manager comments on Parole Review Summary Statistic
On the Parole Review Summary, Case Managers averaged 5.1 comments and Wardens averaged 2.1 comments.
5.1 comments vs. 2.1 Warden average comments
Parole Board agreement on deficient inmates Quote
The Parole Board has agreed 'not to release an inmate upon scheduled review, if the Department of Corrections recommends that he not be released based on a lack of agreed upon performance by the inmate and the Department or disciplinary action.'
Good Time inmates show higher privilege rate than Earned Time inmates Statistic
Monthly privilege rates are somewhat higher for the non-Earned Time population than they are for Earned Time inmates. Good Time inmates show an average rate of 0.11 as compared with 0.09 for Earned Time inmates.
0.1 privileges per inmate per month vs. 0.1 Earned Time inmate rate
Earliest maxout for 1-year sentence under previous good time system Statistic
Under the previous good time system, the earliest maxout for a 1-year sentence was 0.72 years, and the actual maxout was 0.83 years.
0.7 years vs. 0.8 actual maxout in years
DOR consists of 53 institutions Statistic
Georgia's Department of Offender Rehabilitation's sub-units consist of 53 institutions of various types in addition to a central administrative support component.
53 institutions
Performance Plans signed and dated by Classification Committee Statistic
34% (53) of Performance Plans were signed and dated by the Classification Committee; 35% (55) were signed but not dated; 11% (17) were not signed and not dated; and 20% (31) had no Performance Plan in file.
53 files vs. 156 total files sampled
Line staff may influence behavior more than counselors due to interaction frequency Finding
Watkins discusses a model that incorporates the correctional officer as a 'behavior shaper' who relates to the inmate in a non-treatment setting. He believes that front line staff, because of the frequency of their interaction with inmates, may influence behavior more than the less frequently seen counselor.
Source
- Watkins, John C. 'Organization of Institutional Resources for Behavior Change: A Model' (1967)
Correctional officer as behavioral technician at Federal Correctional Institution Lompoc Case detail
Kenton reports that this approach is being tried at Federal Correctional Institution at Lompoc, where the correctional officer is recognized as an integral part of each inmate's environment. As such, he is in the prime spot to counsel individuals who are trying to establish goals for themselves and to work out programs within the institution to achieve those goals.
Source
- Kenton, Frank P. 'Prisons: Rehabilitative or Custodial Institutions?' (1975)
Staff interviews planned with three to five supervisors per institution Methodology note
Three to five supervisors from each institution will be asked the following questions: What are your impressions of ETS as compared with the older system? How do you use ETS? What changes have you noticed? What behaviors result in privileges for inmates? What behaviors result in time-outs? What changes in the Earned Time System would you suggest?
Case Manager comments on Inmate Evaluation Statistic
On the Inmate Evaluation, Case Managers averaged 10.4 comments and Wardens averaged 2.1 comments.
10.4 comments vs. 2.1 Warden average comments
Total accountable population in Georgia corrections Statistic
The total accountable population in Georgia's state and county correctional institutions and in community facilities is 11,697 as of September 1, 1977.
11,697 inmates
Lower and medium security inmates received 74% of privileges but comprised 44% of population Statistic
Inmates in lower and medium security classifications received 755 or 74% of the total privileges awarded. Inmates in these classifications, however, comprise only 44% of the population at the 11 sampled institutions.
74% vs. 44 percent of population in lower/medium security
Earliest maxout for 10-year sentence under previous good time system Statistic
Under the previous good time system, the earliest maxout for a 10-year sentence was 5.75 years, and the actual maxout was 6.19 years.
5.8 years vs. 6.2 actual maxout in years
ETS represents organizational change in corrections Finding
From a theoretical and practical perspective, ETS represents an organizational change signifying a new direction in corrections.
Quarterly Review Summary present in ETS files Statistic
The Quarterly Review Summary was present in 110 or 70% of the sampled files.
110 files vs. 156 total files sampled
Inmate consent is difficult issue in prison behavior change programs Finding
The first major issue to be considered in any program designed to change a person's behavior is that of consent. This question is an especially difficult one when the client population are prison inmates [Shapiro, 1974]. Is 'informed, voluntary consent' a viable concept when dealing with an incarcerated individual?
Source
- Shapiro, M. H. 'Legislating the Control of Behavior Control: Autonomy and the Coercive Use of Organic Therapies' (1974)
Independent evaluators will conduct and analyze interviews Methodology note
The independent evaluators will conduct and analyze these interviews. It should be noted that all of the material collected in this fashion will be kept confidential.
Warden-Case Manager agreement in parole recommendations Finding
In none of the sampled files did the Warden disagree with the Case Manager. Generally, Wardens restricted their comments to agreement with the Case Manager and a corresponding assessment of the inmate's potential as a successful parolee.
Earned Time inmate population count Statistic
Earned Time inmates comprise 40% or 4,737 of the total accountable population of 11,697.
4,737 inmates vs. 11,697 total accountable population
755 privileges awarded to lower and medium security inmates Statistic
Inmates in lower and medium security classifications received 755 of the total privileges awarded at the 11 sampled institutions.
755 privileges
ETS earliest maxout for 1-year sentence at 100% performance Statistic
At 100% performance under the Earned Time System, the earliest maxout for a 1-year sentence was 0.50 years, with a net difference of +0.33 man-years and annual savings of 141 man-years.
0.5 years vs. 0.3 net difference in man-years
ETS success may depend on leadership and personnel attitudes Finding
Research suggests that ETS success may depend, in part, on leadership qualities, conservatism, and the 'definition of the situation' held by the personnel involved in implementation.
FBI Transcript delay in ETS classification Finding
Classification is dependent upon receipt of the FBI Transcript which may take as long as 6 weeks to arrive, thereby delaying the rest of the assessment process and the inmate's involvement in institutional programs.
Behavior change programs require voluntary informed consent and client participation Finding
In order to safeguard the clients' rights such programs require voluntary, informed consent and client participation in the program's decision-making process [Braukmann et al., 1975].
Source
- Braukmann, Curtis J.; Fixsen, Dean L.; Phillips, Elery L.; Wolf, Montrose M. 'Behavioral Approaches to Treatment in the Crime and Delinquency Field' (1975)
ETS implementation evaluation covers training, materials, and coordination Methodology note
We are specifically concerned with such things as (1) training, (2) materials, (3) coordination. ETS as a major organizational change for a large and diverse organization (DOOR) must be assessed in terms of technical preparation of personnel, availability of supplies and procedures, and organizational clarity.
Correlation between staff recommendations and Parole Board decisions Statistic
There was approximately a 50% level of correlation between staff recommendations and the ultimate decision by the Parole Board.
50%
ETS population in state institutions Statistic
State institutions hold 3,670 Earned Time inmates, or 42% of the total state institution population.
3,670 inmates
Lower security classification privilege earning rate: 0.33 Statistic
Inmates in lower security classifications (1-3) at the 11 sampled institutions had a privilege earning rate of 0.33, while comprising 15.4% of the sampled population and earning 33% of total privileges.
0.3 privileges per inmate per month
ETS earliest maxout for 10-year sentence at 100% performance Statistic
At 100% performance under the Earned Time System, the earliest maxout for a 10-year sentence was 5.00 years, with a net difference of +1.19 man-years and annual savings of 33 man-years.
5 years vs. 1.2 net difference in man-years
Organizational diversity limits implementation of change Finding
Wilson has argued that organizational diversity generates ideas and proposals for change within organizations, but he suggests that the same diversity limits the implementation of any specific one.
60-day timeline problem for Extended Assessment at young offender institution Finding
Complying with the 60-day timeline for Extended Assessment has posed a particular problem for one of the larger young offender institutions because of the delay in obtaining the inmate's FBI Transcript.
Some prison behavior programs aimed at institutional control rather than rehabilitation Finding
Frequently, the goal of these programs in penal institutions has been the preservation of the institution's authoritarian control. While some programs have been designed to provide academic and vocational skills to inmates, others have been directed toward making the inmates less troublesome and adjusting them to the needs of the institution [Brown, et al., 1975].
Source
- Brown, Bertram S., MD; Wienckowski, Louis A., Ph.D.; Stolz, Stephanie B., Ph.D. Behavior Modification: Perspective on a Current Issue (1975)
Evaluation will identify institutions most and least successful in ETS implementation Methodology note
Among the potential results of the evaluation are the following: (1) Overall strengths and weaknesses of the system (ETS); (2) Specific institutions most and least successful in terms of implementation; (3) Technical and procedural recommendations for improvement; (4) Institutional characteristics associated with degree of ETS success or failure; (5) Inmate characteristics associated with receptivity to ETS.
Quarterly Review Summary mean entries Statistic
The mean number of discrete entries in each category of the Quarterly Review Summaries present in sampled files was 1.4. When a Summary was present, it included information for one quarter; no inmate file sampled contained a Summary that reviewed progress for longer than one quarter.
1.4 entries
ETS population in county institutions Statistic
County institutions hold 967 Earned Time inmates, or 37% of the total county institution population.
967 inmates
Medium security classification privilege earning rate: 0.07 Statistic
Inmates in medium security classification (4) at the 11 sampled institutions had a privilege earning rate of 0.07, while comprising 29.0% of the sampled population and earning 41% of total privileges.
0.1 privileges per inmate per month
ETS earliest maxout for 1-year sentence at 50% performance Statistic
At 50% performance under the Earned Time System, the earliest maxout for a 1-year sentence was 0.67 years, with a net difference of +0.16 man-years and annual savings of 20 man-years.
0.7 years vs. 0.2 net difference in man-years
Program change frequency associated with decentralization Finding
Hage and Aiken have found that a high frequency of program changes is associated with decentralization, low procedural formalization, and high complexity.
County camps difficulty with timely Extended Assessment completion Finding
Several county camps have experienced difficulty in timely completion of the Extended Assessment process, since Case Managers are often responsible for a number of other institutional duties in addition to carrying a caseload.
Positive reinforcement programs may not require highly trained professionals Finding
Silber suggests that a higher success rate may result from the use of positive reinforcement to increase appropriate behavior. This modality has the additional advantage of not requiring a staff of highly trained professionals. Line staff, in turn, frequently experience increased morale as they assume this new helping role.
Source
- Silber, David E. 'The Place of Behavior Therapy in Correction' (1976)
Ault describes Operation Performance program to combat overcrowding Finding
Ault reviews the conditions within Georgia's correctional system from his vantage point as Commissioner, Department of Corrections/Offender Rehabilitation. He discusses the problems of overcrowding and a negative correctional philosophy and then outlines a program -- Operation Performance -- designed to combat those problems. Essentially, this program provides a correctional continuum allowing the offender to pass from intensive supervision on probation or within a prison to maintenance supervision or early termination of the sentence.
Source
- The Public Position on the Status of the Correctional System (Ault, 1975)
DOR deficiency declarations Finding
Only two inmates have been declared 'deficient' by DOR thus far under ETS. In both cases formal notice of this deficiency was provided to the Parole Board, along with the projected date on which the deficiency would be satisfied. Both inmates met the deficiency criterion of more than six months in a time-out status. Neither inmate has been granted parole by the Board at this review.
ETS population in community facilities Statistic
Community facilities hold 100 Earned Time inmates, or 32% of the total community facility population.
100 inmates
Higher security classification privilege earning rate: 0.02 Statistic
Inmates in higher security classifications (5-6) at the 11 sampled institutions had a privilege earning rate of 0.02, while comprising 54.0% of the sampled population and earning 27% of total privileges.
0.0 privileges per inmate per month
ETS earliest maxout for 10-year sentence at 50% performance Statistic
At 50% performance under the Earned Time System, the earliest maxout for a 10-year sentence was 6.67 years, with a net difference of -0.13 man-years and annual savings of -3 man-years.
6.7 years vs. -0.1 net difference in man-years
ETS evaluation design dated January 11, 1977 Methodology note
The Earned Time System Evaluation Design is dated January 11, 1977, authored by Elaine T. DeCostanzo, Dr. Thomas Roche, and Dr. David Smith of the Georgia Department of Offender Rehabilitation, Evaluation and Monitoring Services, 800 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, Georgia 30308.
County camp reported Supervisor's Evaluation not required Finding
Personnel at one of the county camps reported that the Supervisor's Evaluation was not required documentation at that facility, even on a quarterly basis. The perception is unique to this institution and is not shared by any other ETS managers.
McKee predicts performance-contingent parole development 1971-1976 Finding
McKee offers a number of predictions concerning the development of corrections over the period from 1971 through 1976; one of the more significant of these predictions is 'performance-contingent parole.' This concept requires 'precise specification of behaviors and skills--developed through an individualized assessment and prescriptive process--necessary to earn parole.'
Source
- McKee, John M. New Directions in Corrections (1971)
Fitzgerald study found time off probation not as reinforcing as point-bought activities Finding
The results indicate that time off probation is not as reinforcing as the activities that could be 'bought' with accumulated points. Fitzgerald speculates that the payoff of time off probation was too far away to act as a reinforcer. Or, possibly, time off probation may not be as reinforcing as was originally assumed.
Source
- Contingency Contracting with Juvenile Offenders (Fitzgerald, 1974)
ETS implementation timeline Finding
The Earned Time System has existed as legislation for 15 months as of the evaluation date. Approximately half of that time was expended in normal start-up operations: forms to be printed and disseminated, procedures to be formulated, computer systems to be developed, and staff to be trained. Many state institutions did not receive their first Earned Time inmates until the end of 1976; many county institutions have yet to receive more than 20 Earned Time offenders.
ETS felon to misdemeanant ratio Statistic
The relationship of ETS felons to misdemeanants is 95% to 5%, while for the non-ETS group, it is 98% to 2%. The ratio of number of ETS felons to misdemeanants is 18:1, while the corresponding ratio for non-ETS inmates is 67:1. For the two combined, it is 32:1.
18 ratio (felons:misdemeanants) vs. 67 non-ETS ratio
White males represented 38% of population but received 48% of privileges Statistic
A frequency distribution of privileges by race indicated that white males represented 38% of the sampled population, but received 48% of the total privileges awarded.
48% vs. 38 percent of population
ETS earliest maxout for 1-year sentence at 90% performance Statistic
At 90% performance under the Earned Time System, the earliest maxout for a 1-year sentence was 0.53 years, with a net difference of +0.30 man-years and annual savings of 123 man-years.
0.5 years vs. 0.3 net difference in man-years
ETS evaluation uses quantitative and qualitative measures Methodology note
The evaluation design identifies measures to be employed in considering ETS impact in terms of policy objectives. Both quantitative and qualitative measures will be used in order to elucidate process as well as to attain statistical goals.
Classification Committee rarely rejects Performance Plan content Finding
Several Classification Committee members indicated that their review rarely, if ever, resulted in their rejection of any portion of an inmate's Plan. The Case Manager is generally perceived as the best arbiter of the Performance Plan's content.
Performance-contingent parole practiced at Karl Holton School for Boys Case detail
McKee cites the success of this system as it is practiced at the Karl Holton School for Boys in Stockton, California. McKee predicts more valid actions by parole boards and a reduction of institutional tensions and disturbances as prisoners come to understand what is specifically expected of them.
Source
- McKee, John M. New Directions in Corrections (1971)
Friedman and Mann study found staff recidivism predictions only slightly better than chance Finding
Two factors emerge as key influences on staff predictions: (1) the level of seriousness and degree of violence of the youth's most serious offense; and (2) the extent to which the youth was liked. The first factor resulted in a negative prediction; the second, in a positive. Overall, however, predictions were only slightly better than chance.
Source
- Recidivism: the Fallacy of Prediction (Friedman and Mann, 1976)
No inmates chose straight time under ETS Finding
It is unlikely that many inmates will choose to serve straight time, and to date none have.
ETS male to female ratio Statistic
The percentages of males vs. females in the ETS subpopulation is 94% to 6%, as opposed to 97% males and 3% females in the non-ETS subpopulation. ETS males vs. females ratio is 15.4:1; non-ETS is 28.7:1; combined is 21.4:1.
15.4 ratio (males:females) vs. 28.7 non-ETS ratio
Security classification, not race, is salient factor in privilege awards Finding
The salient factor in privilege award disparities seems to be security classification rather than race. Black inmates in lower security classifications at the sampled institutions comprised 47.4% of the population, but received 70% of the privileges. White inmates in lower security classifications comprised 42.6% of the population, but received 75.7% of the privileges.
ETS earliest maxout for 10-year sentence at 90% performance Statistic
At 90% performance under the Earned Time System, the earliest maxout for a 10-year sentence was 5.26 years, with a net difference of +0.93 man-years and annual savings of 33 man-years.
5.3 years vs. 0.9 net difference in man-years
ETS comic book issued to inmates Policy
Each inmate receives an ETS comic book that graphically illustrates the basic concepts of ETS including the implications of non-participation.
Counselor-inmate ratio inversely related to file completeness Finding
As the counselor-inmate ratio increases from institution to institution, the percentage of file completeness decreases.
ETS evaluation produced under LEAA Grant No. 76ED040025 Methodology note
This evaluation was produced under the auspices of the Program Evaluation Section, Evaluation and Monitoring Services of the Georgia Department of Offender Rehabilitation, Atlanta, Georgia 30308. Funds were provided by the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration (LEAA) under Grant No. 76ED040025.
Holland describes START program at Butner federal prison discontinued by courts Case detail
Holland itemizes the ostensible goals of the experiment and then suggests that START's actual goal was 'to make passive nonassertive, depersonalized inmates of the whole institution.' The program was discontinued by the courts.
Source
- Behavior Modification for Prisoners, Patients, and other People as a Prescription for the Planned Society (Holland, 1975)
No change entry recurrence in Extended Assessment Statistic
The 60-day time limit for Extended Assessment seems to be placing unnecessary constraints upon institutional personnel, as reflected in the 46% recurrence of the 'No change' entry.
46%
ETS non-white to white ratio Statistic
The relationship of non-white ETS inmates to white ETS inmates is 57% to 43%; the same correlation for non-ETS inmates is 66% to 34%. The corresponding headcounts reduce to the following ratios: ETS non-white to ETS white, 1.3:1; non-ETS non-white to non-ETS white, 1.9:1; combined, 1.6:1.
1.3 ratio (non-white:white) vs. 1.9 non-ETS ratio
Black inmates in lower security: 47.4% of population, 70% of privileges Statistic
Black inmates in lower security classifications at the sampled institutions comprised 47.4% of the population, but received 70% of the privileges.
70% vs. 47.4 percent of population
ETS evaluation coding instrument for institutional file review Methodology note
The ETS evaluation coding instrument for institutional file review includes fields for institution code number, inmate's number, inmate's name, number of disciplinary reports, date assigned to permanent institution, inmate's year of birth, race/sex code, I.Q., classification, participation status, and performance recording sheet data.
Inmate classification determined by FBI transcript felony count Policy
The staff member who conducts the final interview determines the inmate's ETS classification by counting the number of felony convictions reported on his FBI transcript.
Counselor time allocation in first three quarters of 1977 Statistic
An in-house analysis of counseling time management states that only 28% of counselors' time during the first three quarters of 1977 was spent on case administration, while 45% was devoted to personal counseling. The case administration category shows an increase of 3.8 percentage points over the period immediately preceding ETS implementation.
28% vs. 45 percent devoted to personal counseling
ETS evaluation prepared by Elaine T. DeCostanzo, Research Consultant Methodology note
Prepared by Elaine T. DeCostanzo, Research Consultant, September 30, 1977. Program Evaluation Section, Evaluation and Monitoring Services, Georgia Department of Offender Rehabilitation, 800 Peachtree Street, N.E., Suite 605, Atlanta, Georgia 30308.
Holland recommends behavior change systems controlled by those undergoing change Finding
He concludes with a suggestion that the best system of behavior change would be controlled by the people who are to undergo that change, rather than by a goal-setting third party.
Source
- Behavior Modification for Prisoners, Patients, and other People as a Prescription for the Planned Society (Holland, 1975)
Recommendation to extend Extended Assessment period Policy
The evaluation recommends an extension of 30 days, making the Extended Assessment period 90 days long, to allow Case Managers and Activity Supervisors an opportunity to observe the inmate in a more routinized atmosphere.
Pre-ETS male to female ratio Statistic
The inmate population immediately preceding Earned Time showed a male-female ratio of 22:1.
22 ratio (males:females)
White inmates in lower security: 42.6% of population, 75.7% of privileges Statistic
White inmates in lower security classifications at the sampled institutions comprised 42.6% of the population, but received 75.7% of the privileges.
75.7% vs. 42.6 percent of population
ETS race/sex coding scheme Methodology note
The ETS evaluation coding scheme used codes 1=White male, 2=Black male, 3='Other' male, 4=White female, 5=Black female, 6='Other' female for inmate race/sex classification.
Lack of upper management support for ETS at some institutions Finding
At several institutions the lack of completed documentation in the file could best be explained by a lack of support on the part of upper management for the entire ETS concept.
ETS evaluation focuses on documentation process implementation Methodology note
This paper presents the results of the first-year evaluation of the Earned Time System, placing primary emphasis upon the degree of implementation of various documentation processes. Although it is too early to assess system impact thoroughly, the evaluation does present some preliminary data and suggests a direction for future data accumulation.
Braukmann et al. recommend consumer satisfaction components in program evaluation Finding
The authors suggest continued emphasis on skills that are readily transferable to the natural environment. They also recommend development of effective training procedures for teaching staff these 'client-preferred interactions and treatment styles.' Finally, they suggest that program evaluation be more systematic and definitive and that 'consumer satisfaction' components be included to ensure that clients' needs are being met.
Source
- Behavioral Approaches to Treatment in the Crime and Delinquency Field (Braukmann et al., 1975)
Recommendation to redefine Performance Plan development period Policy
The evaluation recommends that the Plan development process be redefined as a distinct period of 30 days beyond Extended Assessment, resulting in a 90-day period for Extended Assessment and a total of 120 days after the inmate's permanent assignment before his Plan would become due.
Pre-ETS non-white to white ratio Statistic
The inmate population immediately preceding ETS showed a ratio of non-white to white of 1.7:1.
1.7 ratio (non-white:white)
Lower and medium I.Q. inmates earned proportionate share of privileges Statistic
Inmates falling into the lower and medium I.Q. score ranges (i.e., with an I.Q. of less than 110) comprise 54% of the population at sampled institutions and earned 54.8% of the privileges. The ratio is thus a proportionate one.
54.8% vs. 54 percent of population
ETS participation coding scheme Methodology note
The ETS evaluation coding scheme used codes 0=No form, 1=Request to Participate, 2=Statement of Non-Participation for inmate participation status.
County camp created in-house form to replace Quarterly Review Summary Finding
One of the larger county camps responded to procedural requirements for a Quarterly Review Summary by producing their own in-house form to replace it. At the time of the evaluation visit, neither form had yet been used to record an inmate's progress.
ETS evaluation is review of rehabilitation model in Georgia facilities Methodology note
Since the Earned Time System impinges upon so many elements of an inmate's institutional life, an evaluation of the System is tantamount to a review of the rehabilitation model as it presently exists in Georgia's correctional facilities.
McArthur surveyed inmate grievance mechanisms in 209 American prisons Finding
McArthur, Virginia. 'Inmate Grievance Mechanisms: A Survey of 209 American Prisons.' Federal Probation (December 1974), 41-47.
Source
- Inmate Grievance Mechanisms: A Survey of 209 American Prisons (McArthur, 1974)
Habituality determination delays Extended Assessment Finding
Timely completion of the Extended Assessment presents a particular problem for those institutions with a diagnostic component, since they must await the inmate's FBI Transcript before classifying him on the participation status form.
Georgia correctional system misdemeanant count at ETS inception Statistic
The Georgia correctional system included only 334 misdemeanants at the inception of ETS.
334 misdemeanants
Lower I.Q. range privilege earning rate: 0.2 Statistic
Inmates in the lower I.Q. score range (to 79) at the 11 sampled institutions had a privilege earning rate of 0.2, while comprising 8.8% of the sampled population and earning 15.4% of total privileges.
0.2 privileges per inmate per month
ETS flow chart documents 8-sheet process Methodology note
The Earned Time System flow chart consists of 8 sheets documenting the process from intake processing through orientation, classification, assignment to permanent institution, case management, work detail, performance evaluation, disciplinary process, and parole release.
Performance Plan specifies inmate needs and objectives Policy
The completed Performance Plan specifies to the inmate and to the staff the inmate's needs and objectives and describes the activities in which he agrees to participate in order to meet those needs. The Plan also provides documentation to the Parole Board regarding the inmate's performance.
Smaller state institution with low ETS implementation Finding
At one of the smaller state institutions a pervasive attitude that the system is too time-consuming and at odds with general counseling goals is reflected in low percentages of implementation in the case management area and total absence of a performance rating system.
ETS evaluation includes checklist review of individual documents Methodology note
Sections 8.0 through 10.0 present a detailed assessment of the case management process, performance rating system and privilege system. This assessment includes a checklist review of individual documents and some tentative conclusions regarding the quality of the documentation.
Recommendation to review habituality distinction Policy
The evaluation recommends a further review of the habituality distinction to determine relative sentence lengths. If sentences are already longer for 'habituals,' the classifying mechanism should be eliminated to avoid introducing a negative element of double punishment into a basically positive model.
Female offenders may serve shorter sentences Finding
The difference in the proportions seems to indicate that female offenders are serving shorter sentences than are males. This may, of course, be due to a larger proportion of the female population being misdemeanants than the comparable proportion of the male population.
Medium I.Q. range privilege earning rate: 0.07 Statistic
Inmates in the medium I.Q. score range (80 to 109) at the 11 sampled institutions had a privilege earning rate of 0.07, while comprising 46.0% of the sampled population and earning 39.0% of total privileges.
0.1 privileges per inmate per month
ETS evaluation framework includes 5 limited objectives Finding
The ETS evaluation framework identifies 5 limited objectives: (1) provide a positive motivation model and reward positive behavior, (2) insure individualized attention supporting improved performance, (3) change a negative punitive environment into a positive learning environment, (4) more effectively use limited resources, and (5) release inmates upon demonstration of responsible potential for community adjustment.
Smith and Roche conclusion on ETS organizational function Quote
Smith and Roche concluded: "The system can work organizationally with push from above [p. 16]."
ETS evaluation presents first year data on crowding and violence measures Methodology note
Section 11.0 presents preliminary data concerning such system impact criteria as a reduction in crowding and in institutional violence. Although significant trends in population count and disciplinary report rates may occur with further implementation of ETS, this evaluation presents only the first year's data on these measures.
Performance Plan development inhibiting factors Finding
The development of effective Performance Plans is inhibited by several factors: (1) lack of precision by Case Managers in specifying inmate needs in terms of assessment rather than available programs; (2) conflicting practices at several institutions prescribing a 'holding pattern' of up to six months before program eligibility; (3) inability of Case Managers to specify enrollment dates; and (4) a pervasive sense of pressure to comply with the ETS 60-day time stricture, often at the expense of counseling sessions.
Institution selection criteria for ETS evaluation Methodology note
Institutions were selected by any of five criteria: 1. overall size--to ensure that institutions with large, medium, and small populations were all represented; 2. population mix--to ensure that offenders of various ages, races and both sexes were represented in the sample; 3. mission--to include a sample of inmates permanently assigned to a diagnostic facility; Youthful Offender, maximum security and women's institutions; and county work camps; 4. geographical location--to ensure a distribution throughout the four Earned Time Districts; and, 5. Earned Time population--to restrict on-site visits to those institutions having at least 15 Earned Time inmates who had been permanently assigned longer than 60 days.
Higher I.Q. range privilege earning rate: 0.18 Statistic
Inmates in the higher I.Q. score range (over 109) at the 11 sampled institutions had a privilege earning rate of 0.18, while comprising 20.0% of the sampled population and earning 17.0% of total privileges.
0.2 privileges per inmate per month
ETS evaluation framework identifies 3 purposes Finding
The ETS evaluation framework identifies 3 purposes: (1) protect public safety, (2) provide for a public accounting of the system, and (3) change the current assumptions of rehabilitation.
Intake Assessment mean entries by category Finding
During Intake Assessment heaviest emphasis is placed on Education (Mean, 3.9), followed by Work (3.7), Vocational (2.7) and Problem Behavior (2.4). Medical has a deceptively inflated mean of 6.7 because all inmates must be evaluated in 6 medical areas, with only the additional comment being voluntary.
ETS evaluation compares program completion rates with first-year cohort Methodology note
Section 12.0 compares successful program completion rates of Earned Time inmates with those of any cohort of first-year incarcerants.
Parole documentation requirements evolved under ETS Policy
During the first 12 months of ETS, institutional staff were required to supply for each inmate due for parole consideration both the Inmate Evaluation form used under the Good Time System and the Parole Review Summary that superseded it under ETS. The Quarterly Review Summary was also to be included. Recently, the requirement for an Inmate Evaluation form on ETS inmates was deleted and only the Parole Review Summary was retained. A copy of the inmate's Performance Plan is now to be part of the package sent to the Parole Board.
Georgia State Prison houses one-third of state inmates Statistic
Georgia State Prison (GSP) is one of only two maximum security institutions in the State, housing one-third of the entire population presently incarcerated in state correctional institutions.
Privilege earning rate increases from lower to higher I.Q. ranges Trend
The privilege earning rate increases somewhat from lower to higher I.Q. score ranges, possibly reflecting different levels of understanding and interaction with the ETS privilege mechanisms.
ETS evaluation framework identifies 3 problems Finding
The ETS evaluation framework identifies 3 problems: (1) overcrowding and potential for violence in prisons, (2) fragmented service delivery process, and (3) passive view of the inmate's role and a negative good time system.
Unsatisfactory PER processed by Classification Committee Policy
If the activity supervisor issues an 'Unsatisfactory' PER on an inmate, the form is processed by the Classification Committee. After reviewing the PER-U, they may recommend a totally administrative action such as a no-fault exit from a program, or they may recommend a disciplinary action and refer the performance report to the Disciplinary Committee.
Extended Assessment mean entries by category Finding
During the Extended Assessment period Work (1.6) receives most emphasis followed by Education (1.1), Leisure (0.97) and Vocational (0.96).
ETS evaluation reviews quality of parole documentation Methodology note
Section 13.0 reviews the quality of Earned Time System documentation provided to the Parole Board.
DOR parole recommendation semantics changed under ETS Policy
The semantics concerning DOR's contribution to the parole process changed since the inception of ETS. The first formulation called for DOR to communicate an inmate's parole clearance to the Board based upon performance; a subsequent agreement specified that the Department would formally declare an inmate 'deficient' if he did not maintain an acceptable level of performance. Criteria for this assessment were later defined as six months or more in a time out status.
Georgia Industrial Institute population age range Statistic
Georgia Industrial Institute (GII) is the second largest state institution, with a population having an age range of 19 to 23 years.
West Georgia Community Correctional Center opened in Columbus during FY77 with 432 capacity Statistic
A new institution with a capacity of 432 was opened in Columbus during FY77: West Georgia Community Correctional Center, with another to follow sometime in Macon.
432 beds
ETS evaluation framework identifies 3 problem indicators Finding
The ETS evaluation framework identifies 3 problem indicators: (1) population greater than design capacity, (2) low rate of successful program terminations, and (3) high recidivism and revocation rates.
Performance Plan mean entries by category Finding
On the Performance Plan, mean scores appear as follows: Education (0.92), Work (0.90), Vocational (0.78), and Problem Behavior (0.78).
ETS evaluation sampling includes institutional files, privilege slips, and Parole Board files Methodology note
Section 7.0 provides the sampling technique used in selecting institutional files, privilege slips and Parole Board files for this evaluation.
Low ETS diagnostic data in parole files Data gap
Only 57% or 26 of sampled parole files contained some ETS diagnostic data. This low proportion suggests a need for some clarification as to the exact requisite composition of the data package forwarded to the Parole Board by Departmental staff.
Lee, Stone Mountain, and Chatham Correctional Institution populations Statistic
Lee, Stone Mountain and Chatham Correctional Institution are all relatively small facilities, with populations that range from 180 to 230, and each located in a different District.
Average state institution population increased 5% from FY76 to FY77 Statistic
The average population increased by 399 inmates or 5% during the two-year period from July 1975 to June 1977, from 8,241 in FY76 to 8,640 in FY77.
399 inmates
ETS evaluation criteria include consistency, equity, responsiveness, appropriateness, magnitude, equilibrium, cost efficiency, cost effectiveness, clarity, precision, congruence, and impact Methodology note
The ETS evaluation criteria include consistency, equity, responsiveness, appropriateness, magnitude, equilibrium, cost efficiency, cost effectiveness, clarity, precision, congruence, and impact.
Simultaneous excellent and unsatisfactory ratings possible Policy
A number of these actions may be occurring simultaneously. An inmate may conceivably receive an 'Excellent' performance rating in one activity and an 'Unsatisfactory' in another. He would therefore be rewarded for his positive behavior and sanctioned for his negative behavior.
No Change entries in Extended Assessment by category Statistic
In the Extended Assessment, the 'No Change from Intake' entry represented the following proportions of total entries: Work, 13% (16 entries); Education, 32% (40); Leisure, 47% (59); and Vocational, 36% (45). Of all the Extended Assessments sampled, the 'No change' entry represented 46% (460) of the total entries.
46% vs. 460 total No Change entries
ETS evaluation includes on-site visits and file coding Methodology note
Vicky Clark, Research Consultant, DOR, took part in all on-site visits, assisted in coding hundreds of files, and provided valuable insights into the case management process.
Case Manager specificity on Inmate Evaluation vs Parole Review Summary Finding
Case Managers tend to be more specific and seemingly more comprehensive on the Inmate Evaluation than on the Parole Review Summary. The more specific questions on the Inmate Evaluation concerning program involvement and behavior patterns seem to elicit correspondingly more specific responses. Entries on the Summary range from comprehensive evaluative statements to non-specific summaries that might apply equally to any inmate.
Montgomery Correctional Institution and West Georgia Community Center populations Statistic
Montgomery Correctional Institution and West Georgia Community Center are both medium-sized institutions with populations of about 345; West Georgia is also unique in being the most recently opened state institution, with, therefore, no non-ETS experiences.
345 inmates
FY76 average state institution population: 8,241 Statistic
The average state institution population in FY76 was 8,241 inmates.
8,241 inmates
ETS evaluation measures include statistical comparisons of privileges earned, activities certified, and times out Methodology note
ETS evaluation measures include statistical comparison of privileges earned, activities certified, and times out among ETS institutions; statistical comparison of privileges earned and times out between age, race, and ability groups at each institution; verification of procedural change and case study analysis of client outcomes; sample analysis of correspondence between needs documented in records and actual program assignment; percentage of ETS inmates who receive some exception report over time; and statistical comparison of successful program completion rates.
Quarterly Review Summary documents inmate behavior Policy
The Case Manager uses the monthly PERs to document the inmate's behavior on a quarterly basis. When the inmate comes up for parole consideration, the Case Manager incorporates the information from this Quarterly Review Summary into the Parole Review Summary.
60-day period insufficient for new inmate information Finding
The high rate of 'No change' entries reflects observations by staff that a 60-day period is not sufficiently long for them to ascertain any new information about an inmate, even of a purely behavioral nature. One medium-sized state institution used the notation in 60% of their total Extended Assessment entries.
ETS evaluation included interviews with Parole Board staff Methodology note
Robertson Haworth and Michael Mackenzie, Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles, were most helpful both in interviews and in providing access to the Board's files.
Low vocational program completion rate explanation Finding
Low completion rates for vocational programs are easily interpreted as verification that new inmates are generally added to the bottom of extensive waiting lists for entry into these vocational programs. As classroom space occurs, it is apportioned first to those inmates whose names have been on the list for the longest period of time.
County work camps meeting ETS evaluation criteria Statistic
Since ETS was still in its early months of implementation, only 15 of the camps had 15 or more inmates that met this criterion (permanently assigned for longer than 60 days).
15 camps
FY77 average state institution population: 8,640 Statistic
The average state institution population in FY77 was 8,640 inmates.
8,640 inmates
ETS parole decisions may be little influenced by ETS Finding
The evaluation notes that many parole decisions are influenced by criteria impossible to quantify, and it may well be that parole decisions will be little influenced by ETS.
Inmate declared deficient on Parole Review Summary Policy
If the inmate's behavior during his incarceration has been unacceptable, documented through numerous disciplinary reports, he is declared 'deficient' on the Parole Review Summary which is then forwarded to the Parole Board.
Work obligations may preclude education program enrollment Finding
Case Managers at several institutions reported that an inmate must comply with Work obligations before being allowed to enroll in a prescribed Education program. After 8 hours on an outside work detail, the inmate seems to lose some motivation for evening classes.
ETS evaluation data processing handled by DOR Systems Section Methodology note
Tim Carr and Marsha Chalker, Systems Section, Department of Offender Rehabilitation, assumed unanticipated responsibility for data processing.
ETS implementation varied by institution Finding
Institutions have generally built upon what they had already developed, with the result that facilities with a strong, performance-based privilege system in the past have a similar system under ETS; institutions that had evolved a well-documented case history process have simply altered it to meet the new documentation requirements of ETS. Conversely, processes that did not function at certain institutions under Good Time are not functioning at the present under Earned Time.
County work camps selected for evaluation Methodology note
One camp was then selected from the reduced number within each of the four groups, resulting in the following additions to the sampled institutions: Fulton County Correctional Institution; Clarke County Correctional Institution; Terrell County Correctional Institution; and Gwinnett County Correctional Institution.
State institutions at 112% of design capacity in FY76 Statistic
The relationship of population to design capacity at state institutions was 112% in FY76.
112%
ETS evaluation includes man-year savings table for parole decisions Methodology note
The ETS evaluation includes a man-year savings table comparing average time served under Good Time versus ETS for sentence lengths of 1-10 years, noting that prior parole decisions will be carefully examined to account for factors other than sentence length.
ETS emphasizes conventional behavior transferable to free society Policy
Performance criteria emphasize conventional behavior readily transferable to free society, e.g., punctuality.
Incorrect entries in Performance Plan Need column Statistic
Notations are occasionally entered in the 'Need' column of the Performance Plan which are not needs at all—sometimes progress updates, occasionally directive phrases for the Case Manager himself. This situation occurred in 9.8% or 98 of the total Performance Plan entries sampled.
9.8% vs. 98 total incorrect entries
ETS evaluation guided by George Cox, Director of Program Evaluation Section Methodology note
George Cox, Director, Program Evaluation Section, Department of Offender Rehabilitation provided much needed guidance in interpreting reams of data.
Parole Board file contains diverse information items Finding
The Parole Board file on an inmate includes extensive social histories, legal reports of the crime, occasionally an updated case study and, on some inmates, a psychological profile. An inmate's behavior during incarceration forms only a small part of the total data file collected on him by the Parole Board.
Inmate sample selection methodology Methodology note
From a computer-generated list of Earned Time inmates permanently assigned to each institution for longer than 60 days, a sample of not less than 10% was randomly selected from each institution's list. Whenever practicable--i.e., time restrictions permitting--the sample size was expanded to allow review of a larger number of files.
State institutions at 111% of design capacity in FY77 Statistic
The relationship of population to design capacity at state institutions was 111% in FY77.
111%
ETS evaluation includes 8-sheet flow chart Methodology note
The ETS evaluation includes an 8-sheet flow chart (Figure 1) documenting the Earned Time System process from intake processing through parole release.
Inmate enters contingency contract known as Performance Plan Policy
After a detailed aptitude and skills assessment, the inmate enters into a contingency contract, known as a Performance Plan. As he completes each article of this Plan successfully, he acquires a new skill - vocational, educational, or interpersonal.
Intake needs verified during Extended Assessment Statistic
Of all inmate needs identified at Intake, 86% or 858 were verified during Extended Assessment in the 125 files that contained an Extended Assessment. This number includes the 460 entries of 'No change'.
86% vs. 858 total correspondences
ETS evaluation design reviewed by Dave Smith and Tom Roche Methodology note
Dave Smith and Tom Roche reviewed the design measures and were available as academic resource persons during the first seven months of this evaluation.
Parole Board expected diagnostic package contents Policy
According to a representative of the Board of Pardons and Paroles, the inmate file forwarded for review by institutional personnel is to contain a complete diagnostic package including the ETS Performance Assessment Sheet (Intake and Extended Assessments), employment history derived from an interview at the diagnostic point, and a computerized psychological profile. One of the more important other items is the inmate's face sheet.
ETS felon count Statistic
ETS felons number 4,487 (95% of ETS population).
4,487 inmates
FY76 Q1 population: 8,144 at 111% of design capacity Statistic
In FY76 Quarter 1, the average population was 8,144 against a design capacity of 7,348, representing 111% of design capacity occupied.
8,144 inmates
ETS evaluation includes coding instruments in Appendix C Methodology note
The ETS evaluation includes coding instruments in Appendix C, including a code sheet for institutional file review (Table C-1) with columns for institution code, inmate number, name, disciplinary reports, assignment date, birth year, race/sex, I.Q., classification, participation, and performance recording sheet data.
Inmate earns unit of time off for each day served Policy
As long as the inmate's performance and attitude comply with those specified for that activity, he earns a unit of time off the end of his prison term for each day he serves.
Medical area highest Intake-to-Extended correspondence Statistic
The highest proportion of Intake-to-Extended correspondence is in the Medical area (94% or 118), reflecting the natural reluctance on the part of a non-medical individual to counter the diagnosis of a physician.
94% vs. 118 total correspondences
ETS Supervisors organized evaluation itineraries Methodology note
Mike Puckett, Erskine Martin, Doug Williams, and John Bethea, ETS Supervisors, DOR, organized our various itineraries and provided invaluable assistance as liaisons within their respective districts.
ETS misdemeanant count Statistic
ETS misdemeanants number 250 (5% of ETS population).
250 inmates
FY76 Q2 population: 8,199 at 112% of design capacity Statistic
In FY76 Quarter 2, the average population was 8,199 against a design capacity of 7,348, representing 112% of design capacity occupied.
8,199 inmates
ETS evaluation includes supporting data in Appendix B Methodology note
The ETS evaluation includes supporting data in Appendix B, including Table B-2 (Inmate Population: County Institutions) and Table B-3 (Inmate Population: Community Facilities).
Privileges earned through exceptionally high performance Policy
More proximate positive reinforcements are also available in the form of institutional privileges earned through an exceptionally high level of performance in an activity.
Education and Leisure Intake-to-Extended correspondence Statistic
Education and Leisure each showed 89% or 111 correspondences between Intake and Extended Assessment.
89% vs. 111 total correspondences
Vocational and Problem Behavior lowest Intake-to-Extended correspondence Statistic
Vocational and Problem Behavior showed the lowest Intake-to-Extended correspondence at 78% (97 and 98 correspondences, respectively).
78%
Dave Otto provided information on diagnostic process programmatic aspects Methodology note
Dave Otto guided our first look at institutional life and provided continually updated information on programmatic aspects of the diagnostic process.
Non-ETS felon count Statistic
Non-ETS felons number 6,858 (98% of non-ETS population).
6,858 inmates
FY76 Q3 population: 8,203 at 112% of design capacity Statistic
In FY76 Quarter 3, the average population was 8,203 against a design capacity of 7,348, representing 112% of design capacity occupied.
8,203 inmates
ETS evaluation bibliography includes behavioral modification literature Methodology note
The ETS evaluation bibliography includes works on behavioral modification in corrections, including McKee's 'New Directions in Corrections' (1971), Milan and McKee's 'The Cellblock Token Economy' (1976), Ross and McKay's 'A Study of Institutional Treatment Programs' (1976), Silber's 'The Place of Behavior Therapy in Correction' (1976), Smith and Berlin's 'Self-Determination in Welfare and Corrections' (1974), Smith's 'A Survey of Good Time Policies and Practices' (1975), Watkins' works on changing inmate behavior, and Webb et al.'s 'Recidivism: In Search of a More Comprehensive Definition' (1976).
Poor performance may result in removal from earning status Policy
Exceptionally poor performance - not resulting from a lack of skills - carries a negative sanction which may include removal from an earning status for a specific period of time.
Discrepancy between staff perceptions and Intake-Extended agreement data Finding
The consistently high level of agreement between Intake and Extended (86%) is at some variance with staff perceptions. Institutional personnel at differing administrative levels conveyed their perception that diagnostic data included in the Intake was often not borne out by the actual behavior of the inmate at the institution. These observations are not reflected in the Extended Assessments at these institutions.
Jerry Nosin and Margo Edwards shared program staff perspective Methodology note
Jerry Nosin and Margo Edwards allowed us to share the perspective of program staff involved with the System on a day-to-day basis.
Non-ETS misdemeanant count Statistic
Non-ETS misdemeanants number 102 (2% of non-ETS population).
102 inmates
FY76 Q4 population: 8,407 at 114% of design capacity Statistic
In FY76 Quarter 4, the average population was 8,407 against a design capacity of 7,348, representing 114% of design capacity occupied.
8,407 inmates
Recidivism rates across treatment phases in Ross and McKay study Statistic
Ross and McKay's study of institutional treatment programs reported recidivism rates of 33.3% for the control group, then 53.3%, 66.6%, 60.0%, and 6.6% for the 4 phases of the treatment program respectively.
33.3% vs. 6.6 final phase recidivism rate
Source
- Ross and McKay, 'A Study of Institutional Treatment Programs' (1976)
Cumulative behaviors projected as major parole factor Policy
By the time an inmate's case comes up for parole consideration, extensive documentation is available to the Parole Board concerning the inmate's compliance with various articles of his Performance Plan. His positive or negative cumulative behaviors are projected as a major factor in the final parole decision.
Highest Intake-Extended correspondence at diagnostic or low-ratio institutions Finding
The highest levels of Intake-Extended correspondence were observed (1) at institutions with a diagnostic mission or component, so that inmates assigned to the permanent population had been assessed initially by colleagues, or (2) at institutions with a low counselor-inmate ratio, allowing more contact hours for assessment on the part of the Case Manager.
Andrea Trimm provided typing support for evaluation Methodology note
Finally, Andrea Trimm provided the typing support without which this evaluation could truly not have been prepared.
Total felon count in Georgia corrections Statistic
Total felons in Georgia corrections number 11,345 (97% of total population).
11,345 inmates
FY77 Q1 population: 8,467 at 109% of design capacity Statistic
In FY77 Quarter 1, the average population was 8,467 against a design capacity of 7,780, representing 109% of design capacity occupied.
8,467 inmates
ETS handbook issued to inmates Policy
Each inmate is issued a handbook containing functional and organizational information and regulations concerning inmate behavior.
Extended Assessment needs verified in Performance Plan Need column Statistic
Of all inmate needs that were verified during Extended Assessment, 691 or 69% showed some degree of correspondence with the need or objective stated in the 'Need' column of the Performance Plan. In 52 of the total 1000 categories present (or 5%) the 'Need' cell on the Plan was left entirely blank.
69% vs. 691 total correspondences
ETS evaluation includes literature review on operant learning principles Methodology note
Section 2.0 is a review of current literature as it pertains to the operant learning principles upon which the Earned Time System is based. Discussion centers around several recurring issues in the continuing dialogue about behavior change.
Total misdemeanant count in Georgia corrections Statistic
Total misdemeanants in Georgia corrections number 352 (3% of total population).
352 inmates
FY77 Q2 population: 8,549 at 110% of design capacity Statistic
In FY77 Quarter 2, the average population was 8,549 against a design capacity of 7,789, representing 110% of design capacity occupied.
8,549 inmates
Watkins model emphasizes correctional officer as behavior shaper Finding
John C. Watkins' model for institutional behavior change emphasizes the correctional officer as the most important 'behavior shaper' who relates to the inmate in a non-treatment setting, and includes transfer to special quarters for inmates who have progressed through various stages of positive behavioral change.
Source
- Watkins, 'Organization of Institutional Resources for Behavior Change' (1967)
Performance Recording Sheet initiated at initial interview Policy
The interviewer initiates a Performance Recording Sheet for inclusion in the inmate's file. Any significant occurrences in the inmate's life during his incarceration, except for diagnostic data, are entered on this sheet.
Education highest Extended-to-Need correspondence Statistic
The degree of Extended-to-Need correspondence ranged from a high of 76% for Educational needs to a low of 62% for the category labeled 'Other' which describes an inmate's needs concerning his relationships with non-institutional persons, such as family members or friends.
76% vs. 62 lowest correspondence (Other category)
ETS evaluation includes historical perspective of Departmental programs Methodology note
Section 3.0 provides an historical perspective of Departmental programs that set the stage for ETS.
ETS white male count Statistic
ETS white males number 1,951 (41% of ETS population).
1,951 inmates
FY77 Q3 population: 8,687 at 112% of design capacity Statistic
In FY77 Quarter 3, the average population was 8,687 against a design capacity of 7,780, representing 112% of design capacity occupied.
8,687 inmates
McKee predicts performance-contingent parole Finding
John M. McKee's 1971 address predicted 'performance-contingent parole' requiring precise specification of behaviors and skills necessary to earn parole, citing success at the Karl Holton School for Boys in Stockton, California.
Source
- McKee, 'New Directions in Corrections' (1971)
Department of Labor representative assesses aptitude Policy
After the initial interview the inmate undergoes a battery of psychological and vocational tests. He is then interviewed by a representative of the Department of Labor in order to assess his aptitude and educational preparation for various jobs.
Request to Participate form signed by inmate Policy
If the inmate wishes to take part in ETS, he signs a 'Request to Participate' form which is included in his file and forwarded to the Classification Committee for processing.
Correspondence drops at Need assessment stage Finding
Need assessment marks a significant point in the Plan development process, because at this juncture the level of correspondence drops in every category in systemwide comparison and at 11 of the 14 individual institutions sampled. Two of the other three gained an average of three percentage points.
ETS evaluation outlines major evaluation criteria in terms of system processes Methodology note
Section 4.0 outlines the major evaluation criteria in terms of system processes.
ETS non-white male count Statistic
ETS non-white males number 2,497 (53% of ETS population).
2,497 inmates
FY77 Q4 population: 8,679 at 112% of design capacity Statistic
In FY77 Quarter 4, the average population was 8,679 against a design capacity of 7,780, representing 112% of design capacity occupied.
8,679 inmates
Silber reviews behavior therapy techniques in corrections Finding
David E. Silber's 1976 article reviews behavior therapy techniques used to correct antisocial behavior, including aversive conditioning programs using drugs or electric shocks, and suggests positive reinforcement may yield higher success rates without requiring highly trained professionals.
Source
- Silber, 'The Place of Behavior Therapy in Correction' (1976)
Statement of Non-Participation form Policy
If the inmate refuses to change his decision, the interviewer assists him in completing a 'Statement of Non-Participation.' This form is included in the inmate's file and forwarded to the Classification Committee.
Case Managers difficulty utilizing diagnostic data Finding
The drop from 86% Intake-Extended agreement to 69% Extended-Need agreement seems to indicate some difficulty on the part of Case Managers to utilize diagnostic data effectively in assessing the inmate's need or objective in a given area. In some cases a verified need from the Extended Assessment was re-cast to correspond with institutional program offerings, rather than being addressed with the notation that the 'needed program is not available at this institution.'
ETS evaluation details new inmate activities from orientation through parole Methodology note
Section 5.0 presents a detailed account of a new ETS inmate and his activities from orientation through parole consideration.
ETS white female count Statistic
ETS white females number 107 (2% of ETS population).
107 inmates
'Habitual' offender designation flagged as triple penalty Finding
The report flags the offender classified as 'habitual' as a potential problem area: his sentence length is probably already longer as the result of the judge's consideration of his past offenses; his chances for favorable parole consideration are lessened because of his criminal history and return-to-prison rate; and he earns at a lower rate than the non-habitual. This triple penalty may have serious consequences for the corrections system if it is not soon mitigated, possibly through the elimination of the 'habitual' designation.
Smith and Berlin discuss self-determination in corrections Finding
Alexander B. Smith and Louis Berlin's 1974 article discusses self-determination for involuntary clients (prisoners), noting that non-submission to casework process carries punishment including non-eligibility for early parole, and cites Henry Miller's contention that offenders should have the right to refuse rehabilitation and simply 'do his time.'
Source
- Smith and Berlin, 'Self-Determination in Welfare and Corrections' (1974)
Classification Committee approves non-participation decision Policy
The Classification Committee meets with the inmate to ascertain his understanding of a non-participation decision. If the Committee agrees that the inmate realizes the consequences of his action and he still refuses to rescind that action, they approve his decision on the Non-Participation form and he is placed in a non-earning status.
Need-to-Activity correspondence in Performance Plans Statistic
Of the 1,000 category entries considered, 686 or 69% contained an activity that corresponded with the assessed need. In 172 or 17% of the categories the Activity column was blank, although a need had been identified on the Plan.
69% vs. 686 total correspondences
ETS evaluation provides overview of ETS population compared to general population Methodology note
Section 6.0 is an overview of the ETS population as they compare in number, distribution, and racial and ability groups with the general population.
ETS non-white female count Statistic
ETS non-white females number 182 (4% of ETS population).
182 inmates
ETS earn-out rate: two days off per day served for non-habitual Policy
In theory, by consistently earning two days off time for each day served, the inmate will earn his way out at one-third of his sentence, whether or not he is granted parole.
Webb et al. call for more comprehensive recidivism definition Finding
Webb, Hoffman, Wakefield, and Snell's 1976 article reports that recidivist literature generally accepts a simplistic definition of recidivism and suggests supplementing recidivist measures with relative severity of second vs. first offense, cumulative time outside correctional system, and unemployment time.
Source
- Webb et al., 'Recidivism: In Search of a More Comprehensive Definition' (1976)
Test scores entered in Performance Assessment Sheet Policy
The Classification Committee enters the inmate's various test scores in the Intake section of the 'Performance Assessment Sheet.'
Work highest Need-to-Activity correspondence Statistic
The level of Need-to-Activity correspondence ranged from a high of 76% in the Work category to a low of 58% under 'Other'.
76% vs. 58 lowest correspondence (Other category)
ETS evaluation presents conclusions and recommendations Methodology note
Section 14.0 presents conclusions and recommendations based upon the data included in previous sections and upon behavioral observations. The author accepts full responsibility for the content of this evaluation.
Non-ETS white male count Statistic
Non-ETS white males number 2,305 (33% of non-ETS population).
2,305 inmates
ETS earn-out rate: one day off per day served for habitual offenders Policy
If an inmate is an 'habitual' ETS offender, he earns at one day off for one day served, so the earn out point only occurs at half his sentence length.
Milan and McKee report on cellblock token economy Finding
Milan and McKee's 1976 article reports on token reinforcement procedures in a maximum security correctional institution for adult male felons.
Source
- Milan and McKee, 'The Cellblock Token Economy' (1976)
Case Manager initial interview reviews ETS procedures Policy
The Case Manager conducts an initial interview to (1) review ETS procedures once again; (2) review and discuss intake information from the diagnostic center with the inmate, noting any possible discrepancies; and (3) discuss needs identified at the diagnostic center and confirm them in combination with the inmate's self-assessment.
Activity-to-Date correspondence in Performance Plans Statistic
Of a total 1,000 possible correspondences, dates were entered in 635 or 64% of the categories. These range from a high of 86% for Medical to a low of 53% for Pre-Release.
64% vs. 635 total correspondences
ETS evaluation includes appendices with design, supporting data, and coding instruments Methodology note
The evaluation includes Appendix A: Earned Time System Evaluation Design; Appendix B: Supporting Data; and Appendix C: Evaluation Coding Instruments.
Non-ETS non-white male count Statistic
Non-ETS non-white males number 4,421 (64% of non-ETS population).
4,421 inmates
ETS provides two levels of positive reinforcement Policy
The Earned Time System provides two levels of positive reinforcement for the inmate: (1) time off the end of his sentence, with the Department's favorable parole recommendation, predicated upon sustained acceptable performance; and (2) extra institutional privileges earned through exceptional performance in a rated activity.
Non-participant assessment process ended Policy
If the inmate is a Non-Participant and wishes to retain that status, the assessment process is ended.
Low Activity-to-Date correspondence interpretations Finding
Low levels of Activity-to-Date correspondence may be interpreted in various ways: (1) Case Managers may have no way of determining when an inmate will be enrolled in a prescribed program; (2) traditional practice at an institution may require that an inmate serve in a probationary status for a given period of time and 'earn' enrollment in programs or assignment to better details; (3) management and staff may perceive compliance with ETS procedures to be achieved when the paperwork is completed, rather than when the inmate is participating in needed activities.
ETS evaluation includes 20 tables and 3 figures Methodology note
The evaluation includes a List of Tables with 20 tables (Table 1 through Table 20) and a List of Figures with 3 figures (Figure 1 through Figure 3).
Non-ETS white female count Statistic
Non-ETS white females number 74 (1% of non-ETS population).
74 inmates
No PAD had received final approval at time of evaluation Finding
All Performance Activity Descriptions (PADs) were granted 'provisional approval' pending final review for standardization. At the time of writing, final approval had not yet been designated for any PAD.
Inmate assigned to work detail after Case Manager interview Policy
After the interview with his Case Manager, the inmate is assigned to a work detail. The Case Manager may request a Supervisor's Evaluation from the staff member who supervises this detail.
Highest Plan development correspondence at low counselor-inmate ratio institutions Finding
Generally, the highest levels of correspondence across all stages of the Plan development process seem to occur at institutions with low counselor-inmate ratios. Coincidentally, these seem also to be the institutions most amenable to change and to adopting a new philosophy of dealing with the offender.
Inmates may cooperate with programs to improve parole chances or relieve monotony Finding
The pressures that militate against a positive response are numerous; for example, inmates generally believe that they will improve their chances for early parole by cooperating with institutional officials' requests to participate in any program; or they may feel that participation will be a welcome relief from the monotony of prison life.
Non-ETS non-white female count Statistic
Non-ETS non-white females number 160 (2% of non-ETS population).
160 inmates
Systematic evaluation of Performance Notices administratively impossible Methodology note
Systematic evaluation of the Performance Notices (PNs) and Performance Exception Reports (PERs) proved to be administratively impossible since the reports were filed in individual inmate folders with no way to track their exact location once the reporting process had resulted in the recommended transaction (i.e., privilege or disciplinary action).
Extended Assessment records data in eight areas Policy
The Case Manager records all input data such as correspondence, test scores, and interview results in the eight areas of the Extended Assessment section of the Performance Assessment Sheet.
Quarterly Review Summary forwarded to Parole Board Policy
All Quarterly Review Summaries are forwarded to the Parole Board when the inmate's consideration date arrives, for inclusion in the Board's information file. Accurate, detailed completion of this form has a potentially large impact on the parole decision, since the Quarterly provides the only continually updated history of the inmate's behavior and performance during his incarceration.
Smith and Berlin discuss self-determination of voluntary and involuntary clients Finding
Smith and Berlin consider this issue of the amount of self-determination allowed to both a 'voluntary' client, e.g., a welfare recipient, and to an 'involuntary' client, e.g., a prisoner. They observe that both classes are forced to submit to the casework process in which a counselor probes intrapsychic areas that may have nothing to do with the client's financial status or his incarceration. Non-submission to this process carries its own punishment: in the former case, loss of welfare benefits; in the latter, non-eligibility for early parole.
Total white male count in Georgia corrections Statistic
Total white males in Georgia corrections number 4,256 (36% of total population).
4,256 inmates
Quarterly Review Summary entries lack continuity Finding
Staff do not display many skills in completing the Quarterly Review Summary. Entries tend to be terse phrases that convey little information by way of update. Often the entries do not reflect the inmate's enrollment in programs cited on the Performance Plan; or progress is occasionally noted in a program that is not indicated on the inmate's Performance Plan. Overall, this particular documentation seems to lack continuity, a vital element in any effective case management process.
Performance Plan discussed with inmate Policy
The Case Manager discusses the Performance Plan with the inmate, considering any input he might make, and revises the Plan as necessary.
Privilege slip data collection difficulties Methodology note
Each ETS District Supervisor was requested to accumulate privilege slips for three months at each state institution and at one or more county camps in his district. At the end of the three-month period a number of administrative difficulties arose: most county camps had either not retained their slips or had at most three to report; several state institutions had filed their redeemed slips in the inmate's file; and two other state institutions had only transaction logs to indicate a functioning privilege system. The final sample included 12 state institutions tracked over a period ranging from two to three months.
Miller contends freedom of choice includes freedom to refuse treatment Finding
They also discuss Sociologist Henry Miller's contention that freedom of choice includes freedom to refuse treatment, provided one is willing to accept the consequences. Miller extends this assertion to the situation of the offender--who should have the right to refuse rehabilitation and simply 'do his time'.
Total non-white male count in Georgia corrections Statistic
Total non-white males in Georgia corrections number 6,918 (59% of total population).
6,918 inmates
Work, Education, and Problem Behavior had highest mean discrete entries (1.7) Statistic
With a mean of 1.7, Work, Education and Problem Behavior were the categories with the highest average number of discrete entries in the Quarterly Review Summary. The significance of a 1.7 average, however, is difficult to determine in a process with an overall mean of only 1.4.
1.7 mean discrete entries vs. 1.4 overall mean discrete entries
Completed Plan and Extended Assessment sent to Classification Committee Policy
The completed Plan and Extended Assessment are sent to the Classification Committee for approval.
Parole Board file sampling methodology Methodology note
Initially, three computer printouts were generated: (1) all Earned Time inmates who had been granted first parole consideration since the inception of ETS, with names sorted by type of release and date of release; (2) same names, in a collapsed alpha listing, sorted only by type of release; and (3) all Earned Time inmates who had been denied parole since the beginning of ETS, sorted by denial date. Since DOR staff were required to provide ETS documentation only for those inmates who were being considered for a parole, only parole transactions were included in the sample. The sample duplicated the denied-to-granted parole ratio of the original 175.
Good time removal becomes aversive control procedure in automatic award systems Finding
As Smith remarks, the removal of good time in the former institutions becomes another of the more relied-upon control procedures for institutional management, with little concern about the negative side effects of this policy upon any existing programs that emphasize rehabilitation. In effect, this variety of good time award becomes an aversive control procedure at these institutions.
Source
- Smith, Robert R. 'A Survey of Good Time Policies and Practices in American Correctional Agencies' (1975)
Total white female count in Georgia corrections Statistic
Total white females in Georgia corrections number 181 (2% of total population).
181 inmates
1,242 total discrete entries in Quarterly Review Summary Statistic
A total of 1,242 discrete entries were recorded across all Quarterly Review Summary categories in the evaluation, with an overall mean of 1.4 discrete entries per category.
1,242 discrete entries
Performance Notice issued for excellent or unsatisfactory behavior Policy
The activity supervisor issues an 'Excellent' or 'Unsatisfactory' Performance Notice (P.N.) to an inmate based on performance criteria specified in the Performance Activity Description for that activity.
Parole denial files retained by Board members Methodology note
Inmates granted parole were randomly sampled to draw the requisite files, but this technique proved unworkable for those denied parole since their files were being retained by Board members for further review. The sample of denials, therefore, was drawn from the number available in the records retention area.
Justice model proponents do not recommend discontinuing institutional programs Finding
It is important to note that they do not recommend that institutional programs be discontinued; only that an inmate's participation be truly voluntary and not tied to any decisions concerning his release.
Sources
- Fogel, David. We are the Living Proof: The Justice Model for Corrections (1975)
- Lipton, Douglas; Martinson, Robert; Wilks, Judith. The Effectiveness of Correctional Treatment (1975)
- MacNamara, Donal E. 'The Medical Model in Corrections' (1977)
Total non-white female count in Georgia corrections Statistic
Total non-white females in Georgia corrections number 342 (3% of total population).
342 inmates
84 'No Change' or 'N/A' entries in Quarterly Review Summary (10%) Statistic
A total of 84 entries (10%) in the Quarterly Review Summary were recorded as 'No Change' or 'Not Applicable', as a percentage of total Quarterly Review Summary categories present, or 880.
84 entries
Disciplinary Report for negative attitude Policy
If instead of citing the inmate for a performance deficiency, the supervisor cites him for displaying a negative attitude - as in a case of insubordination - he initiates a Disciplinary Report and forwards it to the Disciplinary Committee for processing.
Sampling deviation at GDCC, GSP, and GIl Methodology note
Exceptions to the sampling technique occurred in relation to files at GDCC, GSP, and GIl. Although one on-site visit had already been made to each of these institutions, a significant amount of time had elapsed since that visit, so new data were imperative. The ETS Coordinator at GDCC supplied a list of all 'E' numbered inmates permanently assigned to the general population; the ETS Coordinator at GIl indicated on a list of 109 'E' inmates those who were on a DOR (as opposed to VR) caseload; and the sample for GSP was randomly selected from a computer-generated list of all 'E' inmates permanently assigned to the institution for longer than 60 days.
Justice model may never be fully adopted but contributes to dialogue Finding
The model itself may never be fully adopted by any correctional system but, certainly, the controversy that it has generated will contribute a new dimension to the dialogue concerning the function of prisons in our society.
ETS male subtotal Statistic
ETS males subtotal 4,448 (94% of ETS population).
4,448 inmates
880 total Quarterly Review Summary categories present Statistic
The total number of Quarterly Review Summary categories present in the evaluation was 880.
880 categories
ETS coordinator quarterly privilege sampling recommended Finding
In order to monitor equity, ETS Coordinators or Supervisors might randomly sample privileges on a quarterly basis and compare the privilege mix with an institutional profile. Any radical change from one quarter to the next could then be identified before a problem developed.
GIl list of 109 E inmates for sampling Statistic
The ETS Coordinator at GIl was asked to indicate on a list of 109 'E' inmates, all of whom had been permanently assigned to GIl longer than 60 days, those who were on a DOR (as opposed to VR) caseload.
109 inmates
Copies of literature review articles available in DOR Reference/Resource Center Methodology note
N.B.: Copies of most articles discussed in the Literature Review referenced in the Bibliography may be found in the vertical file, DOR Reference/Resource Center.
ETS female subtotal Statistic
ETS females subtotal 289 (6% of ETS population).
289 inmates
Institutional mean discrete entries ranged from 0.75 to 1.9 Statistic
Overall means at individual institutions ranged from a low of 0.75 at one of the smaller state institutions (where the most frequent entry was 'No change') to a high of 1.9 at a former Youthful Offender institution whose staff seems to have mastered the technique of making progress notes.
1.9 mean discrete entries vs. 0.8 minimum institutional mean
Inmate committee to channel privilege recommendations Finding
In an effort to ensure that privileges are, in fact, motivators for inmates, a committee of inmates could be established at each facility to channel inmate recommendations concerning privileges to appropriate administrators.
No inmate has declined ETS participation Finding
To date no inmate has decided not to participate in ETS.
ETS Performance Plan retains specificity of contingency contract Finding
Although the Earned Time System Performance Plan does not obligate the offender in the same consequential manner as does the contingency contract, it retains the element of specificity introduced by that contact. By his signature the inmate agrees to participate in a clearly defined program of activities based upon his assessed needs and personal objectives.
Non-ETS male subtotal Statistic
Non-ETS males subtotal 6,726 (97% of non-ETS population).
6,726 inmates
Highest QRS means at newest institutions and smaller state institution Finding
Generally, the highest Quarterly Review Summary means were recorded at the state's newest institutions, where staff did not have to unlearn one case management process and replace it with another, and at a smaller state institution where staff expressed a notable degree of concern regarding case management processes.
PAD review and standardization recommended Finding
A concerted effort should be encouraged for pertinent program staff to review and standardize the Performance Activity Descriptions so that final approval may be designated by Central Office. Their specific use by Activity Supervisors is then recommended as a method of ensuring objectivity in the rating process.
ETS classification determined at three institutions Policy
The classifying mechanism (habitual or non-habitual) has been highly routinized at the three institutions where the determination is presently made: GDCC, GIl, and GWCI.
ETS expands case recording system with separate transaction documents Finding
The Earned Time System also continues and expands the idea of a case recording system by introducing separate transaction documents to fulfill different recording needs.
Non-ETS female subtotal Statistic
Non-ETS females subtotal 234 (3% of non-ETS population).
234 inmates
Supervisor's Evaluation comments generally one sentence or less Finding
Comments on the Supervisor's Evaluation were generally restricted to one sentence or less. This brevity may reflect the impact on the amount of time or the degree of familiarity with the inmate allowed to the Activity Supervisor with a large detail.
PN and PER are core of performance rating process Finding
The Performance Notice (PN) and Performance Exception Report (PER) are the core of the performance rating process.
ETS case management process described as vehicle for accountability Finding
The case management process is a vehicle for Departmental accountability at the primary level of interaction with the inmate. The case record is an accurate depiction and an ongoing history of both the events in the inmate's life and the numerous encounters between him and the Department.
Youthful Offender Act contract signed by offender, institution, division, and Parole Board Legal fact
The conditions of this program were subsequently outlined in a contract for release consideration signed by the offender, an institutional representative, the Youthful Offender Division, and the Parole Board.
Total male count in Georgia corrections Statistic
Total males in Georgia corrections number 11,174 (96% of total population).
11,174 inmates
Supervisor's Evaluation required quarterly for each assigned inmate Policy
The Supervisor's Evaluation is required on a quarterly basis for each inmate assigned to an activity under ETS Procedures.
Academic supervisors use PAD specifics more than others Finding
Performance reports are most often written in terms of specifics delineated in the PAD when the activity is an academic one. Other supervisors seem to phrase their observations in terms of productivity alone.
ETS requires inmate responsibility for rehabilitation Policy
The basic tenets of the Earned Time System require that an inmate assume responsibility for his own actions and be the decisive factor in his own rehabilitation. He decides whether he wants to participate in the Earned Time continuum; in theory, he decides whether he will participate in any institutional programs; and he decides at what level he will perform in those programs.
Youthful Offender Act contract placed responsibility on inmate Legal fact
This contract placed full responsibility for his action upon the inmate. By his signature the offender agrees to participate in the vocational, educational and counseling programs specified, in order to be considered for release. The inmate must then maintain an acceptable, specified level of performance in these programs or his contract will be subject to renegotiation.
Total female count in Georgia corrections Statistic
Total females in Georgia corrections number 523 (4% of total population).
523 inmates
Privilege must be used within one month of award Policy
ETS Procedures specify that an inmate 'must use [an earned] privilege before the expiration date, normally one month from the date of award.'
Training recommended to expand excellent performance descriptions Finding
Although productivity is a key concern of any work detail supervisor, further training efforts might be directed at encouraging them to expand their description of excellent performance. The importance of the supervisor's role in the inmate's learning experience deserves constant reiteration.
Eight assessment categories in ETS plan development Policy
Each of the three major documents in the plan development process—Intake Assessment, Extended Assessment, and Performance Plan—contains eight distinct areas in which to assess the inmate's needs and aptitudes: (1) Work, (2) Vocational, (3) Education, (4) Problem Behavior, (5) Leisure, (6) Pre-Release, (7) Medical and (8) Other.
Youthful Offender Act case record documents institutional adjustment Legal fact
A case recording system is an important aspect of this program, since it is used to record the progress of each inmate. According to the program's operational guidelines, the case record documents the offender's institutional adjustment, evaluates his progress, and recommends any necessary renegotiations of contract.
ETS white subtotal Statistic
ETS whites subtotal 2,058 (43% of ETS population).
2,058 inmates
Two-week phone call privilege limit at one small institution Policy
One of the small institutions has established a two-week limit on phone call privileges; that is, any inmate selecting a phone call as his privilege has two weeks from the date of the privilege slip to make his phone call. Since the phone call accounts for 75% of the privileges chosen at that institution during any given month, the two-week policy probably contributes to this institution's low turnaround time of 4.7 days.
Unsatisfactory report implies different deficiency than Disciplinary Report Finding
The 'Unsatisfactory' monthly report implies a different deficiency on the part of the inmate and a different way of dealing with it than does the Disciplinary Report.
Sources
55 cited sources backing this research.
Primary
Official report
Ault, Allen L. The Public Position on the Status of the Correctional System (1975)
Secondary
Academic
Behavior Modification for Prisoners, Patients, and other People as a Prescription for the Planned Society (Holland, 1975)
Secondary
Academic
Behavioral Approaches to Treatment in the Crime and Delinquency Field (Braukmann et al., 1975)
Primary
Academic
Braukmann, Curtis J.; Fixsen, Dean L.; Phillips, Elery L.; Wolf, Montrose M. 'Behavioral Approaches to Treatment in the Crime and Delinquency Field' (1975)
Primary
Academic
Brown, Bertram S., MD; Wienckowski, Louis A., Ph.D.; Stolz, Stephanie B., Ph.D. Behavior Modification: Perspective on a Current Issue (1975)
Primary
Academic
Citizens' Inquiry on Parole and Criminal Justice. Prison Without Walls (1975)
Primary
Academic
Coates, Robert B. and Miller, Alden D. 'Evaluating Larger Scale Social Service Systems in Changing Environments: The Case of Correctional Agencies' (1975)
Primary
Academic
Colman, Capt. Arthur D. and Baker, Jr., Col. Stewart L. 'Utilization of an Operant Conditioning Model for the Treatment of Character and Behavior Disorder in a Military Setting' (1969)
Secondary
Academic
Contingency Contracting with Juvenile Offenders (Fitzgerald, 1974)
Primary
Official report
Cox and DeCostanzo 1977 On-Site Visit Report
Primary
Academic
Fitzgerald, Thomas J. 'Contingency Contracting with Juvenile Offenders' (1974)
Primary
Academic
Fogel, David. We are the Living Proof: The Justice Model for Corrections (1975)
Primary
Academic
Friedman, C. Jack and Mann, Frederica. 'Recidivism: the Fallacy of Prediction' (1976)
Primary
Academic
Geller, E. Scott; Johnson, Daniel F.; Hamilton, Paul H.; Kennedy, Thomas D. 'Behavior Modification in a Prison: Issues, Problems, and Compromises' (1977)
Primary
Academic
Glaser, Daniel. 'Achieving Better Questions: A Half Century's Progress in Correctional Research' (1975)
Primary
Academic
Holland, James G. 'Behavior Modification for Prisoners, Patients, and other People as a Prescription for the Planned Society' (1975)
Primary
Academic
Hosford, Ray E. and Moss, C. Scott. 'Counseling in the Prison: Implications for Counselor Training' (1975)
Secondary
Academic
Inmate Grievance Mechanisms: A Survey of 209 American Prisons (McArthur, 1974)
Primary
Academic
Jesness, Carl F. 'The Impact of Behavior Modification and Transactional Analysis on Institution Social Climate' (1975)
Primary
Academic
Kazdin, Alan E. 'The Rich Rewards of Rewards' (1976)
Primary
Academic
Kenton, Frank P. 'Prisons: Rehabilitative or Custodial Institutions?' (1975)
Primary
Academic
Lipton, Douglas; Martinson, Robert; Wilks, Judith. The Effectiveness of Correctional Treatment (1975)
Primary
Academic
MacNamara, Donal E. 'The Medical Model in Corrections' (1977)
Primary
Academic
McArthur, Virginia. 'Inmate Grievance Mechanisms: A Survey of 209 American Prisons' (1974)
Primary
Academic
McConkie, Mark L. The Correctional Application of Change Theories (1976)
Primary
Academic
McConnell, James V. 'Criminals Can Be Brainwashed-Now' (1969)
Primary
Academic
McKee, 'New Directions in Corrections' (1971)
Primary
Academic
McKee, John M. New Directions in Corrections (1971)
Primary
Academic
McKee, John M. The Application of Behavior Theory to Correctional Practice (1971)
Primary
Academic
Milan and McKee, 'The Cellblock Token Economy' (1976)
Primary
Academic
Milan, Michael A. and McKee, John M. 'The Cellblock Token Economy: Token Reinforcement Procedures in a Maximum Security Correctional Institution for Adult Male Felons' (1976)
Primary
Academic
Nagel, William G. 'On Behalf of a Moratorium on Prison Construction' (1977)
Secondary
Academic
Recidivism: the Fallacy of Prediction (Friedman and Mann, 1976)
Primary
Academic
Ross and McKay, 'A Study of Institutional Treatment Programs' (1976)
Primary
Academic
Ross, Robert R. and McKay, H. Bryan. 'A Study of Institutional Treatment Programs' (1976)
Primary
Academic
Shapiro, M. H. 'Legislating the Control of Behavior Control: Autonomy and the Coercive Use of Organic Therapies' (1974)
Primary
Academic
Silber, 'The Place of Behavior Therapy in Correction' (1976)
Primary
Academic
Silber, David E. 'The Place of Behavior Therapy in Correction' (1976)
Primary
Academic
Smith and Berlin, 'Self-Determination in Welfare and Corrections' (1974)
Primary
Official report
Smith and Roche 1977 ETS Paperwork Report
Primary
Academic
Smith, 'A Survey of Good Time Policies and Practices in American Correctional Agencies' (1975)
Primary
Academic
Smith, Robert R. 'A Preliminary Analysis of Georgia's Earned Time System' (1977)
Primary
Academic
Smith, Robert R. 'A Survey of Good Time Policies and Practices in American Correctional Agencies' (1975)
Primary
Academic
Smith, Robert R. 'The Correctional Officer As A Behavioral Technician' (1976)
Secondary
Academic
The Application of Behavior Theory to Correctional Practice (McKee, 1971)
Primary
Official report
Secondary
Academic
The Impact of Behavior Modification and Transactional Analysis on Institution Social Climate (Jesness, 1975)
Primary
Official report
The Public Position on the Status of the Correctional System (Ault, 1975)
Secondary
Academic
Utilization of an Operant Conditioning Model for the Treatment of Character and Behavior Disorder in a Military Setting (Colman and Baker, 1969)
Primary
Academic
Watkins, 'Changing Inmate Behavior' (1970)
Primary
Academic
Watkins, 'Organization of Institutional Resources for Behavior Change' (1967)
Primary
Academic
Watkins, John C. 'Organization of Institutional Resources for Behavior Change: A Model' (1967)
Primary
Academic
Watkins, John C. Changing Inmate Behavior (1970)
Primary
Academic
Webb et al., 'Recidivism: In Search of a More Comprehensive Definition' (1976)
Primary
Academic
Webb, Vincent J.; Hoffman, Dennis E.; Wakefield, William O.; Snell, Joel. 'Recidivism: In Search of a More Comprehensive Definition' (1976)
Key Entities
Organizations, people, facilities, and other named entities referenced in this research.
Alexander B. Smith
[person]
Allen Ault
[person]
Allen L. Ault
[person]
Andrea Trimm
[person]
Atlanta Advancement Center
[facility]
Chatham Correctional Institution
[facility]
Chatham County Correctional Institution
[facility]
Clarke County Correctional Institution
[facility]
Classification Committee
[organization]
Cox
[person]
Dave Otto
[person]
Dave Smith
[person]
David E. Silber
[person]
David Smith
[person]
Dennis E. Hoffman
[person]
Disciplinary Committee
[organization]
Doug Williams
[person]
Earned Time System
[program]
Elaine T. DeCostanzo
[person]
Erskine Martin
[person]
Federal Bureau of Investigation
[organization]
Federal Correctional Institution at Lompoc
[facility]
Fulton County Correctional Institution
[facility]
George Cox
[person]
Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles
[organization]
Georgia Correctional Continuing Center
[facility]
Georgia Department of Labor
[organization]
Georgia Department of Offender Rehabilitation
[organization]
Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Center
[facility]
Georgia Industrial Institute
[facility]
Georgia Legislature
[organization]
Georgia Parole Board
[organization]
Georgia Prisoners' Speak
[organization]
Georgia State Prison
[facility]
Georgia Training and Development Center
[facility]
Georgia Women's Correctional Institution
[facility]
Georgia Work Release Law
[legislation]
Georgia Youthful Offender Act of 1972
[legislation]
Gwinnett County Correctional Institution
[facility]
H. Bryan McKay
[person]
Henry Miller
[person]
Jerry Nosin
[person]
Joel Snell
[person]
John Bethea
[person]
John C. Watkins
[person]
John M. McKee
[person]
Karl Holton School for Boys
[facility]
Law Enforcement Assistance Administration
[organization]
Lee Correctional Institution
[facility]
Louis Berlin
[person]
M.O.R.E. Project
[program]
Margo Edwards
[person]
Marsha Chalker
[person]
Michael A. Milan
[person]
Michael Mackenzie
[person]
Mike Puckett
[person]
Montgomery Correctional Institution
[facility]
Offender Administration
[organization]
Operation Performance
[program]
Performance Activity Description
[program]
Performance Exception Report
[program]
Performance Plan
[program]
Robert R. Ross
[person]
Robert R. Smith
[person]
Robertson Haworth
[person]
Roche
[person]
Smith
[person]
Smith and Roche, 1977
[organization]
START program
[program]
State Board of Pardons and Paroles
[organization]
Stone Mountain Correctional Institution
[facility]
Terrell County Correctional Institution
[facility]
Thomas Roche
[person]
Tim Carr
[person]
Tom Roche
[person]
Vicky Clark
[person]
Vincent J. Webb
[person]
Virginia correctional system
[organization]
West Correctional Institution
[facility]
West Georgia Community Center
[facility]
West Georgia Community Correctional Center
[facility]
William O. Wakefield
[person]
Youthful Offender Program
[program]