Ten Steps Corrections Directors Can Take to Strengthen Performance

QUICK SUMMARY

Across the country, innovative policy makers and corrections managers are joining forces to improve correctional systems' performance, transparency and accountability.  As part of its assessment of overall state government performance, the Pew Center on the States' Government Performance Project and Public Safety Performance Project teamed up to interview a wide cross section of officials from 45 state corrections departments about innovative and effective management practices. This 2008 report highlighted strategies that strengthen prison operations and, ultimately, cut crime and tame spiraling prison costs.

Across the country, innovative policy makers and corrections managers are joining forces to improve correctional systems' performance, transparency and accountability.  As part of its assessment of overall state government performance, the Pew Center on the States' Government Performance Project and Public Safety Performance Project teamed up to interview a wide cross section of officials from 45 state corrections departments about innovative and effective management practices. This 2008 report highlighted strategies that strengthen prison operations and, ultimately, cut crime and tame spiraling prison costs:

• Reevaluate agency mission to include focus on reducing recidivism
• Develop performance measures that matter
• Make better use of technology systems
• Build smarter corrections infrastructure
• Seek alternative forms of funding
• Develop partners to cut down on medical costs
• Hold key facilities managers accountable for progress toward targeted goals
• Pay for security staff on the front end
• Find nonfinancial ways to improve employee morale.