THE SYSTEM RATE APPROACH TO DESCRIPTION AND EVALUATION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEMS An Illustration

The work-release applications of 264 M inmates from 3 major institutions in Wash (submitted between Jul, 1967 & Feb, 1969) were utilized to illustrate a system rate approach to describe & evaluate criminal justice systems. System diagrams serve as the foundation for a 4-step approach, which begins with the construction of system charts indicating the flow of offenders through the system & identifying the points where decisions are made or alternatives are chosen. The applications for work programs being considered had to pass through 5 decision levels. System rates for each of these points were established, the rate determinants identified & interventions upon rate determinants through alteration of program instituted. In the work-release program, some rate determinants were identified as being the decision makers, bedspace, & characteristics of inmates. The systems rate approach permits a more rational selection of programs to address an identified rate determinant & evaluation of the impact of the program by a review of system rates at some future time. 5 Tables, 1 Figure. S. Coler.