The public has the right and the need to be aware of the range of Departmental services, programs, functions, and operations. The community should be involved with the Department in problem solving. The Department of Corrections must implement appropriate management of criminal offenders within the framework of laws and court mandates. Criminal offenders must be held accountable and responsible for their offenses, including the effects on victims. Levels of confinement, control, and supervision must be determined by considering the law, the crime, the criminal, the victim, the community, and available resources.
Criminal offenders are responsible for their response to intervention.
The potential of criminal offenders to become law-abiding and contributing members of society can be enhanced through intervention. Rehabilitation and community integration opportunities should be provided to the extent which is both feasible and responsible, given resources and individual capabilities. The range of rehabilitative and control options should be sufficient to offer a reasonable opportunity for criminal offenders to become more responsible. High expectations are best met when the proper tools are provided. The highest ethical and professional standards are fundamental to the mission and operations of the Department.