Modifying CRS cutoffs reduced the number of days served, with minimal impact on the number of escapes. Specifically, offenders placed directly in minimum security spent fewer days incarcerated than offenders placed directly in medium security. Offenders who went straight to minimum security also benefited from a higher rate of parole grants. Although this emphasis on early release is central to reintegration, other factors may also influence the likelihood of decisions to grant discretionary release. This suggests gains in one area of reintegration may yield increases in another.
Most jurisdictions have specific strategies for assessing offender risk.
Although an overview of these approaches is beyond the scope of this paper, such work is in progress. In fact, a thorough review of the offender assessment literature strongly encourages assessment strategies that use several instruments. For process, it is important that staff who prepare reports for decision makers clearly articulate how they have integrated risk factors and estimates of recidivism into their assessments. Staff in several jurisdictions have received comprehensive risk assessment training to ensure that they understand that risk assessment scales are valuable but no substitute for sound correctional decision making. This allows decisions to be made regarding specific treatment targets and the appropriate intensity and mode of intervention for an offender.