Key Performance Indicators

Department of Corrections

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Mission

To provide secure confinement, reformative programs, and a process of supervised community reintegration to enhance the safety of our communities. Alaska Statute (AS) 44.28.020

Key Performance Indicators

• Target: Increase the percent of probationers and parolees who satisfy their court ordered conditions of release.
• Target: Reduce criminal recidivism.

• Target: Increase the number of individuals who complete an institutional or community-based substance abuse treatment program.
• Target: Increase the number of offenders who receive a General Education Development (GED) diploma while incarcerated.
• Target: Increase the number of sex offender probationers who complete both a sex offender management program and who receive polygraph testing while on probation.

Performance Detail

Target #1: Maintain zero prison escapes.. Methodology: Information reported through Alaska Corrections Offender Management System (ACOMS) . Escape 1 and 2 Convictions Where the Offender was Located at a Correctional Facility Prior to Escaping Fiscal Year Convictions Average Daily Population Percentage of Population FY 2024 0 4,448 0.0% FY 2023 0 4,637 0.0% FY 2022 0 4,670 0.0% FY 2021 1.0 4,503 0.0222% FY 2020 0 4,485 00000% FY 2019 0 4,879 0.0000% FY 2018 2.0 4,343 0.0461% FY 2017 0 4,376 0.0000% Analysis of results and challenges: Escape 1 (AS 11.56.300) is defined as: One commits the crime of escape in the first degree if, without lawful authority, one removes oneself from official detention by means of a deadly weapon or a defensive weapon. Escape 2 (AS 11.56.310) is defined as: "One commits the crime of escape in the second degree if, without lawful authority, one removes oneself from a secure correctional facility while under official detention for a misdemeanor; or from official detention for a felony or for extradition; or from official detention and, during the escape or at any time before being restored to official detention, or possesses on or about oneself a firearm." The counts provided are for those offenders convicted of escaping from a Department of Corrections (DOC) facility and may not be reflective of the actual year the escape occurred. If an offender has not been convicted of escape the offender is not counted in the data. An inmate was in the legal custody of his lawyer and absconded in 2019 when he failed to return to the prison. While this is technically an escape, he was not in the custody of DOC at the time. Two inmates briefly escaped from Yukon-Kuskokwim Correctional Center in 2017 but were not convicted until 2018. Target Last Modified: 10/15/2024

Target #1: Increase the percent of probationers and parolees who satisfy their court ordered conditions of release.. Methodology: Information reported through Alaska Corrections Offender Management System (ACOMS). Percentage of Probationers and Parolees Who Successfully Satisfy Court Ordered Conditions of Release Fiscal Year Offenders Discharged Successful Discharges Percentage Successful FY 2024 1,064 871 81.86% FY 2023 832 639 76.80% FY 2022 883 702 79.5% FY 2021 767 627 81.75% FY 2020 821 687 83.68% FY 2019 1,465 1,286 87.78% FY 2018 2.094 1,846 88.16% FY 2017 1,699 1,408 82.87% Analysis of results and challenges: Probationers and parolees who are unsuccessful in satisfying their court or parole ordered conditions of release are returned to incarceration, increasing the offender population and the cost of incarceration. A successful discharge improves recidivism rates, allowing for increased public safety while decreasing victimization and costs to the state. Proactively supervising probationers and parolees will enhance their successful re-entry in their community, increasing the number of successful discharges. Proactive supervision targets proven supervision methods that are known to decrease the likelihood of failure in the community or causing future harm through assessing risk to reoffend, employing motivational interviewing techniques and tailoring supervision strategies to address criminogenic needs (i.e., housing, treatment, criminal attitudes, pro-social activities, etc.). However, identifying available or limited community resources for probationers and parolees create significant challenges in areas such as housing, employment, substance abuse treatment, mental health counseling, etc. Over the last several years statutory changes and resuming normal operations, which had previously been hindered by COVID, have impacted these statistics. Target Last Modified: 10/15/2024

Target #2: Reduce criminal recidivism.. Methodology: The recidivism data reported is derived from the Alaska Corrections Offender Management System (ACOMS). For consistency in this report, we are using the previous Departmental definition of recidivism, which measures the re-incarceration of convicted felons due to a new sentence, including parole or probation adjudications, within three years of release. For recidivism analysis based on the current statute, AS 44.19.649 (2), please refer to the Alaska Criminal Justice Data Analysis Commission 2024 Annual Report. Offenders Returning to Incarceration Within 3 Years of Release Fiscal Year Offenders Discharged Offenders Returned Percentage Returning FY 2021 1,839 1,004 54.59% FY 2020 2,062 1,120 54.32% FY 2019 2,575 1506 58.49% FY 2018 2,777 1,707 61.47% FY 2017 2,973 1,802 60.61% FY 2016 3,686 2,213 60.04% FY 2015 3,899 2,463 63.17% FY 2014 4,135 2,752 66.55% Analysis of results and challenges: The Alaska Department of Corrections (AK DOC) measures recidivism to assess the effectiveness of its reentry programs and Probation & Parole supervision. Lower recidivism rates mean fewer individuals returning to prison, benefiting the community by contributing to safer neighborhoods, reducing crime, and ensuring efficient use of taxpayer money. Successful reintegration of former offenders helps them become productive community members, boosting the local economy and building better futures. This positive outcome promotes public safety and community wellbeing for everyone. AK DOC has seen a significant decline in recidivism rates, with 2021 and 2020 showing the lowest rates in recent history. This good trend reflects the Department`s focused efforts to develop and implement evidenced based reentry programs as well as collaborative efforts to work with community providers and reentry coalitions. Efforts over the past decade to implement evidence-based reentry programs have been substantial and are evident in the declining recidivism rates. Although Alaska prisons differ from 44 other state prison systems by housing both people who have committed felonies and misdemeanors (both sentenced and unsentenced), AK DOC focuses on measuring the recidivism of releasing felons. The primary reason is that felons are in prison longer, which means they are more likely to participate in reentry programming. These programs equip offenders with the skills and support they need to reintegrate into their communities. Probation and Parole`s increased efforts to provide effective supervision has also lowered recidivism rates over the last decade. Probation and Parole officers offer guidance, resources, and monitoring to help offenders comply with their release terms and avoid returning to incarceration, thereby reducing recidivism rates. AK DOC continuously seeks to improve and expand these programs and partnerships to further reduce recidivism. AK DOC"s success in reducing recidivism is a significant achievement that benefits everyone. Lower recidivism rates mean fewer crimes and safer communities, which is crucial for the well-being of all residents. It also ensures that public funds are used more effectively, providing better outcomes for taxpayers. By continuing to support and enhance these programs, AK DOC helps former offenders become productive members of society, contributing to a stronger, safer, and more cohesive community. This ongoing commitment not only supports those leaving correctional facilities but also enhances public safety and community well-being for everyone. Target Last Modified: 11/14/2024

Target #1: Increase the number of individuals who complete an institutional or community-based substance abuse treatment program.. Methodology: Information tracked and reported through the Criminal Justice Planner for Substance Abuse Services. Number of Offenders Completing an Institutional or Community-Based Substance Abuse Treatment Program Fiscal Year Assessment / Referrals IOP RSAT YTD Total FY 2024 1,411 182 58 1,651 FY 2023 1,381 126 37 1,544 FY 2022 1,337 70 37 1,444 FY 2021 1,071 8 32 1,111 FY 2020 1,127 337 88 1,552 FY 2019 1,106 196 76 1,378 FY 2018 913 71 34 1,018 FY 2017 851 283 151 1,285 Analysis of results and challenges: A substance use disorder (SUD) assessment is the basis for all care offered to offenders. Offenders receive a SUD assessment to assess addiction related issues and determine the appropriate level of care and intensity of service to best address needs. Each assessment includes the nature and extent of an offender"s drug problems, establishes whether problems exist in other areas that may affect recovery and helps inform the development of a treatment plan. Assessments use the American Society of Addictions Medicine (ASAM) 4th edition criteria and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th addition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) to determine the level of care placement. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) interventions and treatment options the department offers include: • Screening of all offenders entering a facility for an Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) • SUD assessments as needed to further determine seriousness of OUD needs • Methadone and buprenorphine bridging for up to 30 days for offenders remanded with a verified community prescription. Medication tapering starts after the initial 30 days. During FY2024, Medication Assisted Treatment — Reentry (MATR) services continued at Anchorage Correctional Complex (Anchorage), Hiland Mountain Correctional Center (Eagle River), Fairbanks Correctional Center (Fairbanks), Goose Creek Correctional Center (Wasilla), Wildwood Correctional Center (Kenai), and Palmer Correctional Center (Palmer). The department offers continuation of MATR for pregnant offenders as long as therapeutically necessary to ensure the overall health of the mother and child. Offenders are provided resources both while incarcerated and when returning to the community to include education, counseling, help with housing, connection to benefits, and other associated needs. Extended-release naltrexone is available to offenders meeting criteria, prior to community release. Offenders releasing back into the community are offered an Overdose Response Kit to assist in the event of an overdose due to the use of opiates. Intensive Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment (IOPSAT) provides a planned regimen of treatment, consisting of regularly scheduled sessions within a structured program that uses evidenced-based interventions. Within the department, IOPSATs are approximately 15 weeks long and individuals are provided 15 hours of group sessions per week plus individual sessions. In FY2024, IOPSAT services were provided at Goose Creek Correctional Center (Wasilla), Hiland Mountain Correctional Center (Eagle River), and Palmer Correctional Center (Palmer). In addition to facility-based services, the department offers community-based Intensive Outpatient (IOP) services in Anchorage and Palmer. Institutional Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) services use a modified therapeutic community (MTC) model of treatment. MTC"s use a combination of counseling, group therapy, and peer activities to promote multi-dimensional change of the whole person including drug abstinence, elimination of antisocial behavior, and the development of prosocial behavior, attitudes, and values. Both male and female RSATs are approximately six months long and require 25 hours of group sessions per week plus individual sessions. In FY2024, RSAT services were provided at Hiland Mountain Correctional Center (Eagle River), Wildwood Correctional Center (Kenai), and Palmer Correctional Center (Palmer). Target Last Modified: 11/11/2024

Target #2: Increase the number of offenders who receive a General Education Development (GED) diploma while incarcerated.. Methodology: Information tracked and reported through the Offender Program Manager. Number of Offenders Who Receive General Education Development While Incarcerated Fiscal Year Total % Change FY 2024 54 145% FY 2023 22 -54% FY 2022 48 30% FY 2021 37 -58% FY 2020 88 -23% FY 2019 114 7% FY 2018 107 -5% FY 2017 112 14% Analysis of results and challenges: In FY2024, the Department of Corrections (DOC) saw an increase in offenders earning GED diplomas compared to FY2023, despite challenges in staffing and delays in redeploying testing computers. There were 132 test takers and 54 GED completions, up from the preceding three years` totals. Spring Creek Correctional Center had the highest completions, 13 out of 23 test takers, while Goose Creek Correctional Center had the most test takers, 35, with 12 completions. Staffing shortages persisted, with 14 vacancy periods in Education Coordinator positions across 9 institutions. Testing disruptions occurred due to computer servicing delays. The department supplemented education services with contract staff, and the use of a floating long-term non-permanent employee. Measures were implemented to prioritize computer servicing. To improve education and vocational staff retention, DOC emphasized quality onboarding, staff development and support by implementing a new staff manual, making centralized digital resources available, initiating regular check-ins with frontline staff by program administrators, and conducting two in-person training events. With FY2024 challenges being resolved, GED participation and completion rates are expected to rise in FY2025. Target Last Modified: 10/15/2024

Target #3: Increase the number of sex offender probationers who complete both a sex offender management program and who receive polygraph testing while on probation.. Methodology: Information tracked and reported through the Offender Program Manager. Number of Polygraphed Sex Offender Probationers Fiscal Year YTD Total FY 2024 708 FY 2023 770 FY 2022 696 FY 2021 691 FY 2020 624 FY 2019 530 FY 2018 526 FY 2017 475 FY 2016 477 Analysis of results and challenges: The Department of Corrections continued implementation of the Sex Offender Management Program (SOMP), marking significant advancements in addressing the complexities of sex offender rehabilitation and community safety. From July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, a total of 708 convicted sex offenders on community supervision participated in polygraph exams, with an additional 63 polygraphs conducted within various correctional facilities. This reflected a notable increase of over 62% in the number of polygraphs conducted statewide compared to FY2017, underscoring the department"s commitment to rigorous monitoring and accountability. The SOMP`s comprehensive approach extended beyond polygraph testing by incorporating evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT interventions are designed to mitigate deviant sexual behaviors while fostering prosocial behaviors. Grounded in the risk, needs, and responsivity model, these evidence-based interventions are recognized as the most effective treatment for this population, demonstrating the department`s adherence to best practices and its dedication to rehabilitation. Institutional sex offender treatment programs were available at Goose Creek Correctional Center (Point Mackenzie), Lemon Creek Correctional Center (Juneau), Palmer Correctional Center (Palmer), and Wildwood Correctional Center (Kenai), ensuring broad accessibility. A total of 51 offenders successfully completed treatment programs, with 31 completing community-based programs and 20 completing institutional programs, highlighting the program`s reach and effectiveness. The reopening of the institutional program at Palmer Correctional Center further exemplified the department`s proactive stance in expanding treatment services. The recruitment of qualified treatment providers remained a challenge, yet the SOMP`s ongoing development of innovative recruitment strategies demonstrated a steadfast commitment to overcoming this barrier. Overall, the Department of Corrections` efforts in the realm of sex offender management reflected a forward-thinking approach, emphasizing rigorous oversight, evidence-based treatment, and continuous improvement in service delivery. Target Last Modified: 11/15/2024

Last refreshed: 03/20/2025 12:00 pm