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Rhode Island Department of CorrectionsPlanning & Research Unit

Fiscal Year 2012Annual Population

Report

Table of Contents

Section Page Message from the Director 1 Overview of Facilities Intake Service Center Minimum Security Medium Security

Maximum Security

High Security Women’s Facilities

2

A day in the Life of a Typical RIDOC Inmate 4 Organizational Structure & Units Organizational Chart Division Summaries

Rehabilitative Services

‐ 2012 Featured Unit‐Education Administration ‐ 2012 Featured Unit ‐Training Academy Institutions and Operations

‐2012 Featured Unit ‐ CERT Team

5

Total Population Trends 8 Offender Characteristics Race Sex Age

Offense Type

11

Pretrial Population Statistics 14 Sentenced Population Statistics Effects of Good Time Changes

15

Current Population and Future Projections Projected Bed Space Needs Capacity

19

Release Statistics 21 Community Corrections Probation, Parole, Home Confinement Populations

23

The Future of RIDOC 25

RIDOC MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Rhode Island Department of Corrections(RIDOC) is to contribute to public safety by maintaining abalanced correctional system of institutional and communityprograms that provide a range of control and rehabilitative

options for criminal offenders.

1

Message from RIDOC Director Ashbel T. Wall II

From RIDOC Director Ashbel T. Wall II

Welcome to the Fiscal Year 2012 Population Report, created by our top notch Planning & Research staff.You will notice that this year’s report includes summaries of our three divisions: Institutions &Operations, Rehabilitative Services, and Administration. A unit within each division is featured withhighlights of its accomplishments over the past year. While all of our units are worthy of recognition,those highlighted this year are the Correctional Emergency Response Team (CERT), the Education Unit,and the Training Academy.

During Fiscal Year ’11, the Department received a mandate from the legislature to close the Donald PriceMedium Security Facility. A projected reduction in our population following the passage of correctionsoptions legislation in May 2008 has been realized, enabling us to close this institution withoutcompromising safety or security. Additionally, renovations were completed on the Bernadette Building,which now houses women classified to Minimum or Work Release. Population projections for the fiscalyear 2012 show no significant increases or decreases. With our population hovering right around 3,200,Rhode Island still has the third lowest incarceration rate for the nation according to the Bureau of JusticeStatistics.

We have seen some significant changes in senior leadership during Fiscal Year ’12. Former Chief LegalCounsel Patricia Coyne-Fague has been promoted to Assistant Director for Administration. Longtimeemployee Robert Catlow has been promoted to Chief Inspector, and I was pleased to appoint ElizabethEarls to head up Rehabilitative Services. Senior Legal Counsel Kathleen Kelly was promoted to ChiefLegal Counsel, and my Confidential Secretary Susan Lamkins was promoted to Programming ServicesOfficer. Though this has been a lot of change, I am confident that our current senior leadership team willably lead the RIDOC into the future.

I am excited about the year to come as we have received several significant grants which will enable usto take on some major projects related to our mission of lowering recidivism. I also look forward to theresults of the Planning and Research Unit’s two-year follow-up recidivism study for the 2009 releasecohort.

I encourage you to read through the following pages. I am sure you will find helpful and interestinginformation. Please pass it along to anyone you believe might benefit from it.

Facilities

The Intake Service Center (ISC) is a maximum security facilitywhich serves as Rhode Island’s jail for male offenders. RhodeIsland is one of six states that have unified systems, incorporatingthe jail and state prison into one department. The south wing ofthe facility was constructed in 1982, while the north wing wasconstructed in 1992.Inmates housed at the ISC fall into several categories: pretrialdetainees, newly sentenced inmates who are awaitingclassification to other facilities, pretrial protective custody, andsentenced protective custody. The facility processed 14,973commitments in FY12, approximately 1,248 commitments permonth. On average, 120 inmates are sent to court daily and 50inmates per week are processed and transferred to other facilitieswithin the Department of Corrections. The length of time an inmateremains housed in Awaiting Trial status at the ISC is approximately23 days (see graph on p.14 for further details); this translates into

a constant turnover of the inmate population.

Opened: 1982 - Renovated: 1995 - Expanded: 1992Average Facility Population: 956 (FY12)Operational Capacity: 1,118 (FY12)Annual Cost per Offender: $39,622

Intake Service Center

Minimum Security

Opened: 1978 - Expanded: 1989 & 1992Average Facility Population: 478 (FY12)Operational Capacity: 710 (FY12)

Annual Cost per Offender: $46,222

The Minimum Security facility was opened in 1978 in a converted hospitalbuilding on Howard Avenue in Cranston. In 1989, Minimum Security (MIN)expanded to a second building, and in July of 1992, with the construction of aconnecting addition, the facility became one large complex, with a 710-bedinmate capacity.

The perimeter is surrounded by a low security fence, consistent with the minimumcustody level. All Minimum Security inmates, unless medically certified asunable to work, are employed either within the institution, on public service

projects, through work release, or seeking employment.Medium SecurityJohn J. Moran Facility

Opened: 1992Average Facility Population: 1014 (FY12)Operational Capacity: 1,006 (FY12)Annual Cost per Offender: $34,209

The John J. Moran Facility was constructed from 1990 to 1992, for acost of $65,000,000. The facility covers 29 acres and houses sen-tenced adult male offenders who are classified as medium custody.Extensive programming is provided with the goal of preparing inmatesfor successful return to their communities.

2

The Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI) at the Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RIDOC) is comprised of 7inmate facilities (5 male, 2 female), which are all located within 1 square mile of in Cranston, RI. The State of RhodeIsland operates a unified correctional system, meaning that all offenders (i.e., those awaiting trial, sentenced, and

under community supervision) in the state are under the jurisdiction of RIDOC.

Women’s FacilitiesMen’s Facilities

Maximum Security

Average Facility Population: 432 (FY12)

Operational Capacity: 409 (FY12)Annual Cost per Offender: $55,351

The Maximum Security facility is the state’s oldest operational prison.The facility was opened during 1878 and is modeled on the Auburn styleconstruction, which consolidates all inmate cells into one main building.

Maximum Security (MAX) once served as the prison for both awaiting trialand sentenced inmates. As the sentenced population grew and the needsof the prison system changed, other facilities were added.

Surrounded by a wall with five observation towers, this facility is brokendown into six housing areas with one segregation unit. The population iscomprised of inmates serving long sentences for a variety of offenses

along with inmates serving shorter sentences who have been transferred

to MAX from other facilities for serious discipline and/or behavioral problems. Inmates are prepared forclassification to lesser securities through participation in rehabilitative programs.

Opened: 1981Average Facility Population: 90 (FY12)


The High Security Center (HSC) is a supermax facility which housesinmates who require close custody and control including protectivecustody inmates. All inmates are on restricted status; therefore, there areno contact visits and limited programming. The inmate population hasaccess to a well stocked legal and recreational library, a classification

board room, a classroom, barber shop, and a chapel.

Women’s Facilities

Gloria McDonald Building

Opened: December, 2010Average Population: 133 (FY12)


Opened: December, 2011Average Population: 35 (FY12)


The Women’s Facilities (WOM) houseawaiting trial offenders and threeclassificaiton levels (medium, minimum,and work release) in two separatebuildings. In late 2010 and 2011facilities housing these offenders(referenced in previous reports as theGM and DIX buildings) were closed tothe inmate population. The awaitingtrial and medium-security women weremoved to WFI which was later re-dedicated as the Gloria McDonaldBuilding (GM) while the minimumsecurity/work release offenders are nowhoused in Women’s Facility II (WFII) alsoknown as the Bernadette Building. GM,is a converted and expanded hospitalbuilding and was initially constructed tobe a male Reintegration Center.

3

Facilities

Women’s Facility II

High Security

WFII was originally designed to house work release security men and in later years housed community correctionsand education offices. Changes were made to both of these buildings to target the specific needs for women prior totheir opening. The unique social, cultural, and gender-specific needs of female offenders are supported by staff andincorporated into programming and treatment within the facilities.

Opened: 1878

A Day in the Life of a Typical RIDOC Inmate

4

Early M o rn in g6 a .m . – 8 :30 a .m .

B re akfast

M e d icatio n /Sick C a ll

W o rk cre w s an d e m p lo yed in m ates m o ve to th e yard fo r th e ir jo bs

M id M o rn in g 8 :3 0 a .m . – 1 2 p .m .

Yard is o p en fo r re creatio n , p h on e s are tu rne d o n , d o rm ro o m s are c lo sed fo r clean in g, p ro gram s & c lasses are h e ld

Yard s are c lo se d an d in m ates re p o rt to d o rm s fo r fo rm al co u n t. Th e co un t c lears

at 1 1 :0 0 an d inm ates m o ve to th e cafe te ria fo r lu n ch

A ftern o o n1 2 p .m . – 3 :4 5 p .m .

A fter lu n ch th e yard an d in sid e recreatio n ro o m are

o p e n ed , p ro gram s & c lasses are he ld

Yard s are c lose d , w o rk crew s re tu rn , a ll inm ates

re p o rt to d o rm s fo r fo rm al co u nt

C o u n t c le ars a t 3 :4 5

Late A fte rn o o n & E ve n in g3 :4 5 p .m . – 6 p .m .

D in n er

First V isitin g P e rio d

P ro gram s & classe s are h e ld , yard an d re cre atio n

ro o m s are o p e n ed

Se co n d V isitin g P erio d

In m ates re p o rt to d orm roo m fo r fo rm al co u n t, p h o n e s are tu rne d o ff

an d sh ow e rs c lo se

C o u n t c lears at 9 :3 0

R ecreatio n ro o m is c lo se d , in m ates re po rt to ro o m s fo r ligh ts o u t

A t m id n igh t a ll TV ’s are o ff, q u iet tim e , last co u n t

N ig h t7 p .m . ‐ M id n ig h t

Rhode Island Department of Corrections

DIRECTORASHBEL T. WALL, II

Financial ResourcesBudget Unit

Business OperationsPhysical Resources

Central Distribution CenterInmate Accounts

Human ResourcesPayroll

PersonnelLabor Relations

Policy & Auditing Unit

Classification Unit

Management InformationSystems

Assistant DirectorAdministration

Patricia Coyne-Fague

Assistant DirectorInstitutions/Operations

David McCauley

Chief Inspector Robert Catlow

Planning and Research

ChairR.I. Parole Board

Dr. Kenneth Walker

Training Academy

Chief of Information & Public Relations

Tracey E. Zeckhausen

Programming Services Director Susan Lamkins

Departmental Grievance Coordinator

Robert McCutcheon

Executive CounselKathleen Kelly

Executive Staff

High Security

Maximum Security

Medium SecurityJohn J. Moran

Minimum SecurityWork Release

Women’s DivisionGloria McDonald BuildingWomen’s Facility II (WFII)

Assistant DirectorRehabilitative Services

Elizabeth Earls

Special Investigations Unit

Intake Service CenterIncludes Records & ID /

Bail Unit

Security & Emergency Response Team

(CERT) / (K-9 Unit)

Correctional Industries

Facilities & Maintenance

Food Services

Community CorrectionsHome ConfinementProbation & Parole

Victim Services

Educational Services

Health ServicesBehavioral HealthMedical Services

Professional ServicesInstitutional Programs

Reentry Services

Volunteer / Internship Services

RIDOC Organizational Chart

RIDOC is divided into 3 divisions; Administration, Institutions and Operations, and Rehabilitative Services. Each division plays animperitive role in the Department’s running smoothly on a daily basis. This organizational chart shows the breakdown of the divi-sions and which units fall under each assistant director’s supervision.

Though all units are indispensable in running the department, in the following pages one unit from each division will be featured tohighlight the impressive work accomplished over the past year. In the coming years a new unit from each division will be recognizedfor their achievements.

5

Administrative DivisionThe Administrative Division is comprised ofapproximately 90 employees who provide avariety of critical support functions for theDepartment. While employees in this Divisionare often “behind the scenes,” their work isintegral to the overall function of the Depart-ment. The Administrative Division is divided intothe following units: Financial Resources, HumanResources, Management Information Systems,

The Training Academy is responsible for the recruitment, selection and training of entry-level Correc-tional Officers; orientation for all the Department’s new employees and volunteers; and the develop-ment and implementation of in-service training for all Correctional staff. In-service training consists of 40hours per year for all uniformed personnel in order to adhere to standards and assure that staff are keptup to date on current policies and practices. Training Academy staff also develop additional trainingprograms for staff, including uniform, civilian, supervisory and contracted, to maintain and upgradecompetency levels and ensure that our staff have state-of-the-art training in correctional practices.

Training Academy staff consists of seven full-time instructors, three Training Supervisors and an adminis-trative support team.

On Friday, April 20th, 2012, forty-fourmen and twelve women graduatedfrom the Rhode Island Department ofCorrections' Correctional OfficerTraining Academy Class 79. Thesegraduates were selected from nearly4,000 applications and had to pass aDirector's interview panel, a videoand written exam, a physical fitnesstest, a criminal history check, anextensive background check, a medicalreview, and psychological and drugtests in order to earn a slot in the class.During the arduous nine-week Acad-emy, participants underwent CPRcertification, weapons qualification,on-the-job-training in the facilities,defensive tactics instruction, classroominstruction on the law as it relates toCorrectional Officers and communica-tions skills, and weekly exams.

FY12 Featured UnitTraining Academy

Planning & Research, Policy, Correctional Industriesand the Training Academy. Staff from these unitsplay a key role in facilitating new departmentalinitiatives as well as providing continued supportand guidance to all on-going functions of the RIDOC.Through a strong spirit of cooperation and dedica-tion, these staff assist other divisions of the Depart-ment in achieving their goals and implementing theDepartment’s mission.

6

Institutions and OperationsThe Division of Institutions & Operations, headed byAssistant Director David McCauley, includes theDepartment’s correctional facilities [collectively known asthe Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI)], Special Investiga-tions Unit (SIU), Facilities and Maintenance Unit, Food Services,and Correctional Emergency Response Team (CERT).

The Correctional Emergency Response Team (CERT) is avoluntary unit made up of correctional staff whose missionis to neutralize disturbances and assist with other incidentswhich may arise at any of the RIDOC facilities, and to assistoutside law enforcement agencies. The CERT Unit is speciallytrained in using the minimum force necessary to maintainorder and discipline.The CERT consists of the following specialized units; Tactical(TAC), Weapons, Less Lethal, Chemical Munitions (CMU),Breaching, Crisis Intervention Team (CIT), & K-9.

In May 2012 the RIDOC lost Frankie, a 9 year veteranof the DOC. During his tenure Frankie is credited withnumerous drug seizures as well as aiding in theconfiscation of $100,000 in cash. He will be missedby all, especially his handler, Correctional OfficerAnthony Lucca.

Since 2007, the RIDOC has executed seven emer-gency exercises in ACI facilities to test the responseof the department as a whole in the case of acritical incident. There is an eighth exercisescheduled for the fall of 2012. The CERT plays anintegral part in these controlled drills. Throughthese exercises, CERT has had the opportunity topractice all types of situations they may have torespond to in the future: hostage situations, inmatedisturbances, explosions, barricaded doors, etc.These exercises allow CERT, as well as the rest ofthe department, to identify any deficiences in thereadiness, preparation, and action during emer-gency situations.

FY12 Featured UnitCorrectional Emergency Response Team (CERT)

7

Responsibilites of Institutions and Opeartions includegathering intelligence to assure public safety,maintaning facilities to guarantee a healthy environ-ment, and providing nutritionally balanced menus to alloffenders. Institutions and Operations is the corner-stone of daily operations at the Department of Correc-tions.

Rehabilitative Services

The Division of Rehabilitative Services is committed tothe meaningful reintegration of offenders into thecommunity. Program areas within this Division can becategorized into two distinct sections: institutional orcommunity corrections. Institutional correctionsincludes programming offered to the offender duringincarceration, such as health services, substanceabuse counseling, sex offender treatment, and educa-tion. Community corrections refers to units such asProbation and Parole, Community Confinement, ReentryServices, Furlough and Victim Services.

FY12 Featured UnitEducation Unit

The Education Unit provides a variety of educational and vocational training programs and services to offendershoused in RIDOC facilities. These include secondary education programs and services such as Adult BasicEducation, Special Education, Title I services for neglected and delinquent youth, GED preparation, and English as aSecond Language. Post secondary offerings include various college level academic courses and vocational trainingprograms in areas such as culinary arts and construction. Institutional library services provide inmates withrequired access to legal materials and recreational reading materials throughout the facilities. One inmate studentrecently wrote to the unit indicating, “Thank you isn’t enough. You helped me get back a piece of my life and wordscan’t express what that means to me.”

Highlights from Fiscal Year 2012 include:

· 92 inmates received their GED.· 5 inmates received an AA degree from the Community College

of Rhode Island.· 760 secondary education enrollments and nearly 1000 CCRI

course enrollments.· Average monthly enrollment of approximately 680 inmates.· Approximately 800 inmates participated in annual education

recognition ceremonies.· Private foundation grant received to fund and establish a

cohort of 20 inmates to receive an AA degree.· Tracked 1456 inmate movements between facilities to

maintain enrollment.· Processed over 3000 recreational reading books.· Filled over 3000 legal requests.

8

Not only does Rehabilitative Services work withoffenders to end criminal and anti-social behaviorwhile incarcerated, they also strive to make it possiblefor ex-offenders to succeed upon realease to theircommunities.

A History of theRhode IslandDepartment of

Corrections

Population Trends

Total RIDOC Population FY02 to FY12

3191

3273

3502

3773

3860

3771

35103361

3554

3537

3387

3000

3250

3500

3750

4000

02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12

Fiscal Year

# o

f O

ffe

nd

ers

As was the trend nationally, Rhode Island experienced marked growth in its totalprison population between 2002 and 2008. The most recent sharpest increasewas between FY05 and FY08 where the population grew 14.8%. However sinceFY08 the population has seen a steady decline and fell 17.3% in the past fouryears. In RI, 197 out of every 100,000 residents are imprisoned, while nationally439 out of 100,000 adult US residents are incarcerated (Bureau of JusticeStatistics Prisoner Statistics 2010 Revised) which makes Rhode Island third lowestin the nation in terms of rate of incarceration.

During the new millennium corrections professionals around the country beganto focus on permanently reducing prison populations, the federal governmentbegan to fund re-entry initiatives aimed at helping offenders succeed in thecommunity post-release and jurisdictions began to look at incentives for inmateswho participate in rehabilitative programs designed to assist them in thecommunity upon their exit from incarceration. All of these initiatives have beenshown to impact the prison population levels.

For a historical look at the RIDOC population, please see the Report of the RICorrectional Population FY76 – FY11 which can be found on the RIDOC webpageat www.doc.ri.gov.

9

1792Rhode Island devel-oped a county courtsystem. Each of thethree counties;Providence, Washing-ton, and Newport wererequired to have theirown courthouse andjail.

Washington Countyjail is built and to thisday stands in NorthKingstown.

1845The last execution inRhode Island tookplace. John Gordonwas executed byhanging for themurder of AmasaSprague, thegovernor’s brother. In2011, RI GovernorLincoln Chaffeepardoned Gordon forthe murder.

10

Fiscal Year Population Trends FY2009-FY2012

Awaiting Trial Population

550

650

750

850

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

FY2009 FY2010 FY2011 FY2012

Sentenced Population

2400

2600

2800

3000

3200

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

FY2009 FY2010 FY2011 FY2012

Overall, the RIDOC saw a decrease in the sentenced population in FY12 (-4%) and aslight increase in the awaiting trial population (+1.7%). In May and June 2012, thesentenced population reached the lowest monthly average since July 2005 and inDecember 2011, the awaiting trial population reached the lowest monthly averagesince January 2008. There was a 2.4% decrease (80 inmates) in the total institutionalpopulation in FY12.

1878The state’s oldestoperational prison,Maximum Security,opens with originaldesigns to hold 252inmates

1930On April 25 Correc-tional Officer HarryMcVay is shot duringan attempted prisonescape. The prison-ers use weapons thathad been smuggledinto visiting areas.

1956The Washingtoncounty jail closes.The structure stillstands and is now amuseum, home to thePettaquamscuttHistorical Society.

Effects of Commitments/Releases on Total Population

1000

1200

1400

1600

July

Aug

SeptO

ct

Nov

Dec

11-JanFeb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

JulyA

ug

SeptO

ctN

ov

Dec

12-JanFeb

Mar

Apr

May

June

# o

f O

ffe

nd

ers

3000

3200

3400

Commitments Releases Monthly Population

FY11 FY12

Commitments and Releases

The prison population is influenced bytwo factors: the number of newcommitments and length of stay. Lengthof stay is directly affected by theJudiciary, changes in legislation, and theParole Board (for more informationregarding the changes in length of stay,see page 15).

In RI, it is clear that the number of newcommitments has a great influence onthe population. In months where thenumber of commitments to RIDOCoutpaced the number of releases, there isa corresponding increase in thepopulation. In contrast, months wherethe number of releases to RIDOCoutpaced the number of commitments, wewould see a decrease in the population.The decrease in the RIDOC population ispartially linked to the decrease in thenumber of commitments, which hasaveraged -3.8% over the past five fiscalyears, as seen in the table to the right.

The graph above demonstrates that thechanges in the level of commitments arelinked to changes in the total population

numbers.

Fiscal Year # Comm itments +/- Change

1998 16,171

1999 16,088 -.5%

2000 16,208 +.8%

2001 16,730 +3.2%

2002 17,204 +2.8%

2003 17,387 +1.1%

2004 18,375 +5.7%

2005 17,121 -6.8%

2006 18,467 +7.9%

2007 18,885 +2.3%

2008 17,007 -9.9%

2009 16,001 -5.9%

2010 15,328 -4.2%

2011 15,500 +1.1%

2012 14,973 -.15%

11

1959According to anAssociated Pressbulletin, on July 1,three inmates usedhomemade keys tolet themselves out oftheir cells in segrega-tion and escaped overthe wall of the prisonusing grapplinghooks. They werecaptured one weeklater after the largestmanhunt in RI history.

1957Harold Langlois isnamed warden. Headvocates strongly fora rehabilitativeapproach to correc-tions which can beseen in manychanges in the yearsto come.

The education/recreation building iscompleted in OldMax. The educationprogram is expandedto include gradeschool and highschool level classes.

1958A reporter invited totour Old Max de-scribes the yard as“looking like a publicpark on a Saturday orSunday afternoon.”

Offender Characteristics

Characteristics of a Typical RIDOCSentenced Offender

12

· Twenty-two percent (22%)entered RIDOC as probationviolators in FY12.

· Five percent (5%) enteredprison as parole violators inFY12.

· The majority are white(48%), single (73%), andself-identified as Catholic(39%).

· About half (46%) have lessthan a 12th grade education;38% have a high schooldiploma or GED and anadditional 9% havecompleted some college.

· Forty-nine percent (49%)are fathers; the averagenumber of children fatheredis 2.

· Fifty-one percent (51%)were unemployed at thetime they becameincarcerated.

· Twenty-eight percent (28%)of males were re-sentencedand 34% were readmittedas pretrial detainees within12 months of release.

· Twelve percent (12%)entered RIDOC asprobation violators inFY12.

· Five percent (5%) enteredprison as parole violatorsin FY12.

· The majority are white(70%), single (72%), andself-identify as Catholic(45%).

· Forty-three percnt (43%)have less than a 12thgrade education; 34%have a high schooldiploma or GED and anadditional 15% havecompleted some college.

· Fifty-six percent (56%) aremothers; average numberof children is 2 peroffender.

· Sixty-seven percent (67%)were unemployed at thetime of incarceration.

· Twenty-Three percent(23%) of females were re-sentenced and 30% werereadmitted as pretrialdetainees within 12months of release.

1969A racially fueled riotbreaks out at the ACIled by the groupknown as Bag ofSolid Souls (BOSS).

1961Two medium securityinmates use 18 inchneedles to overtakeguards. They escapewith handguns andammunition.

An escape plot fromMaximum security isfoiled when guardsfind window barssawed.

1966The work release billis enacted forming awork release progrmfor inmates who havecompleted one sixthof their sentence.

Offender CharacteristicsThe charts on the following pages contain the following categories of offenders; commitments,which include all offenders committed to RIDOC (sentenced & pre-trial) over the last Fiscal Year;awaiting trial and sentenced represent the stock population on June 30, 2012.

Inmate Race by Status

24.4%31.6% 28.7%

55.0% 44.2% 49.2%

18.1% 21.6% 19.6%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Commitments Awaiting Trial Sentenced

Hispanic

Asian

White

Black

As you can see the vast majorityof offenders (commitments,awaiting trial, and sentenced)are white, followed by black andHispanic. Offenders who identifythemselves as Asian, NativeAmerican, other, or their race isunknown make up less than 2%of the population for eachcategory of offenders.

Inmate Sex by Status

14.3%6.2% 5.6%

93.8% 94.4%85.7%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%


Male

Female

Males make up most(85.7%) of the RIDOCcommitments whilewomen account for only14.3%.

Inmate Age by Status

5.2%

42.0% 41.0%34.0%

25.8% 27.4%

24.9%

18.9% 18.3%

24.1%

6.9% 6.7%12.0%

5.1%0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%


60+

50-59

40-49

30-39

20-29

under 20

Almost two thirds of all RIDOCoffenders are between the ages of20-39. The average age of a maleRIDOC sentenced offender is 37while the average female age is36. For pre-trial offenders malesaverage 34 years of age andfemales 30 years of age.

1970The Junior Chamberof Commerce(JayCees), a groupformed to involveinmates in activitiesto benefit theircommunities, spon-sor the first familyday at the ACI in theyard of MaximumSecurity.

Three inmatesescape from Maxi-mum Security usingtools from themachine shop. Theywere involved in astring of robberiesover the next severaldays. One inmatewas found executed,1 was wounded duringa stand off withpolice, and the thirdwas captured oneweek later aftermurdering a promi-nent physician.

1971The Rhode IslandBrotherhood ofCorrectional Officers(RIBCO) is estab-lished.

13

**Please note any value less than 3% will not be labeled in the graphs on pages 13-18.

Offender Characteristics

Offense Type by Status

Male Population

31.1% 37.4%46.7%

12.2%

9.4%

8.8%

17.6%

22.4%11.6%

40.5%

15.1% 17.9%

12.7%

6.6%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%


Other

Nonviolent

Drug

B&E

Sex

Violent

Offense Type by Status

Female Population

22.0%31.1%

40.5%

4.4%

13.3%

16.7%

22.2%

9.8%

55.8%

20.0%42.5%

8.9%

3.1%

3.3%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%


Other

Nonviolent

Drug

B&E

Sex

Violent

Forty-one percent (41%) of male commitments are incarcerated for non-violent crimeswhile over half (54%) of the female commitments are incarcerated for similar offenses.Nearly one third of the male population (31.1%) have been imprisoned for violent crimesyet not even a quarter of females are incarcerated for similar violent crimes. We see thereverse trend in the sentenced stock population where violent crimes make up overforty percent for both males and females. Lifers are included in the sentenced popula-tion making the amount of violent sentenced offenders drastically rise.

1973On April 2, 150-200inmates riot inMaximum taking sixguards hostage andcausing over $1mil-lion in damages.

On June 22, Correc-tional Officer DonaldPrice, who had onlybeen on the job forthree weeks, isstabbed and killed inthe line of duty. Twoinmates were con-victed of his murder;the first was sen-tenced to life inprison and thesecond to 20 years.

1972The Rhode IslandDepartment ofCorrections (RIDOC)is created by statutewith formal jurisdic-tion over the AdultCorrectional Institu-tions (ACI) andProbation & Parole.

In April the “MorrisRules” of classifica-tion are imposed.They define fourcategories of privi-leges and restrictionsfor inmates.

14

Pretrial Statistics

Average Length of Stay for FY12

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

Same

Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

# Days until released

# o

f O

ffen

der

s

While the average pretrial length of stay is 23 days, the median is only 3 days.

*A ppro ximately 15% o f o f fenders remain o n pretria l status af ter 30 days, but are no t displayed o n the graph

The most common offenses for the male misdemeanant awaiting trial population wasdomestic assault while for the female population it was disorderly conduct. Male andfemale felony offenders were most commonly jailed for breaking and entering.

33.3% 33.3% 30.8%37.7%

5.1%

13.1%15.4%

10.1%

16.7%10.4%

23.1%

23.3%

33.3%56.3%

17.9%

12.0%16.7%7.7% 3.8%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Female

Misdemeanants

Male Misdemeanants Female Felons Male Felons

Other

Nonviolent

Drug

B&E

Sex

Violent

n = 6

n = 48 n = 39 n = 634

1973The educationdivision grows withthe aid of grantmoney and the firstcollege level programbegins at the ACI.

1974The case ofPalmigiano v Garrahyis filed accusingRIDOC of violatinginmates’ 8th and 14thamendment rightsdenying them ad-equate medical care.This case has a longlasting effect on theACI and State ofRhode Island.

1976A capital develop-ment plan is estab-lished to build asupermax prison to“house theincorrigables” andrelieve tension at theACI.

15

Pretrial Offenders: Crime Type by Offense TypeStock Data-June 30, 2012

N=727

Sentenced Statistics

Included in the sentenced stockpopulation are 190 inmatessentenced to life and 32 sentencedto life without parole. Two of thoseinmates are women. These 222offenders constitute 8.1% of thetotal sentenced population.Eighteen (18) of the lifers areinmates from other states orinmates for which RI sharesjurisdiction (i.e., the inmate mayhave time to serve following theexpiration of sentence in RI).

For the female sentencedpopulation, the most commonmisdemeanor offenses were simpleassault and shoplifting,

20.6%30.2%

46.2%48.8%

14.2%

4.2%

9.8%12.6%

12.4%

79.4%

64.0%

12.6%12.4%

4.2%

4.7%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Female Misdemeanants Male Misdemeanants Female Felons Male Felons

Other

Nonviolent

Drug

B&E

Sex

Violent

n = 34 n=278 n=119 n=2287

while the most common felonyoffense was possession of a scheduleIV controlled substance. Schedule IVsubstances are mostly prescriptionmedications.

The most common misdemeanoroffense for the male sentencedpopulation was domestic assault,while the most common felonyoffense was robbery.

According to the Rhode IslandJudiciary’s Quarterly Caseflow Reportfelony filings have risen 7% during thefirst quarter of calendar year 2012while misdemeanor filings have risen23%.

1984The death penatly isabolished in RhodeIsland.

1978There is a riot at theACI.

1977The Palmigiano casecauses a federalcourt order forconditions of confine-ment to be imposedon RIDOC.

The Drug Unit, atreatment program,begins operating withthree male inmates.

1981High Security Center,the first supermaxfacility in RhodeIsland, is opened.The opening helpsdecline the risingviolence in MaximumSecurity.

The department limitssex-specific posts.Bids by both maleand female officersare mostly handled ina uniform manner.

16

Sentenced Offenders: Crime Type by Offense TypeStock Data-June 30, 2012

N=2718

When examined together, the graphs and table on this page capture the flow of sentencedinmates in and out of the RIDOC. The graph at the top left of the page shows the length ofsentence imposed by the judiciary, while the graph at the right shows the percentage ofinmates in prison on June 30, 2012. For example, even though only about 11% of the malepopulation is committed to sentences of more than 3 years, over time, this group of offendersrepresents 56% of the population.

Male Female Total Offense Category

Sent <6mos Sent >6mos Sent <6mos Sent >6mos Sent <6mos Sent >6mos Violent 2.9 60.2 2.5 51.63 2.9 59.7

Sex 2.8 94.1 N/A N/A 2.8 94.1

B&E 3.9 36.0 4.3 22.7 3.9 35.3

Drug 3.6 25.5 3.5 15.4 3.6 24.6

Nonviolent 2.6 23.4 2.3 20.3 2.5 23.0

SUBTOTAL 3.1 47.8 3.1 27.5 3.1 47.3 Average Total Sentence Length = 21.9 months


74.1%

63.2%

12.6%

12.2%

8.1%

12.9%

4.7%4.3%

3.0%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Female Male

10+ yrs

5 - 10 yrs

3 - 5 yrs

1 - 3 yrs

6 mos -1 yr

6 mos or less

25.5%

14.2%

16.3%

7.8%

22.9%

19.7%

11.8%

11.6%

13.7%

16.1%

9.8%

28.6%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Female Male

10+ yrs

5 - 10 yrs

3 - 5 yrs

1 - 3 yrs

6 mos -1 yr

6 mos or less

1985There is a riot atthe ACI.

1991Three hundredinmates inMaximum Secu-rity riot and causea 5 hour siege.

1988There is a riot atthe ACI.

1987The number offelony drugoffenses rises217% in threeyears.

1989Outside consult-ants estimateover 80% of theinmate populationhave histories ofdrug abuse.

17

The table above displays the average length of sentence imposed on sentencedcommitments in FY2012. The actual amount of time offenders stay in prison is almostalways shorter than the full sentence imposed due to factors such as statutory good time(i.e., credit earned for good or industrious behavior) and earned time for programparticipation and completion (time deducted from sentence).

Sentenced CommitmentsSentence Length by Sex

FY2012

Sentenced Stock PopulationSentence Length by Sex

June 30, 2012

Effects of Sentence Reductions

Prior to May, 2008, Rhode Island had one of the most conservative state sentence reductionformulas in the country. With the population reaching historically high levels in 2007 and2008 and threatening to exceed prison capacity, the state’s General Assembly, withoverwhelming bipartisan support, enacted legislation designed to increase public safety,curb spending, and reduce recidivism of released inmates1. The legislation increased theamount of behavioral good time credit and provided credits for program participation andcompletion. As a result, we have seen increased program participation and completion and,coupled with increased good behavior time, we have experienced an overall decrease inoffenders’ length of stay which has in turn lead to a decreased prison population (see charton page 8).

Average Percentage of Time Served by Sentence Length for Offenders Expiring a Sentence

FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12 Difference 08-12

3 months or less 99% 91% 91% 90% 92% -7%

3 - 6 months 97% 81% 80% 79% 80% -18%

6 - 9 months 96% 82% 79% 76% 77% -20%

9 months - 1year 95% 81% 77% 71% 74% -24%

1 - 3 years 93% 83% 76% 69% 69% -30%

3 - 5 years 88% 83% 80% 69% 62% -30%

5 - 7 years 84% 83% 73% 71% 63% -25%

7 - 10 years 79% 79% 79% 69% 51% -35%

greater than 10 years 76% 75% 76% 63% 61% -20%

The above table depicts the changes in lengthof stay for those inmates who have left viaexpiration of sentence, as this group ofoffenders has the ability to fully benefit fromthe 2008 sentence reduction changes. As youcan be seen there have been significantchanges is the percent of time served for alloffenders from FY08 to FY12. Most noticeablyoffenders serving mid-range sentences (1-7years) continue to have reductions in the timeserved.

Despite across the board reductions in percentof time served, recent recidivism studies do notshow any increase in return rates for offenders.In fact, only 28% of offender released in 2009returned to RIDOC with a new sentence withinone year and 34% returned as awaiting trialdetainees. In comparison, 32% of offendersreleased in 2004 (prior to the good timechanges)


returned with a new sentence and 44% asawaiting trial detainees. Thus far, data doesnot appear to indicate that a decrease in timeserved contributes to more crime and re-incarcerations.

For further RIDOC recidivism information,please see the 2009 Recidivism Study: One YearFollow Up (Preliminary Report).

Program Participation & Completion:During FY12, 2,141 offenders participated inand/or completed one or more rehabilitativeprograms offered at RIDOC and were awardeda total of 74,551 program credits (days offsentence) (an average of 35 program creditsper person). Substance Abuse Treatment, HighSchool Equivalency Program (GED), Adult BasicEducation Program (ABE), and CognitiveRestructuring/Anger Management programsawarded the most program credits in FY12.

1999Ashbel T. Wallbecomes the Directorof the Rhode IslandDepartment ofCorrections, aposition he holds tothis day.

1995The federal courtorder for conditions ofconfinement, whichwas spawned fromthe Palmigiano case,is terminated.

1994The first women’sresidential drugtreatment programbegins.

2008With a rising popula-tion threatening to putRIDOC over capacity,legislation is passedto give Rhode Islandinmates “good time”that rewards goodbehavior, attendingprograms, having ajob, etc. to aid in theearly release of anoffender.

18

1 To view the good behavior and program participation/completion sentence reduction statute, see RI General Laws § 42-56-24 and § 42-56-26. Thesestatutes reflect the 2008 enacted changes as well as additional changes made in 2012 directed at decreasing and/or eliminating sentence reductionsfor specific serious crimes (i.e. murder, assault with intent murder, kidnapping of a minor, child molestations and sexual assault).

The graph above shows the actual population (green line) compared to theprojected population (yellow line). The blue lines predicts a slight downward trendin the actual population over the next fiscal year.

As of the FY12 projection, RIDOC was operating below federal capacity in allfacilities. The 10-year forecast of RI’s prison population, conducted by WendyNaro-Ware of JFA Associates/The Institute, estimates that the population will seelittle growth, 0.4% or 13 inmates. This projected growth would allow RI to remainbelow both the operational (3,654) and federal (3,869) capacities throughout the10-year forecast.

This projection is based on the current factors, statutes, and practices at RIDOC,i.e. good time awards. These factors may change over time due to legislative orpolicing changes which would render the existing prediction null.

Population Projections

2010The early release of a1984 child murderersparks controversy inthe “good time”statutes.

2011With a decliningpopulation, RIDOC isable to close theDonald Price MediumSecurity Buidling asordered by the RIGeneral Assembly.

2012Legislation is passedchanging good timepolicies which takesaway good timecredits for the mostsevere crimes.

19

3000

3100

3200

3300

3400

July

'11 AugSe

pt OctNov Dec

Jan '1

2 Feb

Mar Apr

May

June

July

'12 AugSe

pt OctNov Dec

Jan '1

3 Feb

Mar Apr

May

June

FY13

Green Line Actual Population

Yellow Line Projected Population

Blue Line Actual Population Trend

FY12

Population Projections vs. Actual Population

Institutional Capacity

Average FY12 Population vs. Capacities

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

# o

f O

ffen

der

s

Av erage Population 90 432 1014 486 755 201 133 35

Operational Capacity * 138 409 1006 710 784 334 173 100

Palmigiano Capacity ** 166 466 1066 710 784 364 213 100

High Max Med Moran Min ISC North ISC South WFI WFII

Total RIDOC FY 2012Operational Capacity* = 3654Palmigiano Capacity** = 3869

Average FY12 Population = 3191

*Operational Capacity = All Beds - (Hospital Beds + 1/3 of Segregation Beds)**Palmigiano Capacity = Federal Court-Ordered Capacity (All Beds)

20

Release Data

There were 12offenders, all males, onactive escape status asof 6/30/12. Theseescapes span from1979 to 2009.

During FY12 RIDOCprocessed a total of3,706 releases, repre-senting 3,306 people,from sentenced status.Virtually all releasesexpired their sentences(86%); 11% wereparoled.Almost 32% of maleswere released frombeing housed in Mini-mum Security, anadditional 25% werereleased from theIntake Service Center,and 5% were releasedfrom Maximum or HighSecurity. Female re-leases were almostequally distributedamongst WF1 and WF2(56% and 44% respec-tively).Of these releases toRhode Island almosthalf (43%) reportedreturning to eitherProvidence orPawtucket. An addi-tional 19% returned toCranston, Warwick, andWest Warwick.

Six (6) of those on active escapestatus were walkaways fromhome confinement and six (6) ofthose on active escape statuswere from minimum/workrelease.

In FY12, there were three (3)inmate deaths. All were males,two white and one

black. One (1) death was aconfirmed suicide.

During FY12 there were atotal of 11,092 awaiting trialreleases. Half (51%) weredischarged at court while 20%were bailed and another 20%were sentenced to serve timeon their charges.

21

Release Data

In 2007, RIDOC conducted arecidivism study analyzing arelease cohort from calendaryear 2004 and tracked them forthree years in the communityto see if they returned to theACI as a sentenced inmate.

In CY04, of the 3,105 offenderswho were released 32%returned under sentencewithin 1 year, 46% by 2 years,and 54% within 3 years of theirinitial release.

In 2010 RIDOC’s Planning &Research unit headed a newrecidivism study analyzing arelease cohort from 2009.

Three thousand three hundredeighty-seven (3,387) offenderswere released in calendar year

levels and the likeliness ofrecidivating. Non-violentoffenders had the greatestlikelihood of recidivating andspent the least amount of time inthe community, while educatedoffenders were more likley tospend a longer time in thecommunity.

There are nine reentry councils in the State ofRhode Island; Providence, Pawtucket, Westerly,Woonsocket, Newport, Cranston, West Warwick andtwo in Warwick. These councils are part of aninmate’s transition into the community. The coun-cils are part of a state-wide initiative to ease thetransition and help released inmates in beingsuccessfull when returning to their communities.Probation and parole staff, RIDOC reentry person-nel, police, local housing specialists, and clergyamong many others come together to strategize sixmonths before an inmate is released.

Recidivism

Reentry Councils

22

2009. Within 1 year of release28% of offenders returned toRIDOC with a new sentence.This is lower than CY04 cohortwhich had a return rate of 32%.

Correlations were foundbetween offenders who werereleased from higher security

Interpreting the chart: The probation population is plotted on the secondary axis to the right, whileparole and home confinement are plotted on the primary axis to the left.

Community Corrections Population

Parole, Probation and Home Confinement Populations

17216821822823521821320514512916719414413811479

560556

565606551

477421

490

592588578592629619636740

2501825498

26411

27128

19103

20939

221382243622780

2580726275 26376 26437 26075 26474 26779

0

300

600

900

1200

1500

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

Fiscal Year

# o

f O

ffen

der

s

13000

16000

19000

22000

25000

28000

Home Confinement Parole Probation

Probationers and Parolees by Square Mile

as of December 31, 2011

18.4

224.8

172.8

578.3

341.8

96.7

65.6

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700

Total RI

Central Falls

Newport

Pawtucket

Providence

W.Warwick

Woonsocket

# of Offenders Per Square Mile

1 out of every 42 adult residents in RI is on

probation or parole

1 out of every 25 men and 1 out of every

133 women in RI is on probation or parole

1 in 10 men aged 25-29



23

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, as of 2010, Rhode Island has the third highest rate ofProbation supervision in the nation; 3,010 per 100,000 residents. BJS Probation and Parole in the UnitedStates, 2010.

Community Corrections Population

The map above illustrates the Probation and Parole population on the streets of Rhode Island on June 30,2012. As you can see almost half (43%) of the population live in Providence or Pawtucket.

24

Looking Toward the FutureChanges around the RIDOC

Staffing

In the past few years the RIDOC population hasseen a steady decline. This has enabled thedepartment to close the Donald Price MediumSecurity building, saving the state of RhodeIsland substantial costs.

The Women’s Facilities have seen drastic changessince 2010. The population of both women’sfacilities were moved to two newly renovatedbuildings, the Reintegration Building recentlyrenamed the Gloria McDonald Building and theBernadette Building now known as Women’sFacility II. One of the former women’s facilitiesis being renovated into new office space forProbation, Parole, the Training Academy, amongothers and the other is being turned into ahomeless shelter scheduled to be open in 2013.

We have seen many veterans of the DOC depart us over thepast year; Ellen Evans Alexander, former Assistant Director of

Administration, Roberta Richman, former Assistant Director ofRehabilitation, Aaron Aldrich, former Chief Inspector, amongothers. Now we look to the future with exciting additions to

the executive staff. Patricia Coyne-Fague now heads theAdministration division while Elizabeth Earls, a new employeeto RIDOC, takes over Rehabilitative Services, and Robert Catlow

has replaced Aaron Aldrich as the new Chief Inspector.Pictured: Elizabeth EarlsAssistant Director Rehabilitative Services

GrantsThe RIDOC is committed to expanding its services through the use of federal orprivate foundation funding opportunities when possible. Currently we have anumber of grant funded initiatives at the ACI; the Family Focus Initiative fundedby the 2nd Chance Act as well as Prison Based Family Substance Abuse Treatmentgrant. Byrne/ARRA funds two grants from the Office of Public Safety, the FamilyReunification and Employment for Transitioning Offenders. The Justice & MentalHealth Collabortaion project, funded by BJA, supports research, pilot testing, andpurchasing validated screening and assessment tools to identify offenders withco-occurring disorders. Finally the National Resource Center for Justice InvolvedWomen provided a technical assistance grant to support the Women’s FacilitiesSteering Committee to revise policies and procedures so they are reflective ofgender responsive correctional practices.

25

RIDOC DescriptionThe Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RIDOC) operates a unified correctional system, meaningthat all pretrial detainees and all sentenced offenders (regardless of sentence length or crime) areunder the jurisdiction of the Department. RIDOC has seven (7) housing facilities on the Pastore Govern-ment Center Complex in Cranston, Rhode Island. In addition to institutional corrections, offenders onprobation, parole and electronic monitoring also fall under the jurisdiction of the RIDOC.

Race Categories: RIDOC records Hispanic as a race rather than ethnicity. As a result, we cannot deter-mine whether inmates identifying themselves as Hispanic are white or black. Those identifying them-selves as white or black may also be Hispanic.

Offense Categories: Throughout this report, type of offense is determined by the most serious chargefor which the offender is sentenced to incarceration or community supervision. As an example, if anoffender had both a drug charge and a sex charge, s/he would be captured in the sex category (and notthe drug category) for reporting purposes. An additional caveat is that the offense category is based onthose charges entered into Infacts, and there are times where multiple counts are condensed into onecharge record. At times, offense information is not immediately available to RIDOC; in these instances,the designation “pending court verification” is assigned.

Stock data: Refers to data that are a “snapshot” of the population, which provides information about thepopulation on a given day. For this report, the date for the stock data is June 30, 2012.

Commitments & Releases: In contrast to stock data, commitment and release information provides dataabout the movement of offenders into and out of the RIDOC system. For this report, the time periodcovered is July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012.

Cost per Offender: The cost per offender per annum excludes central RIDOC Administration and Capitalcosts. For this report, the time period covered is July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012 (FY2012).

Population Averages - The Community Corrections Chart on page 23 uses the average population forparole, probation, and home confinement for the fiscal year. Due to technological issues the datarepresents July 2011 through May 2012. June data is not available.

Timeline- Much of the timeline information can be found in Lawful Order: A Case Study of CorrectionalCrisis and Reform by Leo Carroll.

For further information or questions please contact Caitlin O’Connor, Principal Research Technician, atcaitlin.o’[email protected] or 401-462-3925

Appendix I: Data Caveats & Definitions

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