The population of incarcerated offenders continues to increase, which makes the planning function of management vital. In Washington State, over 303,000 crimes are reported in communities and over 6,800 offenders are admitted to the state prisons. With the rise of such offenders being incarcerated, management needed to create a plan developed to prioritize supervision. (Department of Corrections online, criminal justice, 2004) Currently, there are 17,223 total-confined incarcerated offenders and 61,205 offenders on active supervision (Governor, 2004, p.3). Management realized the number of employees supervising offenders was increasing to levels that were unrealistic.Offender Accountability ActThe Department implemented a risk-management assessment plan, which classifies offenders based on the risk to re-offend and nature of the harm done. Offenders are classified into four types: Risk Management A (RM-A), Risk Management B (RM-B), Risk Management C (RM-C) and Risk Management D (RM-D) (Department of Corrections online, general, 2004). Offenders classified as RM-A pose the most serious risk to re-offend. The Act expands the Department's authority to establish and modify conditions of supervision and to sanction violators. The criteria for classifying an offender as an RM-A is based on the conviction of a violent crime; level III sex offenders; offenders who have been designated as dangerously mentally ill; or offenders who do not meet the above criteria, but who have a documented history of violent or threatening behavior. The Department felt the offenders classified as an RM-A needed the most attention, and by establishing the Offender Accountability Act (OAA), it would enhance community safety (Department of Corrections online, convictions, 2004).OAA has a big impact on the social responsibility the Department faces with citizens of the State of Washington by keeping the community safer with supervising offenders who pose higher risk to reoffend. Another planning function the Department implemented was the Risk Management Intensive Transition (RMIT). This process involves a risk management specialist, community corrections officers, classification counselors, victim advocates, local law enforcement, treatment providers and the offender. The purpose of the RMIT is to help transition the offender back in to the community while keeping the victim safe.Victims are also critical stakeholders in the Departments operations, and victim safety is of paramount concern. The Department has instituted a Victim's Council to ensure that victims and victim advocates have a voice in the management of offenders. Victims are encouraged to participate in the development of Offender Accountability Plans and are also encouraged to volunteer for the Victim Awareness Education Program, which is designed to raise awareness among offenders of the harmful impacts of their crimes.Legal IssuesThe Revised Code of Washington (RCW) makes the criminal justice system...
