Category: Pracademically Speaking

Pracademically Speaking is a podcast intended to highlight research and innovations within the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (PA DOC). Episodes include interviews with national experts and PA DOC staff members who are leading the way in cutting edge developments. A primary goal of the podcast is to bring together thought leaders (academics, practitioners, and policymakers) to stimulate further thinking about how to solve real world problems within the field of corrections.

Pracademically Speaking is produced by the PA DOC’s Bureau of Planning, Research & Statistics (PRS). The mission of PRS is to evaluate programs, policies, and practices, produce statistical reports, support data needs, clearly communicate research, and foster innovation, with excellence and objectivity, to advance agency goals through data-driven, scientifically informed decision-making. Their motto is “Pracademic Excellence!”

Episode 9: A Tribute to Mark Kleiman (Part 2) – SCF Supervision

In this episode we continue to remember the life and legacy of Mark Kleiman.  We review perhaps his most important practical contribution to the field, what he called Swift, Certain, and Fair (SCF) Supervision.  The principles of SCF Supervision were laid out in in his 2009 book, “When Brute Force Fails.”  We discuss various ways that the PA Department of Corrections has implemented the principles of SCF Supervision.

Additional Resources on “When Brute Force Fails” and SCF Supervision:

  1. Order a copy of “When Brute Force Fails”
  2. PDF version of early copy of “When Brute Force Fails”
  3. PA DOC review of WBFF in “Research In Review”
  4. PEW review of HOPE
  5. “Fixing The Parole System” article
  6. SCF Resource Center link
  7. Mark Kleiman video: “Filling Up Prisons Without Fighting Crime”

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Episode 8: A Tribute to Mark Kleiman (Part 1)

Mark Kleiman was a special friend to the PA Department of Corrections, partnering with us on many initiatives over the years such as assisting in incorporating the principles of swift, certain, and fair (SCF) supervision into practice, in-prison violence reduction initiatives, and other evaluation and innovation efforts.  This special episode is a tribute to the life and legacy of Mark Kleiman.  We discuss his personal and professional connections with us, his many efforts to help us improve as an organization over the years, and his broader legacy to the field.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Episode 7: PA DOC Corrections Innovation Day

On July 31, 2024, the PA DOC, along with Penn State University, hosted their first ever Corrections Innovation Day.  The event brought PA DOC staff from various levels and types of positions together with a large group of academic partners in order to brainstorm around innovative and testable solutions to some of the department’s most important issues, such as recidivism reduction, in-prison violence reduction, restrictive housing reform, and staff wellness. In the special episode, you’ll hear a report from various participants at this event.  A special thanks to Arnold Ventures for sponsoring the event.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Episode 6: Risk & Needs Assessment, part 2 (Jason Stauffer )

In the second part of this month’s series, we talk with Jason Stauffer, the PA DOC’s Supervisor of Assessment and Classification Services.  Jason talks about his background in corrections and assessment, how the PA DOC uses risk and needs assessment, and specifically how the PA DOC uses their new Strong-R assessment instrument.

PlayPlay

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Episode 5: Risk & Needs Assessment, part 1 (Dr. Zach Hamilton, Sean Hosman, and Marjorie Rist)

In the first part of this month’s series, we talk with the team at Vant4ge, a company that produces a correctional risk/needs assessment tool called the Strong-R.  We discuss what risk/needs assessment is, and also discuss its importance in the corrections field.  The Vant4ge team talks about what new developments are happening in the risk/needs assessment industry.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download