HELENA, Mont. (AP) — State auditors say the Department of Corrections should collect and analyze more data to compare the effectiveness of state and private prisons and to ensure offenders are matched with appropriate community corrections services to reduce the potential to re-offend.
The Legislative Audit Division said prison placement doesn't seem to affect the rate of recidivism.
But it said the state doesn't collect enough data to ensure the $44 million it spends each year on community corrections is being used most efficiently to reduce recidivism.
Corrections Director Reginald Michael agreed with the recommendations, but said his agency will need more staff and money.
