The Commission on Sentencing is responsible for a number of research projects.  A number of studies are required by legislation.  The Commission is mandated to evaluate the State Intermediate Punishment Program and the Recidivisim Risk Reduction Incentive Program on alternating years. It also was required to evaluate the state's Motivation Boot Camp from its inception in 1990 through 2010.

Other research studies are undertaken on a one-time basis.  These may be required under a House or Senate Resolution, such as House Resolution 12 of 2007 which required a study on the use and impact of mandatory minimum sentences.  Other studies may be contracted through grants.

Additionally, the Commission itself has established a research agenda to examine the effectiveness of sentencing.

Findings may be found in various reports and may also be summized in a Research Bulletin. 

Research is conducted under the direction of Cynthia Kempinen, Ph.D., Director of Research and Deputy Director of the Commission.  Additionally, the Commission has a research partnership with The Pennsylvania State University.  Professor R. Barry Ruback is the faculty researcher associated with the Commission. 

For additional information on Commission research, contact Dr. Kempinen at 814.863.2797 or cak16@psu.edu.