(a) The commission shall evaluate the effect of sentencing laws and criminal justice practices on the criminal justice system to evaluate whether those sentencing laws and criminal justice practices provide for protection of the public, community condemnation of the offender, the rights of victims of crimes, the rights of the accused and the person convicted, restitution from the offender, and the principle of reformation. The commission shall make recommendations for improving criminal sentencing practices and criminal justice practices, including rehabilitation and restitution. In formulating its recommendations, the commission shall consider
(1) statutes, court rules, and court decisions relevant to sentencing of criminal defendants in misdemeanor and felony cases;
(2) sentencing practices of the judiciary, including use of presumptive sentences;
(3) means of promoting uniformity, proportionality, and accountability in sentencing;
(4) alternatives to traditional forms of incarceration;
(5) the efficacy of parole and probation in ensuring public safety, achieving rehabilitation, and reducing recidivism;
(6) the adequacy, availability, and effectiveness of treatment and rehabilitation programs;
(7) crime and incarceration rates, including the rate of violent crime and the abuse of controlled substances, in this state compared to other states, and best practices adopted by other states that have proven to be successful in reducing recidivism;
(8) the relationship between sentencing priorities and correctional resources;
(9) the effectiveness of the state's current methodologies for the collection and dissemination of criminal justice data; and
(10) whether the schedules for controlled substances in AS 11.71.140 - 11.71.190 are reasonable and appropriate, considering the criteria established in AS 11.71.120 (c).
(b) The commission may
(1) recommend legislative and administrative action on criminal justice practices; and
(2) select and retain the services of consultants as necessary.
Section: Previous 44.19.641 44.19.642 44.19.643 44.19.644 44.19.645 44.19.646 44.19.647 44.19.649 44.19.650-44.19.680 44.19.700-44.19.714 44.19.720-44.19.728 44.19.738-44.19.744 44.19.746-44.19.758 44.19.760 44.19.777-44.19.787 NextLast modified: November 15, 2016