[United States Government Manual] [July 01, 1995] [Pages 86-88] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]UNITED STATES SENTENCING COMMISSION Suite 2-500, South Lobby, One Columbus Circle NE., Washington, DC 20002- 8002 Phone, 202-273-4500 Chairman Richard P. Conaboy Vice Chairmen Michael S. Gelacek A. David Mazzone Commissioners Wayne A. Budd, Julie E. Carnes, Michael Goldsmith, Deanell R. Tacha Commissioners (ex officio) Jo Ann Harris Edward F. Reilly, Jr. Staff Director Phyllis J. Newton Deputy Staff Director Paul K. Martin General Counsel John R. Steer Director of Training and Technical Assistance Sharon O. Henegan Special Projects Director Paul Hofer Principal Technical Advisor Peter B. Hoffman Director of Administration Mary G. Hogya Director of Policy Analysis Susan Katzenelson Director of Communications Kent S. Larsen Director of Monitoring Elizabeth A. McGrath Executive Assistant to the Chairman Timothy B. McGrath Chief Deputy General Counsel Donald A. Purdy, Jr. Legislative Counsel Winthrop M. Swenson Deputy Director of Training and Technical Susan Winarsky Assistance ________________________________________________________________________ The United States Sentencing Commission develops sentencing policies and practices for the Federal criminal justice system. The United States Sentencing Commission was established as an independent commission in the judicial branch of the Federal Government by the Sentencing Reform Act of 1984 (28 U.S.C. 991 et seq. and 18 U.S.C. 3551 et seq.). The Commission establishes sentencing policies and practices for the Federal courts, including guidelines prescribing the appropriate form and [[Page 87]] [[Page 88]] severity of punishment for offenders convicted of Federal crimes. The Commission is composed of seven voting members appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate for 6-year terms, and two nonvoting members. One of the voting members is appointed Chairman. The Commission evaluates the effects of the sentencing guidelines on the criminal justice system, advises Congress regarding the modification or enactment of statutes relating to criminal law and sentencing matters, establishes a research and development program on sentencing issues, and performs other related duties. In executing its duties, the Commission promulgates and distributes to Federal courts and to the U.S. Probation System guidelines to be used in determining sentences to be imposed in criminal cases, general policy statements regarding the application of guidelines, and policy statements on the appropriate use of probation and supervised release revocation provisions. These sentencing guidelines and policy statements are designed to further the purposes of just punishment, deterrence, incapacitation, and rehabilitation; provide fairness in meeting the purposes of sentencing; avoid unwarranted disparity; and reflect advancement in the knowledge of human behavior as it relates to the criminal justice process. In addition, the Commission provides training, conducts research on sentencing-related issues, and serves as an information resource for Congress, criminal justice practitioners, and the public. Sources of Information Public Information Information concerning the Commission's activities is available from the Office of Communications. Phone, 202-273-4590. Judges and Probation Officers Technical Assistance Service Phone, 202- 273-4545 (hotline). Prosecuting and Defense Attorneys Phone, 202-273-4527 (hotline). For further information, contact the Office of Communications, United States Sentencing Commission, Suite 2-500, South Lobby, One Columbus Circle NE., Washington, DC 20002-8002. Phone, 202-273-4590.