    [United States Government Manual]
    [May 30, 1997]
    [Pages 83-87]
    [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. Gelacak,
                                                        Michael Goldsmith
    Commissioners                                     Wayne A. Budd, Deanell
                                                        R. Tacha,
                                                        (2 vacancies)
    Commissioners (ex officio)                        Michael J. Gaines,
                                                        Mary Frances
                                                        Harkenrider
    Staff Director                                    John H. Kramer,
                                                              Acting
    Deputy Staff Director                             Paul K. Martin
    General Counsel                                   John R. Steer
    Network Administrator                             Joyce Bouwkamp
    Public Information Specialist                     Michael Courlander
    Director of Training and Technical Assistance     Sharon O. Henegan
    Director of Policy Analysis                       Susan Katzenelson
    Director of Monitoring                            Elizabeth A. McGrath
    Executive Assistant to the Chairman               Timothy B. McGrath
    Chief Deputy General Counsel                      Donald A. Purdy, Jr.
    Deputy Director of Training and Technical         Susan Winarsky
            Assistance
    Legislative Counsel                               Jonathan J. Wroblewski
    Director of Administration                        (vacancy)

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

    [[Page 84]]

    [[Page 85]]

    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 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

    Electronic Access  Commission information and materials may be obtained
    electronically. Electronic bulletin board by modem, 202-273-4709.
    Internet, http://www.ussc.gov/.

    Guideline Application Assistance Helpline  Phone, 202-273-4545.

    Public Information  Information concerning Commission activities is
    available from the Office of Communications. Phone, 202-273-4590.

    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.

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    Executive Branch