[United States Government Manual]
[June 02, 1998]
[Pages 83-85]
[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. Internet, http://www.ussc.gov/.
Chairman                                          Richard P. Conaboy
Vice Chairman                                     Michael S. Gelacak
Commissioners                                     Michael Goldsmith, 
                                                          Deanell R. 
                                                          Tacha, (3 
                                                          vacancies)
Commissioners (ex officio)                        Michael J. Gaines, 
                                                          Mary Frances 
                                                          Harkenrider
Staff Director                                    John H. Kramer
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                       Linda D. Maxfield, 
                                                          Acting
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
Director of Legislative and Public Affairs        Jonathan J. Wroblewski

[[Page 84]]

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

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 agency 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 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. 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 Legislative and Public Affairs. Phone, 202-
273-4590.

For further information, contact the Office of Legislative and Public 
Affairs, United States Sentencing Commission, Suite 2-500, South Lobby, 
One Columbus Circle NE., Washington, DC 20002-8002. Phone, 202-273-4590.

[[Page 85]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T177653.010