(a) The department shall establish a program of research and statistics, alone or in cooperation with others, for the purpose of assisting in the identification and achievement of realistic short term and long term departmental goals, the making of administrative decisions, and the evaluation of the facilities and programs of the entire state correctional system. Information relating to the following must be compiled:

1. (1) An inventory of current facilities and programs, including residential and nonresidential community programs and offender participation.

2. (2) Population characteristics and trends, including the following concerning offenders:

   1. (A) Ethnicity.
   2. (B) Gender.
3. (3) Judicial sentencing practices.
4. (4) Service area resources, needs, and capabilities.
5. (5) Recidivism of offenders.
6. (6) Projected operating and capital expenditures.

(b) The department may conduct research into the causes, detection, and treatment of criminality and delinquency and disseminate the results of that research.

As added by Acts 1979, P.L.120, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.142-1995, SEC.1.