[United States Government Manual] [June 01, 2002] [Pages 82-84] [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, 202-502-4500. Internet, www.ussc.gov. Chair Diana E. Murphy Vice Chairs Ruben Castillo, William K. Sessions III, John R. Steer Commissioners Sterling Johnson, Jr., Joe Kendall, Michael E. O'Neill Commissioners (ex officio) John P. Elwood, Edward F. Reilly, Jr. Executive Assistant and Counsel to the Chair Frances Cook Staff Director Timothy B. McGrath General Counsel Charles R. Tetzlaff Public Affairs Officer Michael Courlander Director of Administration and Planning Susan L. Winarsky Director and Chief Counsel of Training Pamela G. Montgomery Director of Legislative and Governmental Affairs Kenneth P. Cohen Director of Monitoring J. Deon Haynes, Acting [[Page 83]] Director of Policy Analysis Louis W. Reedt, Acting Special Counsel Judith W. Sheon ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 Chairperson. 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 through the Internet, at www.ussc.gov. Guideline Application Assistance Helpline Phone, 202-502-4545. Public Information Information concerning Commission activities is available from the Office of Publishing and Public Affairs. Phone, 202- 502-4590. For further information, contact the Office of Publishing and Public Affairs, United States Sentencing Commission, Suite 2-500, South Lobby, One Columbus Circle NE., Washington, DC 20002-8002. Phone, 202-502-4590. Internet, www.ussc.gov. [[Page 84]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T189864.012