[United States Government Manual] [September 15, 2009] [Pages 80-84] [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 Ricardo H. Hinojosa, Acting Vice Chairs William B. Carr, Jr., Ruben Castillo, William K. Sessions III Commissioners Dabney L. Friedrich, Michael E. Horowitz, Beryl A. Howell Commissioners (ex officio) Kelli H. Ferry, Edward F. Reilly, Jr. Staff Director Judith W. Sheon General Counsel Kenneth P. Cohen Public Affairs Officer Michael Courlander Director of Administration and Planning Susan M. Brazel Director and Chief Counsel of Training Pamela G. Montgomery Director of Legislative and Governmental Affairs (vacancy) Director of Research and Data Glenn R. Schmitt ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The United States Sentencing Commission develops sentencing guidelines and policies for the Federal court 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 guidelines and policies for the Federal courts, advising them of 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 consulted in determining sentences to be [[Page 81]] 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 82]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T217558.009 [[Page 83]] Executive Branch [[Page 84]]