Ad Hoc Advisory Groups
Research and Data Practices Advisory Group
The Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Research and Data Practices (RDPAG) is established by the Commission as an ad hoc advisory group to the Commission under 28 U.S.C. § 995 and Rule 5.4 of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure.
The purpose of the RDPAG is— (1) to assist the Commission in carrying out its statutory responsibilities under 28 U.S.C. §§ 991(b) and 995(a)(12)–(16); (2) to study the best practices of other government agencies and nongovernmental organizations (including those that perform tasks or provide services not related to criminal justice) relating to the collection, maintenance, use, analysis, and dissemination of data relevant to the mission of such agencies and organizations, and the development and execution of research agendas; (3) to report and make recommendations on how the Commission may incorporate any best practice to more effectively carry out its statutory duties and responsibilities under 28 U.S.C. §§ 991(b) and 995(a)(12)–(16), and fulfill its unique role as a clearinghouse for federal sentencing statistics and practices; and (4) to perform any other related functions as the Commission requests.
Standing Advisory Groups
Practitioners Advisory Group
The Practitioners Advisory Group (PAG) is a standing advisory group to the Commission under 28 U.S.C. § 995 and Rule 5.4 of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure.
The purpose of the PAG is to (1) assist the Commission in carrying out its statutory responsibilities under 28 U.S.C. § 994(o); (2) provide to the Commission its views on the Commission’s activities and work, including proposed priorities and amendments; (3) disseminate to defense attorneys, and to other professionals in the defense community, information regarding federal sentencing issues; and (4) perform other related functions as the Commission requests.
Probation Officers Advisory Group
The U.S. Probation Officers Advisory Group (POAG) is established by the Commission to assist the Commission in carrying out its statutory responsibilities under the Sentencing Reform Act, 28 U.S.C. § 994(o), and to represent U.S. Probation Officers (USPOs) in the area of sentencing.
POAG reports its observations on the operation of the sentencing guidelines, any proposed amendments, and other sentencing issues as well as provides feedback and disseminates information regarding sentencing issues to United States probation officers.
Sentence Impact Advisory Group
The Sentence Impact Advisory Group (SIAG) is established by the Commission as a standing advisory group to the Commission pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 995 and Rule 5.4 of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure.
The purpose of the SIAG is— (1) to assist the Commission in carrying out its statutory responsibilities under 28 U.S.C. § 994(o); (2) to provide to the Commission its views on the Commission’s activities and work, including proposed priorities and amendments, as they relate to sentenced individuals; (3) to disseminate information regarding federal sentencing issues to other sentenced individuals, families of sentenced individuals, and advocacy groups, as appropriate; (4) to provide to the Commission its views on how the Commission may better incorporate into its work the perspectives of individuals affected by federal sentences; (5) to assist the Commission in determining how it can best fulfill its duty under 28 U.S.C. § 994(s) to “give due consideration to any petition filed by a defendant requesting modification of the guidelines utilized in the sentencing of such defendant, on the basis of changed circumstances unrelated to the defendant”; and (6) to perform any other related functions as the Commission requests.
Tribal Issues Advisory Group
The Tribal Issues Advisory Group (TIAG) is established by the Commission as a standing advisory group to the Commission pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 995 and Rules 5.2 and 5.4 of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure.
The purpose of the TIAG is to (1) assist the Commission in carrying out its statutory responsibilities under 28 U.S.C. § 994(o); (2) provide to the Commission its views on federal sentencing issues relating to American Indian defendants and victims and to offenses committed in Indian Country; (3) to engage in meaningful consultation and outreach with tribes, tribal governments, and tribal organizations regarding federal sentencing issues that have tribal implications; (4) to disseminate information regarding federal sentencing issues to tribes, tribal governments, and tribal organizations; and (5) to perform any other related functions as the Commission requests.
Victims Advisory Group
The Victims Advisory Group (VAG) is established by the United States Sentencing Commission (Commission) as a standing advisory group to the Commission pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 995 and Rule 5.4 of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure.
The purpose of the VAG is to (1) assist the Commission in carrying out its statutory responsibilities under 28 U.S.C. § 994(o); (2) provide to the Commission its views on the Commission’s activities and work, including proposed priorities and amendments, as they relate to victims of crime; (3) disseminate information regarding sentencing issues to organizations represented on the VAG and to other victims of crime and victims advocacy groups, as appropriate; and (4) perform any other functions related to victims of crime as the Commission requests.