The system was developed specifically for use and survivability within large prison populations and the correctional environment in general. Maintenance and operational costs are significantly lower than conventional prison programs. Electronic testing eliminates the use of massive amounts of expensive paper and dependence upon hard copy tests. Computerized testing also serves to maintain program integrity as hard copy tests were often stolen by inmates then, distributed and sold by prisoners resulting in invalidation of conventionally tested programs. Reusable study booklets keep maintenance costs down. The system simply pays for itself in paper costs and staff time saved in just a few months of operation.

  Program format is self-paced allowing inmates to adjust the speed with which they assimilate programmed information rather than assuming they all learn at the same rate or at the rate a lecture is presented. The necessity for expensive subject matter experts and lecturers is largely eliminated as subject expertise is built into inexpensive, reusable study booklets. A computer-assisted format allows any conscientious staff member to validly operate a large, high volume, secure and "honest" substance abuse education program.

  Computer assisted prototypes eliminate staff burn out by fully automating the tedious task of testing, scoring and recording of hundreds of inmate paper and pencil tests. Security features include an encrypted test storage vault in addition to numerous software security safeguards and encrypted passwords that eliminate the threat posed by inmate hackers.

  The inability of inmates to cheat this format necessitates that prisoners spend many hours to learn programmed material well enough to pass a computer-generated test. As such, the CAP prototypes also serve as extremely powerful inmate management tools; occupying an estimated three hours of inmate time for each fifteen-minute computer administered test. Fully operational programs have occupied up to 1800 hours of inmate time in study within the period of a single month. These prototypes markedly reduce the amount of unstructured and potentially troublesome free time available to inmates. Large-scale computer assisted programs empower inmates to address their problems themselves and assist them in finding direction and meaning in their incarceration resulting in a reduction of resentment.

  Computer assisted formats are extremely space efficient and allow comprehensive large scale programs to be provided for an entire caseload by a single, inexpensive computer in the corner of a counselors office. Staff-efficient computer assisted prototypes permit a single conscientious staff member with no specialized training in the program subject matter to manage high volume programs with minimal interference with other assigned duties.

  These prototypes also permit complete flexibility with regard to testing for levels of different levels of inmate comprehension through the design of test questions and study materials. Such latitude in the development of test question design gives program developers unprecedented versatility in tailoring programs to specific inmate populations. This format also permits social service staff to develop their own clinical programs and to program into the system their own test questions over that material. Set up time to operation is minimal with these formats. In addition, this system provides for standardization of programming throughout entire correctional systems despite different operators in diverse geographical locations. Inmates can be transferred across the state to a different prison unit and pick up a program at exactly the same place they left off in their previous unit.

  The CAP program format can be easily expanded to virtually any desired size to accommodate staffing and inmate population demands. The program can also be quickly reduced in response to other emerging priorities.

  The system provides both inmates and staff immediate feedback as to objective test performance. The System can serve as a rough, large scale-screening device for therapy groups, inmate educational level, mental illness, stress, organicity, memory and learning disabilities.

  Program design necessitates that inmates learn the programmed material making these systems a powerful tool in degrading strong inmate denial systems associated with chronic substance abusers. The capacity of Computer Assisted Programs to process large numbers of inmates through valid programs makes possible the implementation of front-end Drug Interdiction programs (FEDI). The combination of these two programs can drastically reduce the amount of illegal drugs entering a prison environment. Such reductions have the added benefit of reducing assaults, cutting medical costs and making inmate populations more manageable. The system also allows for flexible and controlled inmate movement through time scheduling of inmates utilizing testing labs. The staggered time utilization of labs keeps the number of inmates testing at any one time to manageable levels minimizing the security threat posed by large inmate gatherings.

  Efficient program design and the ability to cost effectively provide inmates with massive amounts of study material allows for the programming of up to 70% of entire inmate populations assuming an inmate reading level of 7th grade. User friendly, menu driven software interface requires minimal staff training. Computer assisted formats stop inmates in deep denial of their problems from sleeping through groups and lectures or manipulating their way through conventional programs without having learned about or having addressed their problems.

  Versatile, flexible format permits secure automated testing of any program that can be formulated with multiple choice test questions. Reusable booklets allow inmates to study in their cells or during breaks at work, reducing pressure to construct additional classrooms or compete for limited classroom space. The program can be effectively implemented using inexpensive, obsolete computers in abundant supply in governmental and educational surplus warehouses. Unlike conventional correctional programs, the Computer Assisted Prototype actually costs less per inmate programmed the more it is utilized.