North Dakota Century Code Title 54. State Government § 54-23.3-02. Purpose

1. To develop a statewide correctional philosophy that will provide direction, goals, and standards for corrections.

2. To provide for the care, custody, discipline, training, and treatment of persons committed to state correctional facilities and programs.

3. To coordinate and provide a continuum of correctional services to both adult and juvenile clients.

4. To promote and develop close communication and mutual understanding of corrections issues and concerns between the courts and the department.

5. To provide joint training of staff and career opportunities for corrections staff.

6. To work with local and state entities to develop alternatives to conventional incarceration for those offenders who can be dealt with more effectively in less restrictive, community-based facilities and programs.