A system assessment is a collaborative effort between a jurisdiction, the National Institute of Corrections, and consultants to develop a shared understanding of how an existing sanctioning system works. This guide defines what a system assessment and its multiple dimensions are, discusses the approach to the system assessment, and describes how a system assessment can be conducted. Jurisdictions taking part in an assessment can expect to: 1. have two, three-day site visits by an assessment team; 2. sponsor a full day community meeting of officials, policy makers, community leaders, and citizens; and 3. conduct a full day policy group meeting of criminal justice decision makers.