Incarcerated Individual Security Classification

Custody level and facility placement are determined through the classification process. An individual’s placement is assessed through an objective point-base system that matches custody requirements and program needs with an appropriate custody level.

Initial classification

When an individual first arrives in Department of Correction (DOC) custody, they will go through an initial classification. Factors considered:

• Severity of Current Offense;
• Severity of Convictions within the last 4 years;
• History of Escapes or Attempts to Escape;
• History of Prior Institutional Violence within the Last 4 years;
• Age.

The total initial score is the sum of scores from all variables at initial classification and results in the preliminary custody level.

For Males

Points	Custody
12 or more points	Maximum Custody
7-11 points	Medium Custody
6 or fewer points	Minimum Custody or Below

For Females

Points	Custody
10 or more points	Medium Custody
9 or fewer points	Minimum Custody

A necessary feature of an objective classification system is the use of restrictions and overrides which allow staff to depart from the scored custody level when appropriate. A restriction is when a DOC policy prevents an incarcerated individual from placement in lower custody, regardless of their total score.  Classification staff have no authority to disregard these restrictions. An override is applied when a scored custody level is changed based on the professional judgment of trained classification staff.  The use of overrides should be between 5% and 15% of the classified population to maintain the reliability and validity of the system.

We take into consideration many factors when determining a final placement, including but not limited to: conflicts, program needs, medical/mental health needs, and available bed space. Although home area is also a consideration, it is often not possible to make that accommodation due to other factors that must take priority.

 

Reclassification

An incarcerated individual has their classification reviewed at least once a year. The reclassification form consists of 8 variables, some of which are different from those appearing on the initial form. These 8 variables, when totaled, will result in a preliminary custody level. 

Factors considered for individuals at male facilities:

• Severity of Current Offense Severity of Convictions within the last 4 years;
• History of Escapes or Attempts to Escape;
• History of Prior Institutional Violence within the Last 3 years;
• Number of Guilty Disciplinary Reports within the last 12 months
• Most Severe Guilty Disciplinary  Report within the Time Frame Specified in manual
• Age
• Program Participation or Work Assignment
   

 Factors considered for individuals at female facilities:

• Severity of Current Offense Severity of Convictions within the last 4 years;
• History of Escapes or Attempts to Escape;
• History of Prior Institutional Violence within the Last 3 years;
• Number of Guilty Disciplinary Reports within the last 6 months
• Most Severe Guilty Disciplinary  Report within the last 9 months
• Age
• Program Participation or Work Assignment

An individual’s objective point base score may be reduced by:

• Participating in programs
• Work assignments
• Remaining disciplinary report free
  
   

Appealing a classification

An incarcerated individual can appeal their classification recommendation via the Inmate Placement Request/Appeal form. The Superintendent /designee shall be the reviewing authority for appeals of classification boards where the individual is not being recommended for transfer. His or her decision is final and cannot be appealed. The Commissioner/designee shall be the reviewing authority for appeals of all initial boards and all reclassification boards where the individual is being recommended for transfer.  His or her decision is final and cannot be appealed.