NOTICE TO INMATES

NEW CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM

EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 2005

· The system shall ensure that all Inmates are classified to the appropriate custody levels, programs and job assignments, ensuring safety for the public, staff and inmates.

· Measurable factors will determine custody level.

· The custody scores will determine facility assignment.

· The current Public and Institutional risk scores will be changed to the following custody levels:

1. Minimum

2. Medium

3. Close

4. Maximum

· Placement in level one units will be by special assessment only

· All new arrivals will be initially classified at ADC intake and Assessment Centers. All other inmates will be converted to the new classification system when the inmate comes up for their 180-day review.

· Once classified under the new system, the classification review will be every 12 months, unless an event occurs that would effect custody level i.e. disciplinary infractions, detainers, changes in length of confinement etc.

· The scoring criteria for initial custody classification and reclassification are:

Initial Classification Reclassification

1. Most Serious Current Offense 1. Most Serious Current Offense

2. Most Serious Prior Offense 2. Most Serious Prior Offense

3. Escape History 3. Escape History

4. History of Institutional Violence 4. History of Institutional Violence

5. Gang Affiliation Status 5. Gang Affiliation Status

6. Current Age 6. Current Age

7. Program/Work Performance

· The current and prior offenses will be the actual felony convictions, determined by the courts.

· With the new classification system there is a strong link between DISCIPLINE and an Inmate’s custody level/placement. The seriousness and frequency of disciplinary violations will have a negative impact on the Inmate’s custody classification.

· Participation in programs and good work evaluations will have a positive impact on custody classification. Refusal to program, work or poor evaluations will result in a negative impact on custody classification.

· There are several criteria, which prevent inmates from being placed in lower custody placements.

· Classification no longer requires a due process hearing. Inmates will be informed of any custody classification reviews and custody level changes, however they are not required to be present for a custody classification review, and there is no appeal process, except for maximum custody placements. Inmates recommended or that are assigned to a maximum custody placement are an exception and will required due process.

· Final approving authority will be at the Institution level, unless a custody override or maximum custody placement is recommended. A custody override is when the Institutional staff recommends to central classification a custody level placement that is higher or lower than the scored custody level. Central Classification has final approving authority in these cases.

· Central Classification has final approving authority for all institutional assignments.

· The custody classification reviews will also include an Internal risk score using the same criteria as initial classification. This score will be used to assist in determining appropriate work assignments, programs housing assignments and supervision within a particular custody level.

· The Unit Administrators and Warden will have final approving authority on Internal Risk Scores.