Eight criteria are assessed to determine the Public Risk Score. The highest individual score on any of the eight criteria determines the final recommendation for the inmate's public risk level.

• Severity of Offense
• Extent of Violence in Current Offense
• Use of Weapon in Current Offense
• History of Escape
• History of Violence
• History of Confinement
• Estimated Length of Confinement
• Status of Detainers

Eight criteria are assessed to determine the Institutional Risk Score. The highest individual score on any of the eight criteria determines the final recommendation for the inmate's institutional risk level.

• Prior Institutional Adjustment
• Community Stability
• Adjustment Durning Initial Classification
• Probation/Parole Adjustment
• Mental Health
• Age
• Security Threat Group Affiliation
• Substance Abuse History

The Education Needs Score is placed before vocational training needs because basic education is a necessary component of any vocational training program and is usually part of a total educational program. Inmates are given a battery of tests at the reception center which are designed to determine the inmate's educational needs. Correctional educators at institutions follow-up the tests battery to complete the inmate's needs assessment prior to the start-up of the individual's educational programming.The classification criteria which follow are based on the criteria used by educators within the Arizona Department of Corrections. Education need scores at the reception center shall be determined by the Classification Officer in consultation with test administration specialists. With institutional units the score shall be determined by referral to the Correctional Education Program Teacher.

The Vocational Training Needs Score assesses the inmate's abilities and vocational or occupational interests. A determination of the inmate's aptitude for work and the degree of interest the individual has in a particular occupation is needed. Determination of vocational training needs scores may be based on and interview and/or test results. At the reception center the Classification Officer in consultation with test administration specialist shall determine the most appropriate level for vocational training scores. Within institutions, the appropriate level for this score shall be determined by referral to the Correctional Vocational Program Teacher.

The Work Skills Needs Score assesses work habits and behaviors rather than specific job skills. The criteria for this institutional need considers work history in the community and, when applicable, performance on prior institutional work assignments.

The Drug/Alcohol Abuse Treatment Needs Score is intended to assess the need for treatment which may be identified when an inmate is newly committed or whenever inmates become involved in substance abuse related disciplinary violations after incarceration has begun.

The Proximity to Residence Need Score assesses an inmate's need to be placed at an institution as close as possible to the inmate's home, the home of the inmate's family or near the community which otherwise provides his community support base.

The first priority for placement of inmates, however, is assigned to placement of the inmate at the most appropriate level of security and custody. The second priority is allocated to placement of the inmate where there are institutional programs best suited to address the seven previously discussed institutional need scores. Only after all other concerns including the best interest of the public community and the Arizona Department of Corrections have been addressed, will consideration be given to an inmate's Proximity to Residence Need Score.

The inmate's Proximity to Residence Need Score may, however, be evaluated to determine placement considerations whenever all other concerns have be served and the inmate may fit two possible placements, once close to the community of choice, and another placement which is distant.

A second condition under which placement may be given greater consideration is when there are well documented serious compassionate reasons to consider using the Proximity to Residence Need Scores as justification for a placement.