NCJ Number
77534
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 43 Issue: 3 Dated: (May/June 1981) Pages: 24-30
Date Published
1981
Length
7 pages
Annotation
The development and implementation of California's new inmate classification system are described.
Abstract
The new classification is based on the following conceptual goals: (1) all inmates should be placed in the lowest custody level consistent with public safety, (2) inmates should be classified on the basis of objective information and criteria, (3) the process must be applied uniformly so that similarly situated inmates receive similar custody assignments, and (4) the system must provide for centralized control over the process. The new system requires that the reception center counselors complete a classification score sheet on each new inmate, and the total score determines which institutions the inmate is eligible for. The central office classification staff may make placements to a different level (and do in 15 percent of the cases) based on well-documented case factors. Most exceptions are for medical and psychiatric reasons. Once at the institution, inmates can earn credits every 6 months to decrease their scores or may increase them with disciplinary points. The inmate's behavior is documented on the reclassification score sheet. When the score level changes, the inmate must be brought up for transfer, and if not transferred, the reason must be documented. While the system has met the four original goals, a detailed evaluation of its impact on disciplinary problems and inmate behavior is in the planning stages. One table is included.