NCJ Number
115187
Date Published
1988
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article addresses key issues in the development of the Direct Supervision Classification Plan at the Bexar County Detention Center, a 1,500-bed open facility in Texas.
Abstract
The plan is based on predicting and monitoring inmates' behavior with the ultimate goal of returning them to society no worse than when they entered the facility. Under the plan, one portion of the classification staff conducts the classification interview while the second conducts both the interview and reviews the classification of a group of inmates of like classification. The process includes three phases. During the intake process, an initial risk assessment is conducted to determine immediate emergency needs (medical, psychological, suicide-related) and separation requirements. The orientation assessment provides a mechanism for verifying intake information through behavioral observations of inmates. Finally, the classification interview gathers additional information on inmates' personal/social needs, program interests, and other housing assignment criteria. On the basis of these assessments, inmates are assigned to initial/subsequent and high/low program categories. Additional categories cover groups needing special management, administrative segregation, or protective custody and homosexual, substance abusing, and medical/mental inmates. Appropriate supervisory styles (i.e., directive, collaborative, or democratic) then can be tailored to the needs of each category.