NCJ Number
137972
Journal
American Jails Volume: 6 Issue: 2 Dated: (May-June 1992) Pages: 49-52
Date Published
1992
Length
4 pages
Annotation
While inmate classification has reemerged as one of the most critical issues in jail management, efficiency, and safety, the renewed emphasis has occurred mainly in large and medium sized jails and is often ignored by smaller jails.
Abstract
Managers of small jails often fail to improve their classification systems because of a distrust of objective systems, fear of resistance from colleagues, or misunderstanding of the role of classification. The goals of classification in both larger and smaller facilities should include inmate, staff, and public safety; protection of inmate rights; protection against liability; equity, consistency, and fairness; orderly processing and discipline; and data for planning, resource allocation, and efficiency. Unfortunately, many small jails have adopted inappropriate approaches to inmate classification by relying on subjective staff judgment; ignoring classification as a basis for housing, supervision, disposition, and treatment of inmates; and using classification on a space available basis. New classification methods, based on microcomputer technology, can help small jails implement sophisticated classification systems.