Why do correctional institutions classify inmates

The highest rating assigned to any of the seven factors determines the inmate ' s overall risk level. Thus, if an inmate has a two on six of the factors and a four on one factor, his overall rating is a four.

DOC uses mitigating and aggravating factors when rating an inmate. Aggravating circumstances increase the seriousness of the factor based on some behavior or action of the inmate.

Mitigating circumstances reduce the seriousness of the factor. Aggravating and mitigating circumstances can increase or decrease the rating by one but it cannot raise it to level five.

Classifications for level five require approval of the director of offender classification and population management and placement into administrative segregation. The commissioner or his designee must approve a ranking below level three for an inmate serving a sentence for a sex related offense or with a history of sex related offenses excluding prostitution and promoting prostitution.

Inmates designated as a verified Security Risk Group member are classified as level three. Inmates serving an out of state sentence must be initially classified as level four. These include whether an inmate is likely to assault others while confined, likely to set fires, involved in organized group activities other than security risk groups that pose a threat to safety, homosexual, in protective custody housing, a suicide threat, likely to be victimized, or a youth.

Regular Review. Regular reviews occur at least every six months after the initial classification. The regular review includes review of 1 the appropriateness of the overall risk level, 2 pending charges or detainers, 3 disciplinary history, 4 risk sub codes, and 5 inmate needs.

They also include a complete criminal history check. Staff members see the inmate prior to the review process unless safety and security prevent it or the inmate waives the opportunity. If DOC conducts certain other reviews that include a criminal history check, the regular review can be put off for another six months. Effective offender classification is essential in corrections, not only to support daily management and administration, but also to keep the system responsive to changing offender demographics, sentencing statutes, and agency policy.

The National Institute of Corrections helps agencies develop or modify their classification procedures through programs, technical assistance, and resource materials.

Use of objective classification systems and techniques is emphasized. Prison Security Levels Prisons are classified and designated by security level. The security levels used by the Division of Prisons are close, medium, and minimum.

Specific cell areas within close security institutions may be designated by the Director of Prisons as maximum security. Security levels are determined by the design and unique features of the prison, the level of staffing, and the operating procedures. Maximum security is the most restrictive level of confinement and minimum security is the least restrictive. The prison security level is an indicator of the extent to which an offender who is assigned to that facility is separated from the civilian community.

Maximum security units are comprised of cells with sliding cell doors that are remotely operated from a secure control station. Maximum security units are designated by the Director of Prisons at selected close security prisons. These units are utilized to confine the most dangerous inmates who are a severe threat to public safety, correctional staff, and other inmates. Inmates confined in a maximum security unit typically are in their cell 23 hours a day.

During the other hour they may be allowed to shower and exercise in the cellblock or an exterior cage. All inmate movement is strictly controlled with the use of physical restraints and correctional officer escort. Polk Youth Institution Butner, NC Close security Close security prisons typically are comprised of single cells and divided into cellblocks, which may be in one building or multiple buildings.

Cell doors generally are remotely controlled from a secure control station. Each cell is equipped with its own combination plumbing fixture, which includes a sink and toilet. The perimeter barrier is designed with a double fence with armed watch towers or armed roving patrols. Inmate movement is restricted and supervised by correctional staff. Inmates are allowed out of their cells to work or attend corrective programs inside the facility.

Medium security prisons typically are comprised of secure dormitories that provide housing for up to 50 inmates each.