Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (CO) Chapter 5 Lesson 4 PDF

Lesson 4 Classification and Housing Lesson Goal You will understand how inmates are classified for housing and work assignments. Think About This Have you ever seen inmates working on the side of the road? If so, what was your first thought? Did you wonder why they were not in prison? Why do yo...

Lesson 4 Classification and Housing Lesson Goal You will understand how inmates are classified for housing and work assignments. Think About This Have you ever seen inmates working on the side of the road? If so, what was your first thought? Did you wonder why they were not in prison? Why do you think some inmates are allowed to be placed at a work camp? Classification Classification is a management tool used by facilities to assign security risk levels or custody grades to inmates. Inmates are classified when admitted to a facility as soon as practical. ✅ CO504.1. Understand the importance of classification and know the criteria for determining the types of classification assignments Classification is an ongoing process as reassessments are conducted throughout an inmate’s incar- ceration. It may later be necessary to reclassify an inmate based on their behavior or new criminal charges. Some of the criteria that are used to establish an inmate’s custody grade or security risk level include current charges, criminal history, age, sex, current and past behavior (discipline), medi- cal and psychological needs, and degree of crime and length of sentence. Classification screening and determination of custody risk levels differ between county and state facilities. County Custody Security Risk Levels and Criteria Minimum, medium, and maximum are county custody or security risk levels as determined by facility policies and procedures. ✅ CO504.2. Know the three security levels used in county correctional facilities Minimum security level is for inmates who are considered low risk. These inmates have adjusted well to being incarcerated, have a minimal criminal history with no violent charges in their history, or are currently charged with a non-violent crime. Medium security level is for inmates who are considered moderate risk. These inmates have adjusted to being incarcerated in the past and have limited violence in their criminal history. Maximum security level is for inmates who are considered high risk. These inmates have serious and violent felony charges, either in the past or currently pending, or pose a threat to the safety of staff as well as the security of the facility. 150 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (CO): Volume 1 State Custody Grades and Criteria State facilities follow the classification grades described in Rule 33-601.210, F.A.C.: community, minimum, medium, close, and maximum. ✅ CO504.3. Know the five custody grades used in state correctional facilities Community custody grade refers to inmates who are eligible for placement at a community resi- dential facility. Minimum custody grade refers to inmates who are eligible for outside work assignments but not for placement in a community residential center. Medium custody grade refers to inmates who are eligible for placement at a work camp with a secure perimeter but who are not eligible for placement in an outside work assignment without armed supervision. Close custody grade refers to inmates who must be maintained within an armed perimeter or under direct, armed supervision when outside a secure perimeter. Maximum custody grade refers to inmates who are sentenced to death. Housing The primary purpose for classification is to place inmates in the type of housing that best meets their needs and to provide reasonable protection for all inmates. Most facilities have designated sworn or civilian classification personnel who will complete the appropriate housing assignment documentation. ✅ CO504.4. Know the categories of initial segregation At first, inmates may be temporarily segregated from others in a holding cell during the intake/ reception process, while awaiting a permanent housing assignment. Male and female inmates should be separated to prevent normal sight and sound contact. Juvenile offenders should be separated from adult inmates in the same manner. County facilities that process juveniles will follow guide- lines provided by the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. Juveniles detained in county facili- ties awaiting court disposition must have been direct filed, indicted, or waived. A juvenile is direct filed when they are charged as an adult and the case is transferred out of the Juvenile Division. If this criterion has not been met, a juvenile must be taken to the nearest juvenile intake facility. ✅ CO504.5. Know how housing is assigned Housing assignments are based on an inmate’s potential or basic risk and needs. Housing assign- ments are provided to all inmates admitted to a facility as soon as practical. After an inmate has completed the intake/reception process, they are assigned to a housing unit based on facility Chapter 5 Intake and Release / 151 guidelines. Restrictions may apply due to security concerns, high-profile cases, or medical and psychological needs, such as suicidal tendencies. L Be aware that there is a high risk of suicide for inmates within the first 24 hours of incarceration. 152 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (CO): Volume 1