NCJ Number
114577
Date Published
1987
Length
16 pages
Annotation
An audit was conducted to evaluate Michigan prisons' efforts to review and classify inmates to security levels consistent with the safety and protection of employees and the public.
Abstract
The examination included five prisons and a camp program. A review of reports indicates that 3,126 prisoners were assigned to security levels at variance with department policies, largely as a result of large increases in incarcerated felons and the consequent lack of bed space. Of 69 security classification departures and 110 waivers, 29 departures and 46 waivers were made without documented approval by designated personnel. In addition, of 161 inmates assigned to public works projects, 36 were classified to medium or higher security levels. Further, prisons did not always determine inmates' confinement and classification levels correctly, and controls were not in place to prevent errors in classification screens. Procedures to ensure accurate entry of classification were lacking, and classification information was not readily useful or available to prison counselors. Deficiencies in preparing program classification reports were found at all prisons, and counselors did not annually monitor inmate progress toward program goals. Procedures also are needed to ensure the revision of inmate risk factors as needed and to document approval and reasons for inmate transfers.