NCJ Number
213882
Journal
Corrections Today Magazine Volume: 68 Issue: 2 Dated: April 2006 Pages: 32-34
Date Published
April 2006
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article describes Colorado's procedure for using inmate classification to manage those inmates likely to engage in violence in prison.
Abstract
The increase in security-threat-group (STG) members entering the Denver Reception and Diagnostic Center, along with an increase in reported incidents by gang members in prisons, spurred the development of the Security Threat Group Management Program within Colorado's Central Classification Unit. This program relies on dedicated staff, training, identification, technology, partnership, and intelligence sharing. The Central Classification Unit has the authority to assign and transfer inmates, making it the strategic point for identifying and determining security measures for inmates at risk for violent behavior in prison. Determining that an inmate must be assigned to a higher custody level requires supporting documentation and, if necessary, due process, in order to avoid abuse and maintain efficient bed management. Security risk and facility assignments are determined by the following traditional factors: criminal and behavioral history, medical and mental health history and needs, sentence length, treatment/program needs, and information provided by diagnosticians. Other factors considered are STG affiliation, the requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act, high-profiles status, interstate compacts, and bed availability. Given that assessment tools are now more reliable and have been validated over time, the information used to make classification decisions is credible. Also, the training and experience of a classification specialist adds to the accuracy and effectiveness of classification decisions. Although inmates may challenge their security classification under due process requirements, an objective classification system should be successful in proving the fairness of classification decisions. Although classification alone cannot significantly decrease prison violence, it can provide the foundation for a structure that makes it easier for line staff to address inmate problem behaviors. 3 references