NCJ Number
96883
Date Published
1983
Length
131 pages
Annotation
This audit evaluated the classification system used by the Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) in determining security and custody requirements for inmates. It focused on manuals, receiving centers, policies and practices, data collection procedures, protective custody arrangements, reclassification, and infraction reports.
Abstract
The audit concluded that the DOC was not following 6 of the 11 objectives of the classification scheme in the receiving units. It also found problems in preparing the Initial Security Designation Report that were related to periodic changes in the scoring system. The report recommended the immediate development of a reliable data processing system for inmate classification and institutional assignments, as well as improvements in the protective custody unit. The auditors were concerned about the DOC's inability to provide detailed inmate population profiles. They suggested that the DOC publish and implement a new User's Manual for Reclassification and that staff take greater care in writing infraction reports. The appendixes include tables, draft legislation, data on the fiscal impact of audit recommendations, State statutes, and agency comments.