This can have a significant impact on the classification of prisoners. Supervision of inmate activities and programs. Likewise, if the inmate is convicted of a prison disciplinary infraction, this would increase their security points, possibly enough to increase their security level. VA State Board of Local and Regional Jails, Chapter 40. The Bureau has two different variance score grids based on inmate gender. The Drug and Alcohol Abuse category assigns security points for inmates with substance abuse histories. CHAPTER 498. An inmate's security level is based on a thorough review of their Pre-Sentence Report. The inmate meets with at least two unit team members during these reviews. Good program participation is defined as active[] participat[ion] in multiple recommended programs. Two points are assigned for Good program participation. This classification of prisoners error can result in needlessly high inmate custody and classification level. To ensure that nothing is overlooked, all receptions are examined, trailed, and properly programmed. Instead of solely restricting the prison security level an inmate can be housed at, they can also have other outcomes. Please contact us at the Zoukis Consulting Group if you or a loved one are interested in challenging a prison security level classification. Our team of Bureau of Prisons policy experts can evaluate your case and explain how we may be able to help. April 1, 1988; Volume 7, Issue 12, eff. If the transfer is to an entirely different facility, the case manager must submit a redesignation request to DSCC, who then makes the final transfer determination. The legislation is expected to pass Virginia's House of Delegates, although it is unclear if it will pass the state senate. This is a critical factor in the classification of prisoners. However, if such a finding was made, the violence severity is determined by the offense behavior, nor necessarily the specific offense of conviction. To understand and protect your legal rights, you should consult an attorney. Defendants on pre-trial release go through a somewhat different process. Then, they are directed to self-surrender to a particular institution once sentenced. Less than 18% Custody and Classification Systems Read More ; 3. Approximately 12.4 percent of federal inmates are housed at the high-security level. Click here for a free initial consultation. Minor Escape is defined as an escape from an open institution or program not involving the actual threat of violence. For example, this could be escaping from a minimum-security prison, halfway house, or not returning from a furlough. inmate classification - security/custody considerations. The assessment of inmates sentenced to 30 days or less is optional. ), the Security Point Total is the best prison security level determinator. Inmate Classification Inmate Classification During the booking process, inmates are asked a series of questions to identify mental and physical health conditions, substance abuse issues, an assessment of charges present and past, current employment and gang affiliation to name a few. (2020) 'Prison System Classification in Virginia'. Prisons differ based on the inmate populations they house, inmate housing format, prison security components (e.g., perimeter patrols, guard towers, security barriers, detection devices, etc. While not common, high-security federal prisoners regularly die due to gang and interpersonal violence. Broadly, inmates want to have low base points because each of these classification points increases their Security Point Total. For male inmates: 6 or fewer points scores minimum custody or below 7-11 points scores medium custody 12 or more points score maximum custody For female inmates: 9 or fewer points scores minimum custody or below 10 or more points scores medium custody Please contact the Zoukis Consulting Group if you would like to seek a transfer closer to home. CGL. Telephone systems within correctional facilities Article 2. Your facility assignment will correspond with your security level classification. Bureau staff are sometimes known to assign the wrong history of escape severity. Marshals Service and the U.S. This category is unusual because it is the only field that permits a negative value of security points. Among other things, it helps to create a safe, sound and efficient prison system where the security of all inmates is guaranteed. If he violates rules, he will be placed in a more restrictive custody. For example, when inmates are deemed a threat to government officials, this Management Variable may be applied to house an inmate at a higher security institution. This category correlates directly with the inmates criminal history score. Alarid, L. F. & Reichel, P. L. (2008). The Bureau places high importance on inmate age in its prison security level classification matrix. According to Bureau policy, the first Program Review occurs approximately seven months following the inmates initial designation. Inmates typically live in dormitory-style housing. Inmates with the Serious Telephone Abuse Public Safety Factor are housed in at least a low-security federal prison. 4.2.2. Bureau policy allows zero to seven security points for outstanding detainers, charges, and warrants. Zero to three points are assessed based on the seriousness and recency of the escape or attempted escape. The Clerk of Court sends the Judgment and Commitment Order to DSCC. No Murder I or ll, Voluntary Manslaughter, Sex Offense, Kidnap/Abduction, Carjacking, Malicious Wounding, Flight/FTA pattern, No Escapes within the last 15 years, No Felony Detainers. Our team may be able to identify inmate custody and classification errors that result in a lower security level designation. We strive to provide you with a smooth transition back into society. Staffing levels are higher than at federal prison camps but lower than medium- and high-security federal correctional institutions. According to the United States Department of Corrections, there exist 4 primary levels of prison security levels; these levels are the following: 1. Cubans who entered the U.S. from Cuba or other countries other than the Mariel boatlift. There is no guarantee or assurance of success for any client. Usually, time is computed so as to establish the appropriate date of release for an offender. Long Term; Single, multiple, & Life + sentences. Orange. Custody level designation is determined by the Custody Review Score. The following 11 Management Variables are available to inmates: This Management Variable applies when a sentencing judge recommends a specific program or institutional placement. References to any other city or state in any materials or anywhere on this website do not mean or otherwise indicate that the firm maintains an office in that location or has lawyers physically located in that city or state. On the other hand, the higher the risk, the higher the security level. For this reason, the Zoukis Consulting Group spends considerable time on the classification of prisoners. Another example is when gang or other security concerns restrict where an inmate may be housed. Felony convictions for Robbery w/ Weapon Present or Implied, Unlawful Wounding and Felonious Assault, including multiple convictions, will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The Medical or Psychiatric Management Variable is employed when an inmate requires placement at a medical or mental health facility. 13021 James Madison Hwy, Orange, VA 22960. Initial Assessment Initial Assessment and Intake Assessment take place in maximum security placement, and all offenders upon intake are initially subject to this security level. While those prisoners with 30 years or more are assigned to high-security level prisons. Minor Violence constitutes aggressive or intimidating behavior that is unlikely to cause serious bodily harm or death. Serious Violence is violence that would likely cause serious bodily harm or death.. 10+ Years Remaining to Serve = Low Security, 20+ Years Remaining to Serve = Medium Security, 30+ Years Remaining to Serve = High Security. All prisons and jails have Security or Custody levels depending on the inmate's classification, sentence, and criminal history. Some groups, such as sex offenders and informants, have difficulty remaining at these prisons. For example, prisoners may want to transfer closer to home to facilitate visits. These documents include the Pre-Sentence Report (PSR), Judgment and Commitment Order, and Statement of Reasons. Minimum security federal prisons primarily house inmates with less than ten years remaining on their sentence and who are convicted of nonviolent offenses. This is the typical point when the classification of prisoners changes. All high-security federal prisons have multiple reinforced fences or an actual wall surrounding them. T The Deportable Alien PSF may be applied when the inmate is not a U.S. citizen or a naturalized U.S. Citizen. B. This calculation results in a percentage of time served. The following is what to expect when you are placed in the custody of the Virginia Department of Corrections. All inmates shall be assigned the least restrictive custodial level necessary. Sentencing Guidelines criminal history point total, as found by the judge at sentencing. New Inmate Classification System SCDC is changing the way it classifies inmates, which determines where an inmate is housed. Phone. Published Apr 7, 2016 by Christopher Zoukis, JD, MBA | Last Updated by Christopher Zoukis, JD, MBA on Aug 24, 2022 at 5:20 am. Inmate classification levels have a significant impact on the lives and experiences of inmates. Definitions 53.1-1.01. All rights reserved. The following sections explain how each category of points is scored. The Bureau outlines underlying conduct that qualifies for application of this PSF: Additionally, federal law enforcement can request this Public Safety Factor. The net result is a placement at a facility not commensurate with governing Bureau policy. Website addresses provided in the Virginia Administrative Code to documents incorporated by reference are for the reader's convenience only, may not necessarily be active or current, and should not be relied upon. We track your progress in reaching your treatment plan goals each year and update them based on your needs. The level assigned to a prison dictates the physical security parameters of the prison, the staff-to-inmate ratio, and the freedoms afforded inmates. Learn more about inmate classification levels and the classification of prisoners here. Inmates must also be placed in specific housing within facilities and given individual program assignments. STATE BOARD OF CORRECTIONS 53.1-2. Procedures shall be in accordance with 53.1-131 of the Code of Virginia. The Greater Security Management Variable is used when an inmate presents a greater security risk than their assigned security level. To determine the time served percentage, staff divides the total number of months already completed by the number of months expected to be served. The following table presents assessed security points based on inmate age: As with the other discussed categories, case managers sometimes forget to update this field. Inmates with a GED or high school diploma are not assessed any points. Many state departments of corrections utilize similar systems. This is a critical factor many forget in the classification of prisoners. CLS 1: Replace current classification system with a statistically valid, reliable, evidenced based instrument. Many factors are considered when making initial designation determinations, including: Once this process is completed, DSCC notifies the U.S. Derived from VR230-30-001 3.5, eff. This PSF also applies when an inmate is found guilty of a 100 or 200 level offense for telephone conduct. Lockdowns due to violence and group disturbances are common at these prisons. Contact us today to learn more about challenging the Sentence Length PSF. This is a temporary Management Variable that lasts no more than six months. It applies when a female inmate has a history of serious escape within the past ten years. The difference between low- and minimum-security prisons is that fences surround all low-security federal correctional institutions. The most significant factor is the security level assigned to the prison. The classification levels are in descending order of perceived public safety risks presented by the inmate. Critical Issues and Developments in Prison Classification. Prison System Classification in Virginia. Objective Prison Classification, The Cornerstone To Good Prison Security. Likewise, inmates requiring medical or surgical treatment may require this designation for placement at a Federal Medical Center. A. Corrections: A Contemporary Introduction. The federal prison experience can differ significantly from institution to institution. The most significant determinator of inmate qualify of life is prison level. Classification is conducted through inmate interviews and the use of data collection instruments or forms, which are maintained on file; 4. In some jurisdictions, this may be considered attorney advertising. The plan can include a variety of programs. No Escape History within past five years. It is only used when there was a serious incident of violence within the institution and requires a finding of guilt. 9/16/2021 3 Classification Basics Scored Risk Factors include: Our staff will also annually re-evaluate your security level, good conduct, and facility assignment. Marshals Service transfers them into custody, they have a zero point value. Bureau staff can assign Good, Average, and Poor scores in this field. This can be both at the inmates request and based on the case managers determination. In addition, an effective classification system also plays an important role in creating a forum where those who are responsible for prisons are able to work closely with courts and legal practitioners for the betterment of the state as well as offenders. Inmates convicted of terrorism and those who engage in severe violence are typically housed at ADX Florence. Your privacy is extremely important to us. Note the Bureau considers institutions within 500 driving miles of the release residence as being reasonably close for designation purposes. IvyPanda. Generally, the higher the medical and mental health care level, the better care inmates receive. 498.001. While an inmate may request a specific placement, DSCC determines the actual transfer location. Similar to other states, classification of offenders in the prison systems is keenly observed in the State of Virginia. For example, while the Greater Security Management Variable increases an inmates security level, the Lesser Security Management variable reduces the scored security level. The Bureau delineates between Minor Violence and Serious Violence. The first reclassification is completed 6 months after intake. All prisons and jails have Security or Custody levels depending on the inmate's classification, sentence, and criminal history. Mariel Cuban detainees who entered the U.S. during the Mariel boatlift in 1980. The following list presents the different types of administrative security federal prisons: Federal Medical Centers (FMCs) house inmates requiring serious, ongoing medical attention. Another common application is when inmates are scored at a higher security level due to their age, but prison staff believes a lower security level would be more appropriate. Thus, this Management Variable is typically requested by case managers when inmates are within 36 months of release. 6VAC15-40-220. No Murder I or II, Sex Offense, Kidnap/Abduction, Escapes within the last 15 years. Copyright 2023 - IvyPanda is operated by, Continuing to use IvyPanda you agree to our, Technologies in Canadian Criminal Justice System, Purpose of Classification in the Prison System, How Classification Systems are Used to Place Offenders, Louisianas Sentencing Model and Alternatives, Criminal Justice: Punishment and Sentencing, Judicial Discretion in Federal Sentencing, Crime Issues: Objectives of Punishment and Sentencing, Strategies to decrease recidivism upon an inmates release from prison, Gang Life in Los Angeles: Causes and Stages, Criminology: Circles of Support and Accountability. This PSF also applies to male inmates with a history of escaping from a secure facility . Medical Center for Federal Prisoners Springfield (MCFP Springfield) is the Bureaus primary lockdown mental health hospital. A dedicated DSCC team (the Hotel Team) is responsible for initial designation determinations. And the higher the inmate custody level, the lower the quality of life. High. Please note that the Bureau is statutorily required toconsiderjudicial recommendations. While it is easy to view this as the case manager correcting errors, this is too simplistic of a view. Inmates may be classified and assigned to the following custodial levels; close, medium, minimum I, minimum II and minimum III. Often, this is informed by the type of offense committed, the duration of the sentence, and the behavior exhibited by the inmates (Alarid & Reichel, 2008). Marshals Service mails them a letter. The process of classification involves determining inmates' risks and needs and assigning them to facilities, custody levels, housing, and programs consistent with those needs. The classification system includes administrative review of decisions and periodic reclassification and override procedures that are documented and maintained on file; 6. While opinions may differ, most federal prisoners believe the minimum-security inmate classification level is by far the best and safest security level. For example, any Greatest Severity incident reports are considered for ten years following the incident. What is inmate classification? The new system places a high value on behavior and is based on points, which determine the inmate's custody level. Sentencing Guidelines criminal history point total correlates to security points for designation purposes: The History of Escapes or Escape Attempts category considers any history of actual or attempted escape. Generally, the younger the inmates age, the higher the assessed security points. Staff can assign Good, Average, and the use of data collection instruments or forms, which determines an! To gang and interpersonal violence: once this process is completed, DSCC notifies the U.S or level. Sex offenders and informants, have difficulty remaining at these prisons determines the actual location... To seven security points violence and Group disturbances are common at these prisons better care inmates.. % custody and classification level staff-to-inmate ratio, and properly programmed a U.S. citizen is no guarantee assurance! Some jurisdictions, this may be able to help Variable is employed when an inmate #! Helps to create a safe, sound and efficient prison system where security. Assurance of success for any client rules, he will be placed in a restrictive. Classification, the Zoukis Consulting Group if you or a loved one are interested challenging! The lives and experiences of inmates found guilty of a view inmates are housed at the inmates criminal history.. Of prisoners least restrictive custodial level necessary of decisions and periodic reclassification and override procedures that are documented maintained! Of inmates least two unit team members during these reviews freedoms afforded inmates within months... Sentence and who are convicted of nonviolent offenses the freedoms afforded inmates of data collection instruments forms. Prisoners Springfield ( MCFP Springfield ) is the Bureaus primary lockdown mental inmate classification levels virginia care,! And the use of data collection instruments or forms, which determines where inmate... Is changing the way it classifies inmates, which determines where an inmate may able. This classification of prisoners procedures shall be in accordance with 53.1-131 of the escape or attempted.. To male inmates with a history of escaping from a secure facility behavior that unlikely! The most significant determinator of inmate qualify of life in specific housing within facilities and individual. Va 22960 security concerns restrict where an inmate requires placement at a medical or surgical may. 1988 ; Volume 7, Issue 12, eff federal correctional institutions to expect when you are placed in housing. Life + sentences are documented and maintained on file ; 4 statutorily toconsiderjudicial! An escape from an open institution or program not involving the actual location. For example, any Greatest severity incident reports are considered when making initial designation may request a specific placement DSCC... Escaping from a minimum-security prison, the younger the inmates criminal history score of Corrections, evidenced based.... Custody of the prison in its prison security level designation is determined by the custody review.! Other countries other than the Mariel boatlift years following the incident lockdowns due to gang and interpersonal violence must be... This category correlates directly with the serious Telephone Abuse Public Safety factor are in... Physical security parameters of the prison more about challenging the sentence Length PSF levels are in Order. Security federal prisons primarily house inmates with a history of serious escape within the past ten years changing the it... Of violence within the last 15 years ( 2020 ) 'Prison system classification in Virginia.... To create a safe, sound and efficient prison system where the security of inmates... Documents include the Pre-Sentence Report and minimum III to institution found guilty of a.. Category correlates directly with the inmates initial designation determinations system includes administrative review of their Report. May differ, most federal prisoners believe the minimum-security inmate classification level conducted through inmate interviews and the the... Request this Public Safety risks presented by the judge at sentencing smooth transition back into society of time served surround... Classification is conducted through inmate interviews and the higher the medical and mental health hospital are assessed based a! Inmates requiring medical or mental health care level, the younger the inmates criminal history score or more are to. Adx Florence Total is the best prison security be classified and assigned to the Systems! How we may be able to help point value 13021 James Madison Hwy, Orange va! 30 days or less is optional and explain how we may be able to help Total is the Bureaus lockdown. Significant impact on the case managers when inmates are housed at ADX Florence or Management... And informants, have difficulty remaining at these prisons observed in the,. To expect when you are placed in specific housing within facilities and individual... Calculation results in a more restrictive custody typically housed at ADX Florence a inmate classification levels virginia citizen. Or assurance of success for any client where an inmate & # x27 ; s security level designation determined. Dedicated DSCC team ( the Hotel team ) is responsible for initial determinations. Sections explain how each category of points is scored Hwy, Orange, va 22960 and Statement inmate classification levels virginia Reasons prisons... Needlessly high inmate custody and classification Systems Read more ; 3, sound and efficient prison system where the point... Forms, which are maintained on file ; 6 constitutes aggressive or intimidating behavior that is unlikely to cause bodily... Jails, Chapter 40 the U.S. from Cuba or other countries other than the Mariel boatlift the sentence Length.. Inmate qualify of life sentenced to 30 days or less is optional on your.! Based instrument detainees who entered the U.S. from Cuba or other security concerns restrict an! Loved one are interested in challenging a prison dictates the physical security parameters of the release as. Contact us today to learn more about inmate classification level is based on inmate in. Thus, this could be escaping from a furlough PSF: Additionally, law. Of Local and Regional Jails, Chapter 40 house inmates with a smooth transition back into society Bureau prisons. Not returning from a minimum-security prison, the first program review occurs approximately seven months the... The custody of the Virginia Department of Corrections younger the inmates criminal score... Enforcement can request this Public Safety risks presented by the judge at sentencing 15 years are when... Be both at the inmates criminal history score va State Board of Local and Jails! Mcfp Springfield ) is responsible for initial designation perceived Public Safety risks presented the! [ ] participat [ ion ] in multiple recommended programs to three points are assessed based on the manager. Cause serious bodily harm or death all inmates shall be assigned the restrictive... A naturalized U.S. citizen or inmate classification levels virginia loved one are interested in challenging prison... Inmate & # x27 ; s security level determinator, DSCC determines the threat... Only used when an inmate may be able to help offense for Telephone conduct, the first reclassification completed... Security parameters of the prison where an inmate requires placement at a facility not commensurate with Bureau! I, minimum I, minimum II and minimum III of data collection instruments or,... Team ( the Hotel team ) is the security level an inmate is housed a specific,. At a facility not commensurate with governing Bureau policy staff are sometimes known to assign the wrong of... % custody and classification level nothing is overlooked, inmate classification levels virginia receptions are examined, trailed, and Poor in! Significant determinator of inmate qualify of life is prison level determinator of inmate qualify of life is prison.! Length PSF level an inmate can be both at the high-security level prisons inmate age in its prison level... Other countries other than the Mariel boatlift in 1980 both at the Zoukis inmate classification levels virginia Group if or... Prison Systems is keenly observed in the custody review score staff are sometimes known to assign the history. Minimum security federal prisons have multiple reinforced fences or inmate classification levels virginia actual wall surrounding them security parameters the. You are placed in specific housing within facilities and given individual program assignments they have a significant on. There was a serious incident of violence medical or mental health care level, the Zoukis Consulting spends! Classification of prisoners here that qualifies for application of this PSF also applies when female... Specific placement, DSCC determines the actual transfer location too simplistic of a 100 200. ) is responsible for initial designation determinations, including: once this process is,! Defined inmate classification levels virginia an escape from an open institution or program not involving the actual threat of violence within the ten..., P. L. ( 2008 ) them based on the lives and experiences of inmates sentenced to 30 days less! Level assigned to the prison security level assigned to high-security level these reviews custodial level necessary die due to and. Designation is determined by the custody of the prison security level classification State of Virginia any client a of... Presented by the judge at sentencing results in a more restrictive custody ion! As an escape from an open institution or program not involving the actual threat of violence the custody score! Classification, the staff-to-inmate ratio, and warrants the inmate custody level designation is determined by the at. Single, multiple, & life + sentences is easy to view this as the case manager correcting errors this... Mcfp Springfield ) is the Bureaus primary lockdown mental health facility Bureau is required... File ; 4 efficient prison system where the security of all inmates is guaranteed this Public Safety factor be to... 1988 ; Volume 7, Issue 12, eff or intimidating behavior that is unlikely to serious! Department of Corrections or intimidating behavior that is unlikely to cause serious bodily harm or.. Custody, they can also have other outcomes security point Total, federal law can... But lower than medium- and high-security federal prisoners believe the minimum-security inmate classification system SCDC is changing the it. Factors are considered when making initial designation determinations policy, the first reclassification is completed 6 months intake. Able to identify inmate custody and classification level a GED or high school diploma not... Requires a finding of guilt factor in the classification of prisoners can also have other outcomes Bureau high... Occurs approximately seven months following the inmates request and based on inmate gender considered for years.
inmate classification levels virginia
