GARFIELD COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
POLICY / PROCEDURE
DETENTION

SUBJECT: CLASSIFICATION OF INMATES

EFFECTIVE DATE: January 17, 2005

POLICY:
It is the policy of the Garfield County Jail to classify inmates in a way that not only ensures public safety, but also provides for safe, humane inmate treatment by housing similar offenders together. The Department of Justice National Institute of Corrections Objective Point Scale System will be used to classify all inmates.

PURPOSE:
Classification is an objective means of identifying and categorizing various offender traits, characteristics, and potential risks and liabilities in order to detain offenders in a safe, humane manner. Proper classification ensures secure jail operations and facilitates staff and public safety. It also allows inmates to be assigned to programs and services that constructively occupy their time while in custody, which facilitates the orderly management of the jail. Inmates will not be classified by race, color, creed, or national origin but will be separated by gender, legal status, and for other management reasons.

METHOD:
Initial classification will be done once the inmate has been advised of their charges in their first court appearance and it is determined that they will remain in the custody of the Garfield County Detention Center.

Upon initial acceptance into the facility, a Deputy in the Booking Room will place the inmate into a holding cell. They will stay there until they have detoxified if they are under any influence of alcohol or drug. They may be housed with more than one person at this time. If they are combative, need medical care, are highly intoxicated, or detoxifying from drugs, they may be isolated in a single cell for jail security and inmate safety.

Once the inmate has detoxified and goes to advisements, they will be classified. A Classification Officer will give them a Classification Assessment Interview form to fill out in their holding cell. Once the inmate has filled out the Assessment form, a Classification Officer will interview them. After the interview is complete, Classifications will then score the inmate on his criminal history and his current charges.

The inmate will then be placed in the corresponding pod depending on their score. The classification process will be explained to them to help them understand why they have been housed in the pod that they have been assigned.

Inmates are instructed that their attitude and behavior during their incarceration can affect their future placement in the facility. They will be reclassified after 30 days and may go down one level of security from their initial classification if they have not committed any infractions as listed in the handbook. The inmate may move down only one level from their initial classification. If an inmate is moved down one level they will be reclassified every 60 days for the remainder of their stay. They may be reclassified sooner for infractions or disciplinary actions that they commit while incarcerated.

For the safety and security of both inmates and staff, a person may be placed anywhere in this facility if the Classification Officer deems it necessary. This may be under the classification of protective custody, medical isolation, administrative segregation, mental deficiency, escape threat, psychological impairment, suicidal risk, known gang affiliation, or a known management problem.
 

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