Unit 7 Assignment: Inmate Classifications in Department of Corrections
Matthew Jones
Prof. Legursky
January 4, 2015
Prison classification is a method the prison uses for assessing inmate risk that balances security with the requirement programs that they will need. When new offenders are sent to prison they are transported from their county jails to the prison. When they arrive at the prison they will go through a risk assessment. They will also go through admission, processing, and evaluation as stated by North Carolina Prison System. The inmates will go through a series of evaluations, which includes medical and mental health screenings. When it comes to prison classification the specialists will develop each offender with their own individual profile which will include the offender crime(s), social background, education, job skills, and work history, as well health, and criminal records that they may have prior to this conviction. (NCDS, 2014) Based on the offender’s information they will be assigned to the appropriate custody classification and prison. It is based on their initial classification, inmate behavior, and continuing risk assessments by the prison staff. The staff determines the offender’s progression through a variety of custody levels to minimum custody and eventual release. When the prison managers assigns the offender to work, rehabilitative self-improvement programs, and their treatment. When they cooperate and do their job they can work towards minimum security. When it comes to inmate custody levels they are assigned to the following levels: close, medium, minimum, minimum ll, and minimum lll. These are the classifications levels that are in descending order of perceived public safety. When inmates are in close custody that present the highest risk while inmates in minimum lll are present the least risk. When it comes to prison security levels they are classified as close, medium, and minimum. The maximum security is located inside close security prison units which is the most restrictive level of any confinement and minimum security is the least restrictive. While prison security levels indicator to the extent to which an offender who is assigned to that facility is separated from the civilian community. Close security are typically comprised of single cells and divided into cellblocks, which can be in either one or several buildings. The cell doors are remotely controlled from a secure control station. The perimeter barrier is double fenced with armed watch towers or armed roving patrols. The offender’s movement is restricted and supervised by the prison staff. Which this security is known as maximum security. When it comes to medium security is comprised of secure dormitories that provide housing for up to fifty inmates in each one. Which each dormitory contains a group toilet and shower area as well as sinks. The offender(s) sleep on double bunks like military bunks. They have metal locker for storage of their uniforms, shoes, etc. each of these dormitory are locked nightly by the supervision of the correction officer. Minimum security are comprised of non-secure dormitories that are routinely patrolled by correctional officers. Unlike the medium security the minimum security dormitories have their own group toilet and shower area adjacent to the sleeping quarters that will contain double bunks and lockers. Which these offenders usually participate in community based work programs (309’s). Victim services within the prison system which there is one unit with at least one offender who has been identified as a
