By: Joe Robbins, Product Implementation Specialist
We know you’re overwhelmed. There is a seemingly never-ending list of items to do every day—especially in the first 72 hours after a person is brought into your jail—all of critical importance. Jails, specifically, often work with inflexible and overwhelming schedules. Correctly classifying an inmate upon arrival is essential to facility safety. How can we do this both effectively and efficiently to impact jail overcrowding and safety?
The first step: Long-term housing vs. Pre-class housing
Inmate classification is defined as the evaluation and placement of inmates in housing areas with inmates of similar backgrounds and characteristics. We want this to happen fast, but precisely. By concentrating initially on the population that we know is not leaving and using a pre-class unit for the rest of the intakes, we allow flexibility in the booking area to house only those needing special or enhanced supervision initially. Moving inmates out of booking to either their long-term housing or the pre-class housing unit makes booking a well-oiled machine–as opposed to a crowded, loud, sometimes unruly environment. Safety is improved by quickly gathering the data needed to objectively classify these offenders and get them out of intake and housed accordingly so they do not remain mixed in with lower (or higher!) caliber inmates. Speed here enhances safety and maximizes efficiency by using our resources wisely.
Permanent Assignments
Housing inmates properly and providing the appropriate programming, meals, and medical treatment is proven to enhance correctional facilities’ safety and positively influence inmate behavior. Classification is the cornerstone of sound housing decisions and safer facilities. With an automated system, like that provided by equivant Corrections’ classification management software using our proven Decision Tree tool, inmates can be classified appropriately and efficiently the first time around for long-term safety and success. This takes the guesswork out of initial inmate housing decisions.
Monitoring
Effective monitoring of inmate jail rule violations as they relate to classification and housing is also key to mitigate overcrowding and enhance inmate and facility safety. We want to be fast here, all while abiding by the clear rules set forth in the discipline process. When a violation occurs, the faster we can review the inmate’s classification level according to the violation, the safer we are making the facility. Separating the problem inmates quickly and efficiently contributes to a safe, clean, quiet jail. Access to a classification management system that provides at-a-glance inmate information and quick click-through options for violations and housing modifications makes monitoring housing assignments efficient.
Reviewing
One more area where we want to consider speed as it relates to overcrowding and safety is reviewing offenders as they emerge from protective custody, administrative segregation, discipline, etc. We want to be sure we act fast enough to encourage them to behave as the agency desires, but not so fast as to mitigate the effect the time spent there had on their negative behavior. Software that prompts for regular classification review and reviews after sentinel instances ensures diligence, which directly impacts facility safety.
Classification management is an ongoing process that requires attention throughout each inmate’s incarceration. By making fast and appropriate decisions around their management, your facility will better develop an environment beneficial to all staff and inmates. With a classification management system that provides a comprehensive view of each individual’s path, you gain access to a more efficient way to arrive at data-driven classification decisions. This saves time, mitigates risk, and contributes to a safer facility. Learn more today.
