SOP 213.11: Detainee Classification

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Detainee Classification|Policy Name:Detainee Classification|Policy Name:Detainee Classification|
|Policy Number: 213.11|Effective Date: 3/9/2020|Page Number: 1 of 15|
|Authority:
Commissioner
|Originating Division:
Facilities Division (Detention
Center)
|Access Listing:
Level I: All Access
|

I. Introduction and Summary:

Each Detention Center with the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) shall
establish a Classification Committee. The committee shall be responsible for
oversight of detainee classification including supervision level assignment,
administrative segregation hearings, administration of certain aspects of work
programs, detainee detail and program assignments, and other aspects of Detention
Center operations as detailed in this Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).

II. Authority:

A. Board Rules: 125-3-1-.01;

B. GDC SOPs: 207.04, Offender Work Details; 220.03, Classification Committee;

and 103.63, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title II Provisions; and

C. ACA Standards: 4-ALDF-2A-31, 4-ALDF-2A-22, and 4-ALDF-2A-32.

III. Definitions:

None.

IV. Statement of Policy and Applicable Procedures:

A. Description of Committee:

1. At least three (3) staff members shall be assigned to the committee;

2. The Assistant Superintendent or Counselor shall serve as a committee

member and shall function as chairperson of the committee;

3. There should be at least one (1) security staff and at least one (1) treatment

staff member on the committee;

4. The Superintendent shall appoint members of the committee and its

chairperson;

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Detainee Classification|Policy Name:Detainee Classification|Policy Name:Detainee Classification|
|Policy Number: 213.11|Effective Date: 3/9/2020|Page Number: 2 of 15|
|Authority:
Commissioner
|Originating Division:
Facilities Division (Detention
Center)
|Access Listing:
Level I: All Access
|

B. Duties of the Committee:

Detainees are serving short terms of confinement;, therefore, frequent reviews of
job assignment or programs will normally be neither practical nor necessary.
However, a thorough initial review and appropriate placement are critical.

1. The Classification Committee shall have the following duties:

a. Initial review of each detainee assigned to the Detention Center after

completion of intake processing;

b. Detainee job assignments and changes;

c. Administrative segregation hearings;

d. Review of program plans;

e. Administration of work; and

f. Assignment of initial supervision level and necessary changes.

2. Classification Committee decisions are subject to the review and approval of

the Superintendent.

C. Classification Committee Procedures:

1. Each Detention Center will implement a classification system that ensures the

following in the operation of the Classification Committee. The committee
will:

a. Review each detainee as soon as intake processing is complete and make

assignments as appropriate.

b. Each newly admitted detainee shall be evaluated for:

i. Medical needs;

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Detainee Classification|Policy Name:Detainee Classification|Policy Name:Detainee Classification|
|Policy Number: 213.11|Effective Date: 3/9/2020|Page Number: 3 of 15|
|Authority:
Commissioner
|Originating Division:
Facilities Division (Detention
Center)
|Access Listing:
Level I: All Access
|

ii. Security needs;

iii. Personal/social needs; and

iv. Program needs.

c. Assignments and program approvals will be reflective of the responsibility

to:

i. Protect the public;

ii. Manage the Detention Center; and

iii. The needs of the detainee.

d. Prior to the initial committee review, all phases of intake processing must

be completed, this includes:

i. Completion of the medical assessment; and

ii. Approval of the assessment by the physician.

e. The medical section may provide clearance for assignments in cases where

final completion of medical assessment is delayed (often this is due to delay
in receiving test results), however:

i. Medical staff must be confident that no health risk is presented to the

detainee before providing a preliminary clearance;

ii. Sufficient information must be available to make an appropriate

assignment/classification; and

iii. Upon receipt of test results, they will be reviewed, and necessary

follow-up will be performed.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Detainee Classification|Policy Name:Detainee Classification|Policy Name:Detainee Classification|
|Policy Number: 213.11|Effective Date: 3/9/2020|Page Number: 4 of 15|
|Authority:
Commissioner
|Originating Division:
Facilities Division (Detention
Center)
|Access Listing:
Level I: All Access
|

f. The Counselor assigned to the detainee should have had ample time to:

i. Evaluate the detainee through personal contact;

ii. Review of available information;

iii. Observation of the detainee's initial behavior; and

iv. Adjustment to the Center.

g. The Counselor will ensure:

i. That all required activities including but not limited to orientation,

interviews by assigned Counselors; and

ii. Medical processing and documentation are completed prior to

submitting the detainee and case file to the Classification Committee
for initial review.

h. The case file shall contain all necessary documentation, including:

i. Medical classification materials;

ii. Supervision Assessment;

iii. Detainee Intake Data;

iv. Program Plan;

v. GCIC/NCIC information; and

vi. Any other documents and materials necessary for review of the

detainee by the Classification Committee.

i. The Superintendent shall ensure that ample time is allocated for completion

of all intake activities prior to initial classification.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Detainee Classification|Policy Name:Detainee Classification|Policy Name:Detainee Classification|
|Policy Number: 213.11|Effective Date: 3/9/2020|Page Number: 5 of 15|
|Authority:
Commissioner
|Originating Division:
Facilities Division (Detention
Center)
|Access Listing:
Level I: All Access
|

j. Initial classification will normally occur within seven (7) working days of

arrival.

2. Documentation will be maintained of all committee actions, including:

a. Notations in the detainee case file; and

b. Independent committee records.

3. Classification Committee decisions and changes will be entered into the

Offender Management System (SCRIBE) immediately following the
Classification Committee adjourning.

4. Detainees will be advised of classification procedures, including decisions

affecting them and appeal procedures.

5. Specific times will be established for formal Classification Committee

meetings with all members or alternates in attendance.

6. Unlawful discrimination will not be practiced in program and work

assignments.

7. Requirements outlined in relevant SOPs for administrative segregation

hearings will be followed.

8. An orderly system of job assignment and reassignment will be implemented.

9. Only the Classification Committee may recommend permanent assignment or

removal of a detainee from a particular job assignment.

10. Job assignments will be made in keeping with a detainee's current level of

supervision.

11. Detainees will personally appear before the Classification Committee during

the initial review.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Detainee Classification|Policy Name:Detainee Classification|Policy Name:Detainee Classification|
|Policy Number: 213.11|Effective Date: 3/9/2020|Page Number: 6 of 15|
|Authority:
Commissioner
|Originating Division:
Facilities Division (Detention
Center)
|Access Listing:
Level I: All Access
|

D. Administration of Work Programs:

1. The Detention Center's Classification Committee shall be responsible for

general administration of the Detention Center's work programs;

2. Specifically, the Classification Committee shall:

a. Review, allocate and/or approve detainee work posts;

b. This will include:

i. The number of positions allotted to particular departments or activities

and

ii. Establish or approve tasks or guidelines for detainee work posts;

c. The Classification Committee should work with supervising staff in

establishing work guidelines and task descriptions for each function;

d. The work description will also include the level of supervision (I, II, III, or

IV) that the particular job will provide;

e. The committee should conduct a review of detainee jobs and positions

when needed; and

f. If needed, job duties or guidelines should be formally revised.

3. Normally a detainee will not be placed on or removed from a job assignment

except within procedures established by the Classification Committee;

4. The committee will develop local procedures for emergency or temporary

reassignment;

5. The Classification Committee, in making job assignments, will consider:

a. The abilities of the detainee;

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Detainee Classification|Policy Name:Detainee Classification|Policy Name:Detainee Classification|
|Policy Number: 213.11|Effective Date: 3/9/2020|Page Number: 7 of 15|
|Authority:
Commissioner
|Originating Division:
Facilities Division (Detention
Center)
|Access Listing:
Level I: All Access
|

b. The medical, mental, and physical limitations of the detainee (in

accordance with the requirements in SOP 103.63, Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA), Title II Provisions);

c. Protection of the public; and

d. The needs of the Detention Center.

6. Detainees will not be assigned to jobs before:

a. Completion of initial medical assessment (except as outlined in C.1.e.

above), but

b. Will be assigned to a job immediately after being cleared

medically/mentally, if applicable.

7. Assignments must be in keeping with the detainee's assigned supervision level;

8. The Classification Committee will maintain documentation of committee

decisions;

9. Entries shall be made in detainee case files regarding decisions made on the

individual detainee; and

10. Independent committee records shall be maintained necessary for:

a. Efficient communication;

b. Management; and

c. Documentation related to the work program.

E. Initial Supervision Level Determination:

1. A critical aspect of initial classification is the assignment of a supervision level

to each detainee.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Detainee Classification|Policy Name:Detainee Classification|Policy Name:Detainee Classification|
|Policy Number: 213.11|Effective Date: 3/9/2020|Page Number: 8 of 15|
|Authority:
Commissioner
|Originating Division:
Facilities Division (Detention
Center)
|Access Listing:
Level I: All Access
|

2. In order to accomplish this, the Detention Center Supervision Assessment

(Attachment 1) will be completed in order to establish the required supervision
level for each detainee. Attachment 2, Severity of Offense Scale shall be used
in conjunction with Attachment 1.

3. It is the responsibility of the designated Counselor to:

a. Complete this instrument; and

b. Submit it to the Classification Committee prior to the initial review of each

detainee.

4. The committee will review this assessment and assign Level I, Level II, Level

III, or Level IV supervision to each detainee as required by the scores arrived
upon using the security issues part of the assessment form.

5. The committee may assign the supervision level at one (1) level higher than

the security issues indicate if the score on the case management issues total
twenty-six (26) points or higher.

6. The sole purpose of this review is to ensure that an objective and fair evaluation

of each detainee is performed.

7. The committee may override the document for reasons other than what is

captured in the case management issues.

8. Decisions to override the assessment score shall be documented with reasons

given for the decision.

9. The Superintendent will review and approve each supervision assessment prior

to the detainee being assigned to any work activity.

10. After the initial classification, reassessments may be performed as needed if

the supervision level needs to be increased or decreased.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Detainee Classification|Policy Name:Detainee Classification|Policy Name:Detainee Classification|
|Policy Number: 213.11|Effective Date: 3/9/2020|Page Number: 9 of 15|
|Authority:
Commissioner
|Originating Division:
Facilities Division (Detention
Center)
|Access Listing:
Level I: All Access
|

F. Increase in Level of Supervision:

1. Level of supervision may be increased if the committee determines that the

detainee's behavior as indicated by:

a. Work performance;

b. Program participation; or

c. Disciplinary reports demand such an increase.

2. Factors such as open charges or new information regarding the detainee's

background or stability, may necessitate increasing a detainee's initial
supervision classification.

3. The Recommendation for Supervision Level Change (Attachment 3) should be

completed each time the detainee is recommended for a change in his/her level
of supervision.

4. In addition to scoring the detainee on the factors on the form, other information

considered relevant to the change should be documented on the form where
indicated.

5. Such factors as discovery of new information regarding potential risk to the

community or Detention Center may necessitate increasing a detainee's initial
supervision classification.

6. Prior to a formal review of the detainee for a supervision level change, an

increase in a detainee’s supervision level may be enacted by completing the
reclassification section of the assessment form;

7. The justification for the increase must be fully documented in the space

provided; and

8. Each member of the Classification Committee and the Superintendent must

sign this section of the form.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Detainee Classification|Policy Name:Detainee Classification|Policy Name:Detainee Classification|
|Policy Number: 213.11|Effective Date: 3/9/2020|Page Number: 10 of 15|
|Authority:
Commissioner
|Originating Division:
Facilities Division (Detention
Center)
|Access Listing:
Level I: All Access
|

G. Decrease in Level of Supervision:

1. Any detainee initially classified with a case management score of less than

twenty-six (26) points and a security issue score of less than sixty (60) may be
reviewed for:

a. A one-level reduction in level of supervision after he or she has been

observed for a minimum of thirty (30) days; and

b. He/she receives a score of less than seven (7) on the Supervision Level

Change form (Attachment 3).

2. If the Classification Committee disagrees with the change form's

recommendation, the reasons for disagreement should be documented on the
change form in the space provided.

3. Additional documentation should be attached if necessary.

4. Any detainee receiving:

a. A score of twenty-six (26) points or more on the Case Management Issues

part; and/or

b. A score of sixty (60) or more points on the Security Issues part of the initial

Supervision Assessment will be observed for a period of at least thirty (30)
days prior to consideration for a reduction in supervision level.

5. Detainees initially classified with a supervision level IV shall not be eligible

for a decrease in the supervision level, unless the Superintendent secures
written authorization from the Regional Director.

6. The authorization shall include:

a. The justification for the reduction; and

b. The specific detail to which the detainee is to be assigned.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Detainee Classification|Policy Name:Detainee Classification|Policy Name:Detainee Classification|
|Policy Number: 213.11|Effective Date: 3/9/2020|Page Number: 11 of 15|
|Authority:
Commissioner
|Originating Division:
Facilities Division (Detention
Center)
|Access Listing:
Level I: All Access
|

7. Supervision level may be reduced by only one (1) level from the original level

of supervision.

8. The Superintendent will review and approve by signature any changes in

supervision level.

H. Description of Supervision Levels and Guidelines:

1. As previously discussed, the Classification Committee shall assign a

supervision level approved by the Superintendent for each detainee.

2. The following provides general guidelines regarding use of this supervision

level system and a description of each level of supervision:

a.. All detainees will be assigned a supervision level (I, II, III, or IV);

b. Supervision level assigned will determine the degree of supervision

required for the detainee in question; and

c. Supervising staff shall maintain knowledge of:

i. The supervision level of detainees assigned to them; and

ii. The supervision requirements regarding that level of supervision.

3. When on duty, staff actions and activities will be directed toward providing the

required supervision.

4. Activities not in keeping with the supervision of detainees' performance or duty

shall not be conducted.

5. When detainees of various supervision levels are working together on the same

work site, the highest applicable supervision level will be utilized.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Detainee Classification|Policy Name:Detainee Classification|Policy Name:Detainee Classification|
|Policy Number: 213.11|Effective Date: 3/9/2020|Page Number: 12 of 15|
|Authority:
Commissioner
|Originating Division:
Facilities Division (Detention
Center)
|Access Listing:
Level I: All Access
|

6. Level of Supervision are as follows:

a. LEVEL I:

i. Detainees assigned to Level I supervision may be assigned to any

Detention Center detail;

ii. They are the only detainees eligible for special work assignments (as

defined in SOP 207.04);

iii. When working outside the Detention Center, supervising personnel

(staff or other agency staff) will visually check the detainee
periodically, but at least once every two (2) hours; and

iv. In regard to special work assignments (supervised by other agencies),

the Detention Center will conduct at least weekly spot checks of
detainees on the job sites and shall make agency staff aware of
supervision requirements.

b. LEVEL II:

i Detainees assigned to Level II supervision may be assigned to any work

assignment where on-site supervision by staff appropriately trained and
approved by GDC is provided;

ii. When possible, staff will maintain constant visual contact;

iii. When the nature of the job site makes constant visual contact

impossible, staff shall ensure that visual contact is made at least once
(1) every fifteen (15) minutes;

iv. Detail supervisors are responsible for informing their supervisors of

work site conditions that make constant visual contact impossible; and

v. The supervisor shall review the work site and shall instruct the detail

officer as to supervision expectations as discussed in this document.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Detainee Classification|Policy Name:Detainee Classification|Policy Name:Detainee Classification|
|Policy Number: 213.11|Effective Date: 3/9/2020|Page Number: 13 of 15|
|Authority:
Commissioner
|Originating Division:
Facilities Division (Detention
Center)
|Access Listing:
Level I: All Access
|

c. LEVEL III:

i. Detainees assigned to Level III supervision require the highest level of

supervision and control that the Detention Center can offer; and

ii. They may be assigned only to details working on GDC property, other

state property, or other approved locations under armed (i.e. pepper
spray) supervision by staff appropriately trained and approved by GDC
and constant visual contact must be maintained.

d. LEVEL IV:

i. Detainees assigned to Level IV supervision will not be assigned to

details operating outside the perimeter of the Detention Center; and

ii. Reduction to a lower level of supervision is permitted only with written

authorization from the Regional Director.

6. Regardless of current supervision level, a detainee with a pending felony

charge, must be assigned to details working on GDC property for a minimum
of thirty (30) days.

7. Thereafter, assignment may be made within the supervision level guidelines at

the discretion of the Superintendent.

I. Recommendation for Supervision Level Change:

1. Each time a detainee is reviewed for a change in supervision level a

Recommendation for Supervision Level Change form (Attachment 3) should
be completed.

2. This review may occur at two (2) week or thirty (30) day intervals depending

on the scores achieved in the initial assessment as described earlier in this
policy.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Detainee Classification|Policy Name:Detainee Classification|Policy Name:Detainee Classification|
|Policy Number: 213.11|Effective Date: 3/9/2020|Page Number: 14 of 15|
|Authority:
Commissioner
|Originating Division:
Facilities Division (Detention
Center)
|Access Listing:
Level I: All Access
|

3. An exception may be made if prior to the established time frames, new

information is received which warrants an increase in supervision level.

4. The Counselor will score the detainee on the four (4) factors of:

a. Work performance;

b. Program participation;

c. Disciplinary history; and

d. Staff/peer relationships.

5. The point total will fall within a range recommending:

a. An increase;

b. Decrease; or

c. No change in supervision level.

6. If the Counselor/Classification Committee disagrees with the form's

recommendation, the reasons for disagreement shall be documented on the
form in the space provided.

7. No detainee will be allowed a reduction of more than one (1) level lower than

the initial assessment level.

8. The Superintendent will:

a. Approve all changes in supervision levels; and

b. The Counselor, Classification Committee, and Superintendent will sign the

form.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Detainee Classification|Policy Name:Detainee Classification|Policy Name:Detainee Classification|
|Policy Number: 213.11|Effective Date: 3/9/2020|Page Number: 15 of 15|
|Authority:
Commissioner
|Originating Division:
Facilities Division (Detention
Center)
|Access Listing:
Level I: All Access
|

J. Detainee Classification Committee Appeal:

1. All Classification actions may be appealed;

2. If a detainee is dissatisfied with a decision of the Classification Committee, the

detainee must complete and submit Attachment 4, Classification Appeal Form,
which will be forwarded to the Superintendent or their designee.

3. The Superintendent shall review the appeal and make a final decision on the

action.

4. The detainee will be advised of the final decision.

5. The form will be filed in the detainee’s institutional file.

V. Attachments:

Attachment 1: Supervision Assessment
Attachment 2: Severity of Offense Scale
Attachment 3: Recommendation for Supervision Level Change
Attachment 4: Detainee Classification Appeal Form

VI. Record Retention of Forms Relevant to this Policy:

Upon completion, Attachments 1, 3, and 4, will be placed in the Detainee’s
institutional file. Upon completion of sentence, the file will be transferred to the State
Records Center where it is kept for four (4) years, then destroyed. Attachment 2 will
be utilized in accordance with SOP, until such time the SOP is revised or becomes
obsolete.