SOP 209.45: Tier II Segregated Transition Education Program (Tier II STEP)

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name: Tier II Segregated Transition Education Program (Tier II STEP)|Policy Name: Tier II Segregated Transition Education Program (Tier II STEP)|Policy Name: Tier II Segregated Transition Education Program (Tier II STEP)|
|Policy Number: 209.45|Effective Date: 04/25/2019|Page Number 1 of 12|
|Authority:
Commissioner|Originating Division:
Facilities Division|Access Listing:
Level II: Required Offender
Access|

I. Introduction and Summary:

The Tier II Segregated Transition Education Program (Tier II STEP) is a step-down
program for offenders who have successfully completed the Tier II Program. The
Tier II STEP is an incentive program based on an increased level of privileges for
demonstrated appropriate offender behavior and program compliance. The goal of
Tier II STEP is to successfully transition these offenders from the Tier II Program to
general population in a safe, secure manner within ninety (90) days.

The Tier II STEP is not a restrictive housing unit.

II. Authority:

A. Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) Standard Operating Procedures

(SOPs): 203.03, Incident Reports; 204.10, Offender Use of the Goal Device and
J-Pay Kiosk; 228.01, Safety and Sanitation Inspection; 227.03, Access to Courts;
227.05, Visitation of Offenders; 222.10, Security Procedures during Transport of
Offenders; 227.01, Offender Access to Telephones; 226.01 Searches, Security
Inspections, and Use of Permanent Logs; 207.01, Offender Work Details; 206.01,
Offender Personal Property Standards; 209.01, Offender Discipline; 209.04, Use
of Force and Restraint for Offender Control; 209.09, Special Management Unit –
Tier III Program; 209.05, Stripped Cells and Temporary Confiscation of
Personal Property; 220.04, Offender Orientation; 219.01, Case ManagementRecords Maintenance; 220.02, Security Classification; 220.03, Classification
Committee; 221.01, Inter-Institutional Transfer; 107.05, Program Management;
508.27, MH Organization and Administration; 508.15, MH Evaluations; 508.27,
Time Out and Physical Restraint; 508.28, Managing Potentially Suicidal/Self
Injurious and Aggressive Behavior; 508.20, MH Rounds in
Isolation/Administrative Segregation Units; 508.30, MH Acute Care Unit;
209.08, Administrative Segregation: Tier II Program; and 409.04.28, Alternative
Entrée Meal, and

B. A.C.A. Standards: 4-4249, 4-4250, 4-4251, 4-4252, 4-4253, 4-4254, 4-4255, 4
4256, 4-4257, 4-4258, 4-4259, 4-4260, 4-4261, 4-4262, 4-4263, 4-4264, 4-4265,
4-4266, 4-4267, 4-4268, 4-4269, 4-4270, 4-4271, 4-4272, and 4-4273.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name: Tier II Segregated Transition Education Program (Tier II STEP)|Policy Name: Tier II Segregated Transition Education Program (Tier II STEP)|Policy Name: Tier II Segregated Transition Education Program (Tier II STEP)|
|Policy Number: 209.45|Effective Date: 04/25/2019|Page Number 2 of 12|
|Authority:
Commissioner|Originating Division:
Facilities Division|Access Listing:
Level II: Required Offender
Access|

III. Definitions:

A. Tier II Segregated Transition Education Program (Tier II STEP) - For the

purpose of this policy, a step-down program for offenders who have successfully
completed the Tier II program.

B. Tier II Classification Committee - The Institutional Classification Committee

created in SOP 220.03, Classification Committee: The group of staff appointed
by the Warden to review offender progress through the Tier II STEP. A security
member of the Committee also conducts any disciplinary hearings for offenders
assigned to the Tier II STEP. At a minimum, the committee shall include: (1) the
Tier II STEP Unit Manager; (2) a Mental Health (MH) Counselor or other MH
Professional; (3) a General Population Counselor; and (4) the Deputy Warden of
Security.

IV. Statement of Policy and Applicable Procedures:

A. Overview:

1. An offender assigned to the Tier II STEP is given the opportunity to progress

through the program based upon his or her behavior and ability to adjust
under reduced levels of supervision.

2. The Tier II STEP is a ninety (90) day program. If the offender successfully

completes the program, he or she will be considered for reassignment to
general population with a Close Security classification.

3. All offenders assigned to the Tier II STEP are classified as Close Security.

B. Tier II STEP Orientation:

1. Within seven (7) calendar days of arrival at the Tier II STEP, the counselor

assigned to Tier II STEP must provide the offender with an orientation
program.

2. The orientation must contain the following:

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name: Tier II Segregated Transition Education Program (Tier II STEP)|Policy Name: Tier II Segregated Transition Education Program (Tier II STEP)|Policy Name: Tier II Segregated Transition Education Program (Tier II STEP)|
|Policy Number: 209.45|Effective Date: 04/25/2019|Page Number 3 of 12|
|Authority:
Commissioner|Originating Division:
Facilities Division|Access Listing:
Level II: Required Offender
Access|

a. A review of the overall rules governing offender behavior within the Tier

II STEP;

b. A review of the rules, expectations, and privileges governing the

program; and

c. A description of the periodic review process that determines if the

offender progresses out of Tier II STEP or remains in Tier II STEP
(found in Paragraph VI.E of this SOP).

C. Conditions and Privileges in the Tier II STEP:

1. Subject to the ordinary restrictions that apply as a result of offender

misconduct, the following general rules apply:

a. Cells may be single or double occupancy.

b. All cells must be equipped and furnished in a manner consistent with

cells in the general population.

c. Each offender must be provided the opportunity shower and shave three

(3) times per week.

d. Each offender must be provided prescribed medication, clothing that is

not degrading, and access to basic personal items for use in their cells
unless there is imminent danger that an offender will destroy an item or
induce self-injury.

e. Toiletries and personal hygiene items must be provided on the same basis

as the general population

f. Food provided to offenders in the Tier II STEP must be the same quality

and quantity as that provided in the general population. Special or
substitute meals shall be handled in accordance with SOP 409.04.28,
Alternative Entrée Meal.

g. Offenders will be allowed out of their cells in manageable groups.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name: Tier II Segregated Transition Education Program (Tier II STEP)|Policy Name: Tier II Segregated Transition Education Program (Tier II STEP)|Policy Name: Tier II Segregated Transition Education Program (Tier II STEP)|
|Policy Number: 209.45|Effective Date: 04/25/2019|Page Number 4 of 12|
|Authority:
Commissioner|Originating Division:
Facilities Division|Access Listing:
Level II: Required Offender
Access|

h. Offenders will receive a minimum of four (4) hours out of cell time per

day, seven (7) days per week. The four (4) hours out of cell time can
cumulative by a combination of recreation, visitation (except visits by the
offender’s legal team), detail assignment, shower, feeding, Scribe
schedule, etc. This time must be outside the cells unless security or safety
considerations dictate otherwise. Offenders are not required to participate
in out of cell time if they choose. Any such refusal to participate shall be
documented on the offender’s door sheet.

Note: Denial of out of cell time as punishment will not be allowed
unless the offender has committed a “Great” or higher severity level
disciplinary offense, during out of cell time or during transport to or
from out of cell time.

i. Offenders will be offered a minimum of one (1) hour per day seven (7)

days per week for exercise/recreation unless safety or security concerns
exist. The one (1) hour of exercise/recreation can be included in the out
of cell time noted above.

Note: Denial of recreation time as punishment will not be allowed
unless the offender has committed a “Great” or higher severity level
disciplinary offense, during transport to or from recreation.

j. Offenders must be provided the same bedding supplies as are provided

offenders in the general population.

k. Offenders must be provided the same laundry and barbering services and

are issued and exchanged clothing on the same basis as offenders in
general population. Exceptions are permitted only when found necessary
by the Warden or designee; any exception shall be recorded in the unit
log and justified in writing.

l. Offenders must receive the services of a counselor. A single case

manager will be assigned to the offenders in the Tier II STEP. This
counselor will be responsible for the admissions and orientation process,
initial classification preparation, and case plan review.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name: Tier II Segregated Transition Education Program (Tier II STEP)|Policy Name: Tier II Segregated Transition Education Program (Tier II STEP)|Policy Name: Tier II Segregated Transition Education Program (Tier II STEP)|
|Policy Number: 209.45|Effective Date: 04/25/2019|Page Number 5 of 12|
|Authority:
Commissioner|Originating Division:
Facilities Division|Access Listing:
Level II: Required Offender
Access|

m. Offenders will receive all educational, vocational, and rehabilitative

programs that can be provided within the confines of the Tier II STEP,
consistent with the security needs of the unit. Offenders in the STEP
Program shall have the same access to the G.O.A.L. Device and the J-Pay
Kiosk as that of the general population.

n. Offenders will be allowed to make telephone calls, unless this privilege

has been revoked, during their recreation time. All telephone calls are
limited to 15-minutes in duration.

o. The Warden or designee will deal with emergency telephone calls on a

case-by-case basis. The highest-ranking official present may authorize an
emergency call for a serious illness or death of a family member if the
Warden or designee is not available. The staff member who authorizes
the call must verify and document that the situation warrants an
emergency call.

p. All visits will be no less than two (2) hours in duration, unless security or

safety considerations dictate otherwise, and will be non-contact.

q. All offenders in the Tier II STEP must be allowed legal access as

provided in SOP 227.03, Access to Courts.

r. All offenders in the Tier II STEP shall have access to Chaplaincy

Services. An offender may make a request for Chaplaincy Services in
case of an emergency, death in family, serious illness, injury to a family
member, divorce, or other such family trauma. The request can be made
to any available officer or staff member. The officer or staff member
receiving the request shall notify the facility Chaplain of the request as
soon as possible. Religious materials are available upon request to the
Chaplain, including approved religious texts, and books on a variety of
subjects and services. Volunteers from religious organizations may visit
with offenders and conduct religious services for individuals or small
groups of STEP Program offenders at the discretion of the Warden or
designee.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name: Tier II Segregated Transition Education Program (Tier II STEP)|Policy Name: Tier II Segregated Transition Education Program (Tier II STEP)|Policy Name: Tier II Segregated Transition Education Program (Tier II STEP)|
|Policy Number: 209.45|Effective Date: 04/25/2019|Page Number 6 of 12|
|Authority:
Commissioner|Originating Division:
Facilities Division|Access Listing:
Level II: Required Offender
Access|

s. All offenders in the Tier II STEP must be allowed access to reading

materials through the institution’s library upon request. Use of the
mobile book carts may be utilized.

t. All offenders shall have access to write and receive letters on the same

basis as offenders in general population.

u. Offenders will be checked on and documented every thirty (30) minutes,

utilizing Attachment 6.

2. Privileges available to offenders in the Tier II STEP will be same as general

population.

D. Orderlies in the Tier II STEP: The Tier II STEP will have Tier II STEP offenders

assigned as orderlies within the unit that will perform duties consistent with their
status and subject to the safety and security of the unit.

E. Progression through the Tier II STEP:

1. 30-day Review Hearing:

a. At least every thirty (30) days the Tier II STEP Classification Committee

must review the offender’s status and make a recommendation to the
Warden or designee utilizing Attachment 2, 30-Day Review Hearing
Form. This recommendation is to determine if the offender is:

1) On track to exit the Tier II STEP within ninety (90) days; or

2) Not making adequate progress in the Tier II STEP and may not be

ready to exit the Tier II STEP within ninety (90) days.

b. If circumstances warrant, the Warden or designee may convene the Tier

II STEP Classification Committee at an earlier time. These
circumstances include exemplary behavior or significant misbehavior.

c. As part of this 30-day Review, the Tier II STEP Classification Committee

must offer the offender an opportunity for a hearing, which must include:

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name: Tier II Segregated Transition Education Program (Tier II STEP)|Policy Name: Tier II Segregated Transition Education Program (Tier II STEP)|Policy Name: Tier II Segregated Transition Education Program (Tier II STEP)|
|Policy Number: 209.45|Effective Date: 04/25/2019|Page Number 7 of 12|
|Authority:
Commissioner|Originating Division:
Facilities Division|Access Listing:
Level II: Required Offender
Access|

1) At least 48-hours before the hearing, the offender must be served with

a copy of the 30-Day Review Hearing Form, Attachment 2, with the
Tier II STEP Classification Committee’s observations over the prior
30 days;

2) The offender has the right to attend the hearing. The offender may

forfeit this right if he or she is disruptive, and this disruption shall be
documented;

3) The offender may make a statement and present documents.

However, the offender does not have the right to call witnesses; and

4) The offender has the right to submit a written statement.

d. The Tier II Classification Committee must consider the following factors

when formulating its recommendation:

1) Length of time in TIER II STEP;

2) Continued facility risk;

3) Number, type, and frequency of disciplinary reports;

4) Involvement in self-improvement activities;

5) Behavior as documented on offender’s Checklist (Attachment 7 of

this SOP);

6) Progress on the offender’s Management Plan; and

7) The offender’s demeanor with staff during periodic reviews.

e. The Tier II STEP Classification Committee will make a recommendation

based on the above criteria and forward to the Warden or designee within
three (3) business days.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name: Tier II Segregated Transition Education Program (Tier II STEP)|Policy Name: Tier II Segregated Transition Education Program (Tier II STEP)|Policy Name: Tier II Segregated Transition Education Program (Tier II STEP)|
|Policy Number: 209.45|Effective Date: 04/25/2019|Page Number 8 of 12|
|Authority:
Commissioner|Originating Division:
Facilities Division|Access Listing:
Level II: Required Offender
Access|

f. Upon receipt of the 30-Day Review Hearing Form, Attachment 2, the

Warden or designee shall review and render the final decision with three
(3) business days. The Warden or designee final decision shall be
provided to the offender, who will acknowledge receipt of the final
decision on the 30-Day Review Hearing Form, Attachment 2.

2. 30-Day Review Hearing Appeal:

a. Appeals of the 30-Day Review Hearing will only be considered by the

Warden or designee. If the final approved recommendation on the 30-day
Review Hearing Form is that the offender is not making adequate
progress in the Tier II STEP and may not be ready to exit the Tier II
STEP within ninety (90) days, then the offender may submit written
objections to the recommendation using Attachment 3, 30-Day Review
Appeal Form.

b. The offender shall have three (3) business days to provide the 30-Day

Review Appeal Form, Attachment 3, to the offender’s assigned
counselor, who will sign and date that the appeal was received. The
offender shall sign and date the 30-Day Review Appeal Form,
Attachment 3, acknowledging that the counselor has received the appeal.
The assigned counselor will provide a copy of the signed 30-Day Review
Appeal Form, Attachment 3, to the offender.

c. The counselor will send Attachment 3, 30-Day Review Appeal Form to

the Warden within three (3) calendar days of receipt from the offender.

d. The Warden or designee shall have three (3) business days to review the

offender’s appeal and render a final decision on whether the offender is
making adequate progress and is on track to exit Tier II STEP within
ninety (90) days or is not making adequate progress in the Tier II STEP
and may not be ready to exit the Tier II STEP within ninety (90) days.
The Warden or designee final decision shall be provided to the offender,
who will acknowledge receipt of the final decision on the 30-Day Review
Hearing Appeal Form, Attachment 3.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name: Tier II Segregated Transition Education Program (Tier II STEP)|Policy Name: Tier II Segregated Transition Education Program (Tier II STEP)|Policy Name: Tier II Segregated Transition Education Program (Tier II STEP)|
|Policy Number: 209.45|Effective Date: 04/25/2019|Page Number 9 of 12|
|Authority:
Commissioner|Originating Division:
Facilities Division|Access Listing:
Level II: Required Offender
Access|

3. 90-Day Review Hearing:

a. After ninety (90) days in the Tier II STEP, the Tier II STEP Classification

Committee must review the offender’s status and make a
recommendation to the Warden or designee. This recommendation is to
determine if the offender will:

1) Remain in the Tier II STEP for specified period up to another ninety

(90) days; or

2) Be moved to General Population.

b. This review must be documented on the 90-day Review Hearing Form,

Attachment 4. The Tier II STEP Classification Committee must give
specific reasons for its recommendation.

c. The Tier II STEP Classification Committee must consider the following

factors when formulating its recommendation:

1) Length of time in program;

2) Perceived risk of release from Tier II STEP;

3) Number, type, and frequency of disciplinary reports;

4) Involvement in self-improvement activities;

5) The two (2) prior final 30-Day Reviewing Hearing Forms;

6) Behavior as documented on offender’s Checklist (Attachment 7) of

this SOP); and

7) Progress on the Offender’s Management Plan.

4. If the Tier II STEP Classification Committee recommends the offender return

to General Population:

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name: Tier II Segregated Transition Education Program (Tier II STEP)|Policy Name: Tier II Segregated Transition Education Program (Tier II STEP)|Policy Name: Tier II Segregated Transition Education Program (Tier II STEP)|
|Policy Number: 209.45|Effective Date: 04/25/2019|Page Number 10 of 12|
|Authority:
Commissioner|Originating Division:
Facilities Division|Access Listing:
Level II: Required Offender
Access|

a. If the Tier II STEP Classification Committee recommends the offender

return to general population, the 90-Day Review Form, Attachment 4,
shall be forwarded to the Warden. The Warden must review and make a
recommendation within seven (7) calendar days.

b. The Warden shall forward his or her recommendation on the 90-day

Review Form, Attachment 2 to the Director, Field Operations (or
designee). The Warden must include in detail all sufficient information
for the recommendation.

c. The Director, Field Operations (or designee) will approve or disapprove

the offender returning to general population. A decision must be
rendered within seven (7) calendar days of receipt of the 90-Day Review
Form, Attachment 4.

d. If the offender is approved for assignment to general population, the

Director, Field Operations (or designee) shall submit the request to
Offender Administration to initiate the transfer.

e. If the Director, Field Operations (or designee) disapproves the return to

general population, the offender must be served with a copy of the 90-day
Review Form, Attachment 4, and advised he or she is being denied
assignment to general population.

f. The offender may submit a formal appeal with utilizing Attachment 5,

90-Day Review Appeal Form. The appeal must be submitted to the
Director, Field Operations (or designee). (See IV.E(6)).

5. If the Tier II STEP Classification Committee recommends the offender

remain in Tier II STEP:

a. If the Tier II STEP Classification Committee recommends the offender

remain in Tier II STEP, the Tier II STEP Classification Committee shall
make a recommendation on how many days (up to an additional 90) that
the offender should remain in Tier II STEP on the 90-Day Review Form,
Attachment 4. Tier II STEP Classification Committee shall forward the

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name: Tier II Segregated Transition Education Program (Tier II STEP)|Policy Name: Tier II Segregated Transition Education Program (Tier II STEP)|Policy Name: Tier II Segregated Transition Education Program (Tier II STEP)|
|Policy Number: 209.45|Effective Date: 04/25/2019|Page Number 11 of 12|
|Authority:
Commissioner|Originating Division:
Facilities Division|Access Listing:
Level II: Required Offender
Access|

90-Day Review Form, Attachment 4 to the Warden. The Warden must
review and make a recommendation within seven (7) calendar days.

b. The Warden shall forward his or her recommendation on the 90-day

Review Form, Attachment 4 to the Director, Field Operations (or
designee). The Warden must include in detail all sufficient information
for the recommendation.

c. The Director, Field Operations (or designee) will approve or disapprove

the offender remaining in Tier II STEP and will document how many
days (up to an additional 90 days) the offender will remain in Tier II
STEP. A decision must be rendered within seven (7) calendar days of
receipt of the 90-Day Review Form, Attachment 4.

d. If the offender is disapproved to remain in the Tier II STEP and is

released to general population, the Director, Field Operations (or
designee) shall submit the request to Offender Administration to initiate
the transfer.

e. If the Director, Field Operations (or designee) approves the offender

remaining in Tier II STEP, the offender must be served with a copy of the
90-day Review Form, Attachment 4, and advised he or she is being
retained in the Tier II STEP.

f. The offender may submit a formal appeal with utilizing Attachment 5,

90-Day Review Appeal Form. The appeal must be submitted to the
Director, Field Operations (or designee). (See IV.E(6)).

6. 90-Day Review Hearing Appeal:

a. The offender shall have five (5) business days to provide the 90-Day

Review Appeal Form, Attachment 5, to the offender’s assigned
counselor, who will sign and date that the appeal was received. The
offender shall sign and date the 90-Day Review Appeal Form,
Attachment 5, acknowledging that the counselor has received the appeal.
The assigned counselor will provide a copy of the signed 90-Day Review
Appeal Form, Attachment 5, to the offender.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name: Tier II Segregated Transition Education Program (Tier II STEP)|Policy Name: Tier II Segregated Transition Education Program (Tier II STEP)|Policy Name: Tier II Segregated Transition Education Program (Tier II STEP)|
|Policy Number: 209.45|Effective Date: 04/25/2019|Page Number 12 of 12|
|Authority:
Commissioner|Originating Division:
Facilities Division|Access Listing:
Level II: Required Offender
Access|

b. The counselor will send Attachment 5, 90-Day Review Appeal Form to

the Director, Field Operations within three (3) calendar days of receipt
from the offender.

c. The Director, Field Operations (or designee) shall have three (3) business

days to review the offender’s appeal and approve or disapprove
assignment to general population. If the offender’s appeal is denied, the
Director, Field Operations (or designee) shall forward the offender’s
appeal and any supporting documents to the Assistant Commissioner for
Facilities within three (3) business days.

d. The Assistant Commissioner for Facilities shall have three (3) business

days to review the offender’s appeal and approve or disapprove
assignment to general population. The Assistant Commissioner for
Facilities’ decision is final. The Assistant Commissioner for Facilities
final decision shall be provided to the offender, who will acknowledge
receipt of the final decision on the 90-Day Review Appeal Form,
Attachment 5.

V. Attachments:

Attachment 1: Tier II STEP Assignment Form
Attachment 2: Tier II STEP 30-day Review Hearing Form
Attachment 3: Tier II STEP 30-day Review Hearing Appeal Form
Attachment 4: Tier II STEP 90-day Review Hearing Form
Attachment 5: Tier II STEP 90-day Review Hearing Appeal Form
Attachment 6: Tier II STEP Checklist and 30 or 15 Minute Watch Observation

Record
Attachment 7: Tier II Performance Recording Sheet

VI. Record Retention of Forms Relevant to this Policy:

Upon completion, Attachments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 shall be placed in the offenders
institutional file and shall be retained according to the official records retention
schedule of that file.