SOP_NUMBER: 215.01
TITLE: Transitional Center Selection Criteria and Process
REFERENCE_CODE: IID01-0002
DIVISION: Facilities Operations
TOPIC_AREA: 215 Policy - Transitional Center
EFFECTIVE_DATE: 2014-01-01
WORD_COUNT: 2988
POWERDMS_URL: https://public.powerdms.com/GADOC/documents/106187
URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/215.01/
SUMMARY:
This policy establishes the criteria and process for selecting offenders to be placed at Georgia Department of Corrections Transitional Centers for work release, parole board referrals, and facility maintenance assignments. The selection process is needs-based and considers factors such as financial instability, residential instability, vocational/educational needs, and professional discretion. The policy applies to GDC counselors, classification committees, and Parole Board officials involved in offender placement decisions.
KEY_TOPICS: transitional center, work release, parole board referral, maintenance resident, offender placement, selection criteria, seriously violent felony, M.O.R.E. case, parole remanded case, first-time violent offender, SB 441, residential instability, financial instability, prison classification committee, case management
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Transitional Center Notification to Sheriff
URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/215.01-att-1/
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FULL TEXT:
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|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Transitional Center Selection Criteria and Process|**Policy Name:**Transitional Center Selection Criteria and Process|**Policy Name:**Transitional Center Selection Criteria and Process|
|**Policy Number:** 215.01|**Effective Date:** 01/01/2014|**Page Number** 1 of 10|
|**Authority:**
Owens/Jacobs
|**Originating Division:**
Facilities Operations|**Access Listing:**
Level I: All Access
|
**I.** **Introduction and Summary:**
The selection for offender placement at a Transitional Center to include work release
and long-term maintenance shall be based on established criteria as set forth by the
Board of Pardons and Parole and as determined by Facilities Operations.
**II.** **Authority:**
A. GDC Rules: 125-2-4-.04, 125-2-4-.09, 125-2-4-.18, 125-3-1-.02, 125-3-6;
B. GDC-SOP: IID01-0001, IID03-0005, IIC02-0004, IIG01-0001;
C. ACA Standards: 2-2135(3-4135, 3-4136, 3-4140), 2-2136(3-4135), 2-2138(3
4147), 2-2139(3-4150), 2-2140(3-4149)
D. This policy was formerly SOP#IIDO1-0002
**III.** **Definitions:**
A. **Work Release:** Assignment of an offender to a Transitional Center will be based
upon pre-determined criteria. The selection of offenders for the work release
program is needs driven; as identified by the current GDC assessment, offender
history, employment instability, residential instability (problem residence),
financial instability, and/or professional discretion. Such an offender is called a
"work-release resident" upon assignment to a Transitional Center.
B. **Parole Board Referral:** Referral is an assignment to a Transitional Center
initiated by the State Board of Pardons and Paroles and upon approval by GDC.
This type offender is also called a "work-release resident" upon assignment to a
Transitional Center. The selection of offenders for the work release program is
needs driven; as identified by the current GDC assessment, offender history,
employment instability, residential instability (problem residence), financial
instability and or professional discretion.
C. **Maintenance Resident** : Offenders assigned to a Transitional Center to assist in
the daily operation of the facility or other state agency maintenance.
|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Transitional Center Selection Criteria and Process|**Policy Name:**Transitional Center Selection Criteria and Process|**Policy Name:**Transitional Center Selection Criteria and Process|
|**Policy Number:** 215.01|**Effective Date:** 01/01/2014|**Page Number** 2 of 10|
|**Authority:**
Owens/Jacobs
|**Originating Division:**
Facilities Operations|**Access Listing:**
Level I: All Access
|
These offenders are not on work release status nor are they to participate in work
release until eligible under the guidelines of this SOP.
D. **Seriously Violent Felony: A crime listed in the Official Code of Georgia**
**Annotated (O.C.G.A) 17-10-6.1(a):**
1. Murder of Felony Murder
2. Armed Robbery
3. Kidnapping
4. Rape
5. Aggravated Child Molestation
6. Aggravated Sodomy
7. Aggravated Sexual Battery
E. **Eligible Seriously Violent Offenders:** Georgia Code O.C.G.A. 17-10-6.1 allows
for an offender who is serving a sentence for the first time conviction of any
serious violent felony to be considered for a transitional center during their final
year of incarceration. These are the ONLY Seriously Violent Offenders that GDC
may refer to a Transitional Center program.
F. **M.O.R.E. Case:** Max Out Re-Entry: A program to allow for a period of
community supervision for offenders who would otherwise remain incarcerated
until their Maximum Release Date.
G. **Parole Remanded Case:** Parolees facing revocation to a hard prison bed as a
result of violating Parole Technical Conditions. All Community resources must
have been exhausted.
**IV.** **Statement of Policy and Applicable Procedures:**
A. Transitional Center Preferred Criteria: The selection of the current GDCs for the
Transitional Center program is needs driven. Offenders, who are eligible to be
considered for assignment to the work release program at a Transitional Center,
include:
|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Transitional Center Selection Criteria and Process|**Policy Name:**Transitional Center Selection Criteria and Process|**Policy Name:**Transitional Center Selection Criteria and Process|
|**Policy Number:** 215.01|**Effective Date:** 01/01/2014|**Page Number** 3 of 10|
|**Authority:**
Owens/Jacobs
|**Originating Division:**
Facilities Operations|**Access Listing:**
Level I: All Access
|
1. Financial Problems/Poverty
2. Residential Instability
3. Vocational/Educational Problems
4. First Time Violent Offenders/SB441 during final year of incarceration as
identified in section III.E. above.
5. Professional discretion
**Note:** The prison classification Committee may exercise discretion to recommend
denial or delay of a transfer to a Transitional Center at any time, based upon poor
performance, adjustment, medical or psychiatric developments, safety concerns,
or other factors that would prevent successful participation in either program.
B. The Referral Process:
1. Direct Parole Board Referrals: The State Board of Pardons and Paroles may
periodically refer offenders who do not meet GDC criteria. The selection of
offenders for the Transitional Center Program is needs driven:
a. as identified by the current GDC assessment
b. offender history
c. employment instability
d. residential instability (problem residence)
e. financial instability
f. professional discretion
g. Max Out Re-Entry Program (M.O.R.E.)
h. Remand to Transitional Center cases
Offenders referred by the Parole Board who do not meet GDC criteria will be
reviewed by the Commissioner or his or her designee prior to placement at a
Transitional Center. Department officials will communicate any selection
criteria changes to the Board of Pardons and Paroles to ensure that Parole
Board referrals mirror selection criteria.
|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Transitional Center Selection Criteria and Process|**Policy Name:**Transitional Center Selection Criteria and Process|**Policy Name:**Transitional Center Selection Criteria and Process|
|**Policy Number:** 215.01|**Effective Date:** 01/01/2014|**Page Number** 4 of 10|
|**Authority:**
Owens/Jacobs
|**Originating Division:**
Facilities Operations|**Access Listing:**
Level I: All Access
|
2. Prison Referrals: The selection of offenders to be referred to Transitional
Centers is needs driven and identified as Transitional Center Preferred
Criteria:
a. Financial Problems/Poverty
b. Residential Instability
c. Vocational/Educational Problems
d. First Time Violent Offenders/SB 441 during final year of incarceration as
identified in section IV.E. above
e. Professional discretion
Offenders who meet the Transitional Center Preferred criteria will be
considered for placement in a Transitional Center by their counselor.
C. Case Management: The processes by which prison staff review an offender’s file
regarding eligibility are outlined below:
1. Upon arrival to the permanent facility, the counselor, responsible for
conducting the facility orientation (A&O process) or for conducting the initial
interview, will review each arriving offender’s file.
2. Following a review of an offender’s file, the counselor will determine if the
offender is a first time violent offender (SB 441), a sex offender, and also has
a need in the following categories: Financial Problems/Poverty, Residential
Instability and/or Vocational/Educational Problems.
3. If so, the counselor will add the activity “TC Preferred” to the offender’s
current plan in the Offender Programs application. The counselor will
reference this action in the initial interview case note. This designation will
serve as an indicator that the offender needs to be considered for placement in
the work release program at a Transitional Center.
D. Prison Classification Committee: After favorable review by the prison
classification committee and the approval of the Warden, a recommendation will
be sent to Offender Administration by using the Assignments Module in Scribe.
|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Transitional Center Selection Criteria and Process|**Policy Name:**Transitional Center Selection Criteria and Process|**Policy Name:**Transitional Center Selection Criteria and Process|
|**Policy Number:** 215.01|**Effective Date:** 01/01/2014|**Page Number** 5 of 10|
|**Authority:**
Owens/Jacobs
|**Originating Division:**
Facilities Operations|**Access Listing:**
Level I: All Access
|
Target TC Referral Date displayed in the Scribe Program queues shall be used as
a guide for timely entry of TC assignment requests. Eligible Violent Offenders
serving their FIRST TIME CONVICTION for a serious violent felony, should be
considered for TC placement only if they are within 12 months of their maximum
release date, have maintained a favorable institutional record, completed all
required programming, and have no greatest disciplinary record for a minimum of
3 months.
E. Central Office: Offender Administration staff is responsible for screening lists of
potentially eligible offenders based on MRD, projected PIC dates, and tentative
parole months as well as referrals from all other sources. Transitional Center
Preferred criteria offenders with no more than fifteen (15) months and no less
than twelve (12) months until any prospective release date may be eligible for
transitional center consideration, except for Parole Board referrals or offenders
that are past TPM. Target TC Referral Date displayed in the Scribe Assignment
queues shall be used as a guide for timely placement.
Special consideration is to be given to offenders who are past TPM and are within
24 months of max out date for work release. If it is determined that an offender
meets the Transitional Center preferred criteria, has no viable residence plan, is
past their TPM, and is within 24 months of max out date, an assignment request is
to be submitted immediately, stating the reason that the offender’s name is being
submitted. Offender Administration will be responsible for reviewing the
documentation to ensure that SCRIBE documentation supports the assignment
request.
F. Work Release Criminal History Background:
1. Offenders serving life sentences will not be considered, except for Parole
Board referrals.
2. Active felony detainers or special notifications on file will preclude
placement.
|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Transitional Center Selection Criteria and Process|**Policy Name:**Transitional Center Selection Criteria and Process|**Policy Name:**Transitional Center Selection Criteria and Process|
|**Policy Number:** 215.01|**Effective Date:** 01/01/2014|**Page Number** 6 of 10|
|**Authority:**
Owens/Jacobs
|**Originating Division:**
Facilities Operations|**Access Listing:**
Level I: All Access
|
3. Sex offenders are eligible for TC placement. If a Sex Offender Psycho
Educational Program (SOPP) need has been identified, successful completion
of SOPP is required prior to TC placement. The Sex Offender Unit will enter
the SOPP need in the programs module based on current sentence and current
laws. Sex Offenders who committed their offense prior to June 4, 2003 are
eligible for placement at any Transitional Center. Sex Offenders who
committed their offense on or after June 4, 2003 are eligible for placement at
Transitional Centers that meet registration requirements for residency
restrictions as defined in OCGA 42-1-15, OCGA 42-1-16 and OCGA 42-1-17
(see SOP IIG01-0001). Electronic Registration via Scribe is not required by
Center staff upon arrival of the offender; however, notification to the Sheriff’s
designee is required. Electronic registration and notification to the Sheriff are
required upon the release of the offender. Transitional Center POC shall notify
the local Sheriff’s Office when a registrable sex offender enters the
Transitional Center via the Transitional Center Notification form (Attachment
1). The Sex Offender Administration Unit in collaboration with Offender
Administration will review all sex offenders referred to ensure the offender is
placed at a Transitional Center that meets the offender’s residential proximity
requirements. Offenders determined to be a Sexually Dangerous Predator by
the Georgia Sexual Offender Review Board will not be eligible. (Being
deemed a Sexually Dangerous Predator while at a Transitional Center will
result in immediate removal). Sex offenders must meet the following criteria:
a. Must have no greatest disciplinary record for a minimum of 3 months.
b. Must not have two (2) or more previous felony convictions or a criminal
offense against a minor or a dangerous sex offense. NOTE: Failure to
Register is not a sex offense.
c. Placement at the TC should not result in adverse public reaction.
d. Must have successfully completed SOPP, prior to referral.
4. Offenders serving sentences for arson will be screened on a case by case basis
by Offender Administration staff upon referral based on the circumstances of
|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Transitional Center Selection Criteria and Process|**Policy Name:**Transitional Center Selection Criteria and Process|**Policy Name:**Transitional Center Selection Criteria and Process|
|**Policy Number:** 215.01|**Effective Date:** 01/01/2014|**Page Number** 7 of 10|
|**Authority:**
Owens/Jacobs
|**Originating Division:**
Facilities Operations|**Access Listing:**
Level I: All Access
|
the offense. An offender with more than one arson conviction will not be
eligible.
G. Escapes: Offenders who have been charged with escaped will be ineligible for
Transitional Center placement for five years unless referred by the Parole Board.
“Escape” is defined as having occurred from a hard facility (prison or PDC) and
not a “walk away or abscond” from Transitional Center.
H. Removals: Removals may be considered again for a transitional center after
serving at least six (6) months with a clear record, except Parole Board referrals.
NOTE: M.O.R.E program participant removals require joint decision with
Superintendent, TC Coordinator, and M.O.R.E. Committee (Specialized Parole
Officer assigned to TC, M.O.R.E Program Manager, M.O.R.E. Hearing
Examiner, and Facility Operations Designee).
I. Skills and Abilities: Selection of an offender to participate in the Transitional
program will be made on a case-by-case basis. If an offender is not employable
because of his/her care needs, the offender will not be placed in the Transitional
program.
J. Geographical Placement: When assigning offenders to Transitional Centers,
Offender Administration is to give priority to offenders whose spouse and/or
children live in that area. Eligible Violent Offenders should be placed in a TC
within ten (10) miles of the host facility or closest state prison, except when
referred by the Parole Board.
K. Prison Review: Upon receipt of notification from Offender Administration of an
offender’s assignment to a Transitional Center, the Warden/Superintendent or
designee will immediately review the offender’s file for any recent performance
or adjustment problems, medical or psychiatric developments, security level
increases and program participation. A full background check will be run prior to
transfer to ensure that the offender has no active felony detainers or special
notifications. The Warden/Superintendent or designee will immediately advise
Offender Administration of any problems identified.
|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Transitional Center Selection Criteria and Process|**Policy Name:**Transitional Center Selection Criteria and Process|**Policy Name:**Transitional Center Selection Criteria and Process|
|**Policy Number:** 215.01|**Effective Date:** 01/01/2014|**Page Number** 8 of 10|
|**Authority:**
Owens/Jacobs
|**Originating Division:**
Facilities Operations|**Access Listing:**
Level I: All Access
|
L. Offender Administration Review: Offender Administration staff will pull a data
warehouse request for Eligible Violent Offenders and start reviewing them 15
months prior to release. If preferred criteria are met offenders will be referred to
Transitional Center program within 12 months of max out at a TC where the host
facility or nearest state prison is within ten (10) miles of the TC, except when
referred by the Parole Board.
M. Criteria for Transitional Center Maintenance Residents:
1. The prison classification committee may recommend offenders for selection as
maintenance residents. Offender Administration staff will review cases for
placement at Centers based upon Department needs.
2. Security Classification: The offender must be medium security or below.
3. Offenders with eighteen (18) to forty-two (42) months remaining before
Projected PIC date, TPM, or MRD may be considered as a maintenance
resident. Special cases may be considered based on institutional need.
4. Maintenance residents approaching fifteen (15) months prior to Projected PIC
date, TPM, or MRD will be reviewed by the assigned center’s classification
committee for placement in the work release program. When an offender is
moved from Long Term Maintenance to Work Release, the respective center is
to email Offender Administration advising of change in status. Offender
Administration will in turn notify Victim Services.
N. Maintenance Resident Criminal History Background:
1. Offenders must not be serving a sentence for a crime which may result in
adverse community reaction. Final determination will be made by Facility
Operations and Offender Administration.
2. Offenders must not have been previously sentenced to death.
|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Transitional Center Selection Criteria and Process|**Policy Name:**Transitional Center Selection Criteria and Process|**Policy Name:**Transitional Center Selection Criteria and Process|
|**Policy Number:** 215.01|**Effective Date:** 01/01/2014|**Page Number** 9 of 10|
|**Authority:**
Owens/Jacobs
|**Originating Division:**
Facilities Operations|**Access Listing:**
Level I: All Access
|
3. Offenders must not have a sentence involving assault against any criminal
justice/law enforcement employee or a disciplinary for assaulting or causing
injury to any GDC employee.
4. Offenders must not have two (2) or more previous convictions involving
violence.
5. Offenders must not have been sentenced for arson. Male offenders who are
serving life sentences will not be considered until after their first Parole
consideration (for the Governor’s Mansion Detail only).
O. Center Maintenance Prison Behavior Record: The offender must have no
"Greatest Severity Offense" or “High Severity Offense" disciplinary reports for at
least three (3) months prior to consideration. A history of numerous disciplinary
reports may preclude assignment. The offender must not have had more than one
(1) prior escape. If the offender has escaped, it must not have been within the last
five (5) years. The circumstances of the escape may preclude assignment.
P. Center Maintenance Skills and Abilities: The offender must possess the skills and
abilities required to perform tasks assigned by the Center.
Q. Parole Consideration, Governor's Mansion Detail: Offenders assigned to a
Transitional Center for the purpose of working at the Governor's Mansion shall be
closely monitored by Transitional Center staff during their parole consideration
period. If a denial for parole is received, necessary precautions shall be taken and
the Transitional Center Superintendent shall confer immediately with Offender
Administration staff to determine if the offender should be reassigned to another
detail or returned to a prison.
R. Final Approval: All recommendations are subject to final approval by Offender
Administration, Facility Operations Director or designee.
1. The Center will provide Offender Administration with specific documentation
for requesting removal of the referral. If reasons are warranted, Offender
|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Transitional Center Selection Criteria and Process|**Policy Name:**Transitional Center Selection Criteria and Process|**Policy Name:**Transitional Center Selection Criteria and Process|
|**Policy Number:** 215.01|**Effective Date:** 01/01/2014|**Page Number** 10 of 10|
|**Authority:**
Owens/Jacobs
|**Originating Division:**
Facilities Operations|**Access Listing:**
Level I: All Access
|
Administration will notify the referring agency (if applicable) of plans to
remove the offender from the Center.
2. Upon request, the reasons for non-acceptance will be provided to the offender
by the Warden/designee.
**V.** **Attachments:**
Attachment 1 – Transitional Center Notification Form