SOP_NUMBER: 220.03
TITLE: Classification Committee
REFERENCE_CODE: IIC02-0004
DIVISION: Inmate Services Division
TOPIC_AREA: Policy-Counseling/Risk Reduction
EFFECTIVE_DATE: 2022-07-26
WORD_COUNT: 7113
POWERDMS_URL: https://public.powerdms.com/GADOC/documents/105815
URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/220.03/

SUMMARY:
This policy establishes the Georgia Department of Corrections classification system that assigns offenders to appropriate security and program levels based on objective assessment of their needs and risk. The policy outlines the security classification process using the Next Generation Assessment (NGA) tool, requires ongoing progress monitoring, and provides offenders with the right to review and appeal classification decisions. Classification committees evaluate offenders' program needs, special needs (including ADA accommodations, mental health, medical, and educational needs), and custody level assignments throughout their incarceration.

KEY_TOPICS: Classification committee, security classification, NGA assessment, offender classification, custody level, program placement, Special Needs, classification appeal, risk assessment, offender evaluation, SMART Custody, classification review, ADA accommodations, program needs, security level assignment

ATTACHMENTS:
  1. Classification Committee Form
     URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/220.03-att-1/
  2. Classification Detail Request Form
     URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/220.03-att-2/
  3. Classification Appeal Form (Attachment 3)
     URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/220.03-att-3/
  4. Special Parole Review Recommendation Form
     URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/220.03-att-4/
  5. Classification Action Sheet - Reclassification Form (Inside Only)
     URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/220.03-att-5/
  6. Transitional Services Criteria (Work-Release) and Long Term Maintenance Criteria
     URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/220.03-att-6/
  7. Notification of Registered Sex Offenders Transfer
     URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/220.03-att-7/
  8. Counselor Request Form (Attachment 8)
     URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/220.03-att-8/
  9. Movement Plan Memo Template
     URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/220.03-att-9/
  10. Facility Stratification Plan Template
     URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/220.03-att-10/
  11. 48-Hour Waiver (Reclassification)
     URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/220.03-att-11/
  12. County Facility Placement Criteria
     URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/220.03-att-12/
  13. Offender Refusal Form
     URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/220.03-att-13/
  14. Operational Manual Template
     URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/220.03-att-14/
  15. Reclassification Move Request Form
     URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/220.03-att-15/
  16. Classification/Reclassification Summary Report
     URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/220.03-att-16/
  17. 48-Hour Classification Notification Form
     URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/220.03-att-17/

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FULL TEXT:
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|**Policy Name:**Classification Committee|**Policy Name:**Classification Committee|**Policy Name:**Classification Committee|
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|**Authority:** <br>Commissioner|**Originating Division:** <br>Inmate Services Division|**Access Listing:**<br>Level I: All Access|


**I.** **Introduction and Summary:**







The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) provides a classification plan that
assesses the program needs of offenders, ensures appropriate custody level
assignment, and provides for on-going evaluation of offender progress and adjustment.
GDC policy provides that all offenders/juveniles/residents be classified into the most
appropriate security and program level. All offenders/juveniles/residents will be
provided classification plans, classification status reviews, pre-parole progress reports,
and have any Special Needs assessed. This policy will provide a procedure and
practice for a written offender classification plan. The plan specifies the objectives of
the classification system and methods for achieving them, and it provides a monitoring
and evaluation mechanism to determine whether the objectives are being met.


**II.** **Authority:**

A. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, Title II Provisions;

B. O.C.G.A. §§ 17-10-6.1, 17-10-30(b), and 42-5-2;

C. Ga. Comp. R. & Reg. 125-2-4-.03, Identification and Classification and 125-3-1
.02, Offender Security Classification;

D. GDC Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): 103.63 Americans with Disabilities

Act (ADA), Title II Provisions; 209.06 Administrative Segregation; 215.01
Transitional Center Selection Criteria and Placement; 220.02 Security
Classification; and 222.02 County Facility Placement; and

E. ACA Standards: 2CO-4B-01, 2-CO-4B-03, 2-CO-4B-05, 2-CO-5A-01, 2CO-5B
01, 5-ACI-7A-01 (ref. 4-4448), 5-ACI-7A-02 (ref. 4-4449), 5-ACI-7A-03 (ref. 44450), 5-ACI-7A-04 (ref. 4-4451), 5-ACI-7A-05 (ref. 4-4452), 5-ACI-7A-09 (ref.
4-4457), 5-ACI-5B-01 (ref. 4-4295), 5-ACI-5B-02 (ref. 4-4296), 5-ACI-5B-03
(ref. 4-4297), 5-ACI-5B-04 (ref. 4-4298), 5-ACI-5B-05 (ref. 4-4299), 5-ACI-5B06 (ref. 4-4300), 5-ACI-5B-07 (ref. 4-4301), 5-ACI-5B-08 (ref. 4-4302), 5-ACI5B-09 (ref. 4-4303), 5-ACI-5B-10 (ref. 4-4304), 5-ACI-5B-11 (ref. 4-4305), 5ACI-5B-15 (ref. 4-4309), 5-ACI-1E-02 (ref. 4-4096), 5-ACI-5E-04 (ref. 4-4430),


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5-ACI-5F-03 (ref. 4-4444), 4-ALDF-2A-31, 4-ALDF-2A-32, 4-ALDF-2A-33, 4ALDF-5C-07, 4-ACRS-5A-01, 4-ACRS-2A-16, 4-ACRS-6B-01, and 4-ACRS6B- 02.

**III.** **Definitions:**

A. **Outside Detail**    - A detail that is beyond the perimeter fence. Either a correctional

officer or a GDC trained/certified government staff member supervises this detail.
These details may be contract details, facility details, or Limited Supervision
Outside Details.

B. **Limited Supervision Outside (LSO) Detail**    - Outside details that are not

normally supervised by a correctional officer. These details are supervised by a
representative from another government agency that has completed the required
GDC training for Outside Details.

C. **Closed Outside Detail**    - A detail that is guarded by an armed correctional officer.

This detail location is not contained within the perimeter fence of the offender’s
assigned facility (i.e., Food Distribution Unit, Canning Plant, etc.).

D. **Operational Manual**    - The authoritative guidebook that describes the detailed

processes and systems utilized by Care and Treatment Staff identifying the
services provided to the offender population.

E. **Next Generation Assessment (NGA)**    - GDC’s assessment tool to identify

programming for the offender population.

F. **Special Needs**    - Offenders who have been identified as having additional needs

that must be addressed prior to assignment. These offenders include offenders with
a high risk of re-offending with a history of aggressive and sexually assaultive
behavior as assessed by the NGA or another qualified professional; offenders with
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) needs; offenders with medical, mental
health or education needs; and juvenile offenders.


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G. **SMART Custody**    - Surveillance, Management & Response Tool for Custody. A

SCRIBE module that organizes existing SCRIBE data to create a comprehensive
offender profile to help make classification decisions. (Probationers & Parolees
are not included.)

**IV.** **Statement of Policy and Applicable Procedures:**

A. The goal of classification is to provide an objective categorization of each offender

based on their needs to assist them in reaching their goals. The offender’s treatment
program should provide evidence-based interventions targeted to their individual
criminogenic needs. Classification also provides a method of monitoring progress
toward those goals.


1. The classification process will be an on-going activity to record each offender's

progress and personal adjustment. No offender will be kept at a more secure
status level than potential risk requires. GDC classification policy provides that
an offender has the right for a classification review and appeal process.

B. Security Classification:


1. Upon placement into the supervision of the GDC, the NGA Security

Classification Instrument generates a security level in SCRIBE for each
offender:


a. The identified security level is reviewed by the Warden/Superintendent or

their designee for final approval and comment if necessary;

b. The system also allows limited override capability that is submitted

through SCRIBE for the NGA Classification Manager at Central Office to
review and give final approval;

c. The NGA Security Classification Instrument requires a one-level analysis

of the system-generated security level by the Warden/Superintendent or
their designee to review and approve;


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d. The designee shall be the Chief Counselor, Strategic Intervention Program

(S.I.P.) Coordinator, Deputy Warden of Care Treatment (DWCT) (at some
facilities this is the Deputy Warden of Care & Treatment/Security),
Assistant (Asst.) Superintendent or Diagnostic Director if applicable; and

e. The Deputy Warden of Security (DWS) can also fulfill this role.

2. Offenders will not be classified or housed based on race, religion, national

origin, sex, disability, or political views;


a. An offender has the right for a classification review and appeal process;

b. When an offender disagrees with a classification decision, the offender

must submit Classification Appeal Form, Attachment 3, to the
Classification Chairperson;

c. The offender will be notified of the Warden’s/Superintendent’s decision

and this decision will be documented in SCRIBE;

d. The Classification Appeal Form, Attachment 3, will be placed in the

offender’s institutional file.

3. The Classification Committee will recommend eligible offenders to the GDC

Offender Administration Unit for transfer to a Transitional Center via SCRIBE
assignment;

4. The Classification Committee shall be responsible for all offender initial

assignments, reclassification actions and movements regarding work details,
program assignments, transfer requests, housing assignments and facility
segregation hearings. The Classification Committee's decisions are subject to
the review and approval of the Warden/Superintendent.


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C. Special Needs:







1. Special Needs offenders are identified as high risk of re-offending with a

history of aggressive and sexually assaultive behavior as assessed by the NGA
or another qualified professional.

2. The Classification Committee shall review each Special Needs offender to

determine if he/she is currently a registered sex offender. If the Special Needs
offender is currently registered, the committee will notify the Facility Sex
Offender Point of Contact. The Facility Sex Offender Point of Contact will
then notify the Sheriff of the county in which the registered Special Needs
offender is housed using Notification of Registered Sex Offender Transfer
(Attachment 7) via email or facsimile:


**NOTE:** If the Special Needs offender is currently registered, it will be noted

in red lettering under his/her picture on the personal history page in
SCRIBE.

3. The facility shall have a written profile for each of its housing units and beds,

work details, and programs. The profile shall contain all the pertinent
information needed for making appropriate assignments, given an Special
Needs offender's medical profile, mental health status, education level, skill
level, security level, and in/out status.

4. Effective communication device/instruments/services for all interviews of

offenders who have communication disabilities such as hearing, vision, and
speech impairments must be ensured. (See SOP 103.63, Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA), Title II Provisions, for communication accessibility
examples).

5. All offenders requiring reasonable accommodations as defined by the

Americans with Disabilities Act shall be housed in cells/living units that best
meet the identified disability needs. Offenders who require this type of
accommodation will be given priority over an offender who does not require


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an accommodation for a disability. The offender not requiring reasonable
accommodations shall be moved to another cell/living unit if the cell/living
unit is needed for an offender requiring such accommodations. Transfer from
one facility of this nature to another facility of this nature shall be a method of
last resort. Offender housing shall be facilitated in accordance with SOP
103.63, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title II Provisions.

6. Classification plans for juvenile offenders will assist in determining the level

of risk and program needs developmentally appropriate for adolescents.
Classification plans shall include consideration of physical, mental, social, and
educational maturity of the juvenile offender (if applicable).

7.  All eligible offenders are to work unless assigned to an approved education or

training program. Offenders have the option of refusing to participate in any
rehabilitation or treatment program except adult basic education, NGA
assessed needs, and programs required by statute or ordered by the sentencing
court or paroling authority.

8. If services for adult and juvenile offenders are provided by the same agency,

written statements of philosophy, policy, program, and procedure shall make
clear the differences in intent between the criminal code and the statutes that
establish and give direction to programs for juveniles.

9. There is a separate service delivery system for juveniles. The juvenile

population will not be programmed or classified with adult offenders.

D. Classification Committee Composition: The Classification Committee
membership, with appropriate alternates, shall be designated in writing by the
Warden/Superintendent. All designated Classification Committee members shall
be at all Classification Committee meetings. The Classification Committee shall
be comprised at a minimum of the following members:


1. Chairperson: DWCT or Chief Counselor;


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|**Authority:** <br>Commissioner|**Originating Division:** <br>Inmate Services Division|**Access Listing:**<br>Level I: All Access|



2. Care and Treatment Member: Selected based on experience/ability;

3. Security Member: Sergeant or higher rank; and

4. Other staff, such as the Operations Analyst (OA), OA Technician, Education

Representative, or medical personnel, may be assigned to assist the
Classification Committee.


**NOTE** : In facilities where there is no Chief Counselor, a Senior Counselor

may act as the Chairperson. In facilities where there is no DWCT, the
Chief Counselor or Senior Counselor may act as Chairperson.

E. Classification Meetings:


1. The Classification Committee shall meet a minimum of once per week, as

scheduled by the Committee Chairperson;

2. The Classification Committee Chairperson may schedule additional meetings

as the need arises;

3. It is recommended that Initial and Reclassification action meetings be held on

the same day; and

4. A SCRIBE Case Note shall be used to document Classification Committee

meetings and actions.

F. Admissions & Orientation (A&O) Process:


1. Each state, county, and private facility shall implement a Classification and

Assignment system that ensures the following in the operation of the
classification process:


a. All new offender arrivals will be orientated upon arrival to familiarize

themselves with available programs, jobs, facility rules, etc.


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2. Each state, county, and private facility shall implement an A&O process that

ensures the following in the operation of the classification process. The DWCT
will designate a counselor(s) to conduct the A&O process, to include:


a. Completing all necessary paperwork and case management requirements;

b. Provide for a comprehensive offender orientation, the counselor(s) shall be

trained in the diagnostic, general population, medical, and mental health
requirements at their facility; and

c. Counseling staff are to perform the day-to-day operations of the A&O

process.

3. During the A&O process, the DWCT or A&O designee will:


a. Screen the institutional file and SCRIBE for each assigned offender within

72-hours of arrival to the facility;

b. Identify any Special Needs offenders that require attention from the staff

and make referrals to appropriate staff/departments;

c. Review each offender’s history and observe his/her behavior in preparation

for making initial recommendations. The DWCT or A&O designee will
meet with each offender to determine their program job needs and make
initial referrals to the Classification Committee. The classification plan will
provide for maximum involvement of representatives of relevant facility
programs and the offender concerned in classification reviews;

d. Review the information in SCRIBE and the institutional file to ensure that

all personal information is completed and accurate and entered before
initial classification;

e. Review and utilize the pre-facility assessment information regarding the

offender’s progress and adjustment in the facility’s classification decision.


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Information on any offender who has had contact with the criminal justice
system will be used in the classification decision;

f. Evaluate the offender through a thorough file review, the review of

SCRIBE reports to screen for the status of NGA assessed needs, legal
mandates, and GDC referred and specialized program requirements; and

g. Ensure that all required activities and documents are completed, before

submitting the offender and case file to the Classification Committee. This
includes the completion of the Classification Committee Form, Attachment
1 and any other documentation required by facility management.

G. Offenders are not to be initially classified on the day of their arrival. Initial

classification should occur between the third (3rd) and tenth (10 [th] ) working day
after their arrival. The timeframe for completing initial classification should not
exceed ten (10) working days from arrival.


**NOTE:** County facilities may classify offenders on the day of arrival, but only

after all orientation processes have been completed.

H. Classification Committee Responsibilities: Following the completion of A&O

process, the Classification Committee shall conduct an initial review and
classification of each offender, with assignments made as appropriate.

1. The Classification Committee Form (Attachment 1) shall be used to structure

the Classification Committee's review and interview. It is the responsibility of
the Classification Committee to include on the form any additional information
or clarifications brought forward during their interview of an offender.
SMART Custody may also be used to provide information for the review.
Areas or issues requiring follow-up by the counselor and/or offender should be
addressed and documented in the offender's facility institutional file and
SCRIBE case notes;


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2. The Classification Committee will review the status of NGA and specialized

programming. In instances where offenders are received from other permanent
facilities, the Classification Committee will determine if program information
is being tracked accurately. When confirmed, necessary corrections will be
forwarded to the appropriate staff for data entry. Also, in cases where it can be
confirmed that an offender was participating in a group(s) at the sending
facility, the Classification Committee should immediately re-enroll the
offender, if appropriate;

3. The Classification Committee shall inform the offenders of NGA and

specialized program requirements, reinforcing the offender's responsibility in
addressing identified needs, as opportunities are made available to them. The
Classification Committee will use the referral capability in SCRIBE for
educational testing, vocational assessment, substance abuse programs, and
other activities;

4. The classification plan specifies criteria and procedures for determining and

changing an offender’s program status. The classification plan will include at
least one (1) level of appeal. Program status decisions include level of custody,
transfer to another institution, and other program changes, but do not include
disciplinary action;

5. Offenders will be assigned to a permanent counselor/case manager at the initial

classification within ten (10) working days of arrival or at arrival to the facility.
During the initial classification, the offender will be assigned a permanent
counselor (if not done at arrival) for assured access, advice, and assistance. The
counselor is expected to maintain contact with the offender. This will be
documented in the case management module in SCRIBE during initial
classification;

6. All assignments, profiles, events, and conditions shall be entered in SCRIBE.

Offenders shall receive a printed copy of their new schedule prior to the start
of their work cycle and program assignment.


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7. All Classification Committee actions shall be documented in the

Classification/Reclassification Summary Report (Attachment 16) which is to
be maintained and kept on file in the Counselor Supervisor or DWCT’s office.
After each Classification Committee meeting, this report shall be forwarded
for review and signature provided by the DWCT, DWS, and Warden. Reports
should include the names of those committee members present at the meeting.
Reports may be delivered via email.

I. Offender Classification Attendance **:** All offenders shall be required to attend initial

classification. This policy provides for a procedure and practice which requires
that unless precluded for security or other substantial reasons, all offenders appear
at their classification hearing and are given written notice forty-eight (48) hours
before the hearing, utilizing the 48-Hour Classification Notification Form
(Attachment 17).


1.  An offender may NOT waive the forty-eight (48) hour notice for initial

classification; and

2. The facility Operations Analyst will ensure that new arrivals are placed on the

SCRIBE classification schedule, for the day they are to appear before the
classification committee.

J. Classification Committee Reclassification responsibilities:


1. It shall be the responsibility of the Classification Committee to manage the

following scope of work:


a. Job Detail Changes;

b. Program Assignments, including OJT, Vocational and Education;

c. Transfer Requests;

d. Institutional Segregation Reviews;


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e. Housing Assignments; and

f. Special Parole Reviews.


K. Preparation for Reclassification: For work detail assignments (for cognitive

behavioral programs, the Program Data Form (PDF), Attachment 1 in SOP 107.05,
Program Management, will suffice for placement in programs) the counselor shall
complete and submit Reclassification Form (Inside Only) (Attachment 5) for
Classification Committee review and action. The counselor shall review and
document each offender's facility institutional file prior to the classification
meeting. SMART Custody may be utilized to provide information for the review.

L. Offender Reclassification Meeting Attendance: Offenders will not be required to

attend reclassification review. However, this policy provides for a procedure and
practice which requires that unless precluded for security or other substantial
reasons, that all offenders may appear at their reclassification review and are given
notice forty-eight (48) hours prior to the hearing, in writing, if they choose to
appear.


1. When written notice is given, such notice may be waived by the offender in

writing using, 48-Hour Waiver (Attachment 11);

2. It shall be the responsibility of the Classification Committee to establish a

definite time to meet each week, however, reclassification can be conducted as
needed to ensure the operation of programs, details, moves, etc., are following
the operational needs of the facility;

3. The 48-Hour Waiver for reclassification shall be clearly documented and

attached to the Reclassification Form (Inside Only) (Attachment 5);

4. Staff shall have the responsibility for notifying offenders on their caseload of

a reclassification review;


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5. Counselors are not required to be present at reclassification review meetings

unless requested by the Chairperson. All other members of the Classification
Committee shall be present.

M. Assignment Change/Request Procedure: The Classification Committee shall have

an assignment Change/Request procedure for changes in job assignments and
program assignments. The offender can initiate a review of progress and program
status by use of the Counselor Request Form (Attachment 8). If appropriate, it shall
be submitted through the assigned counselor to the Classification Committee.


1. At a minimum, offenders will receive a progress review to review their

classification status every twelve (12) months; and

2. Progress reviews are scheduled based on the last progress review date.

Offenders should be allowed to initiate reviews that determine the extent of
their progress and the effectiveness of their programming. Program review
includes reviews of all matters affecting the offender’s status, including
custody. This review does not include disciplinary action. A copy of the
progress review will be documented as a meaningful contact in the Case Notes
section of SCRIBE.

3. Staff may initiate a request for offenders to be placed on specific details by

utilizing the Classification Detail Request Form (Attachment 2).

N. Institutional Reviews: The following actions or functions may be handled

institutionally by the Classification Chairperson:


1. Actions such as reentry plan reviews and transfer requests may be acted on by

the Chairperson. On their signature, these documents can be forwarded for
review, approval, and processing by facility management. As necessary, the
Chairperson should forward exceptional cases for review by the full
Classification Committee;


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2. The Classification Committee will develop and maintain an Operations

Manual, which includes pertinent information and requirements, as specified
in this SOP. The Classification Committee is charged with the development
and maintenance of a Master Programs Schedule. The Classification
Committee will also develop offender work programs, detail descriptions, and
detail criteria. The Classification Committee will develop and maintain a
Stratification Plan (Attachment 10) outlining:


a. The purpose of each offender housing unit;

b. Facility Mission/Vision Statement;

c. Facility Overview;

d. Specialized Programs & Details offered at the facility;

e. Staffing Analysis;

f. Facility Schematics; and

g. Housing Unit Stratification.

3. Assignments to programs made in mass may be handled by the Chairperson.

The PDF, Attachment 1 in SOP 107.05, Program Management, will be used in
these situations. A Reclassification Form (Inside Only) (Attachment 5) is not
required for these mass actions.

4. The PDF, Attachment 1 in SOP 107.05, Program Management, should be

utilized to add or remove offenders from Office of Reentry Services Programs
(not for vocational/education/OJT). The assignment recommendations may be
submitted by the assigned counselor or program counselor to the Chairperson.
To document these actions, each offender's new schedule will be assigned
through SCRIBE and documented in SCRIBE Case Notes as a Classification
or Reclassification action.


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5. Offenders are selected for programming based on the following:


a. NGA need and Activity Priority Report (APR) will be utilized to determine

who will be placed in programming;

b. All offenders should be completed with programming prior to their

identified Target Completion Date (TCD);

c. Prior to assignment to the group, the facilitator will conduct an initial

interview with selected offenders;

d. During the interview, the facilitator will explain the program, and have the

offender sign a Participant Expectations Form, Attachment 3 in SOP
107.05, Program Management;

e. If the offender agrees to attend the group during this interview, the

facilitator will complete a PDF, Attachment 1 in SOP 107.05, Program
Management, with all the names of the offenders to begin the group. The
APR will also be attached to the PDF, Attachment 1 in SOP 107.05,
Program Management, (this provides evidence that APR was used to
determine placement); and

f. Both the PDF, Attachment 1 in SOP 107.05, Program Management, and

APR will be submitted to the Classification Chairperson for review and
forwarded to the OA for entry into the scheduler.

6. When offenders are placed in segregation/isolation, they are to be removed

immediately from the detail roster. Once released from segregation/isolation,
they are to be reviewed by the Classification Committee and considered for reassignment.

7. Offenders removed from Outside Detail due to placement in segregation or

isolation shall be reviewed by the Classification Chairperson and considered
for re-assignment. The previous steps of this section shall be followed and then


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forwarded to the Deputy Wardens/Assistant Superintendents and
Warden/Superintendent for approval.


O. Work Assignments: The facility will maintain a written plan for full-time work

and program assignments for all offenders in the general population. This plan will
be maintained in the DWCT Operational Manual using the template (Attachment
14). The plan also provides for employment for offenders with disabilities.

P. All eligible offenders are to work unless assigned to an approved education or

training program. Offenders have the option of refusing to participate in any
rehabilitation or treatment program except adult basic education and programs
required by statute or ordered by the sentencing court or paroling authority using
the Offender Refusal Form (Attachment 13).


1. The facility will provide opportunities for offender employment in:


a. Correctional industries;

b. Facility maintenance;

c. Operations; and

d. Public works or community projects;

2. Work Activity Performance Report (WAPR): All requests to remove offenders

from job assignments must be supported by a completed WAPR and
documented in SCRIBE Case Notes. The PDF, Attachment 1 in SOP 107.05,
Program Management, will be utilized to remove offenders from Behavioral
Programs and Work Details for successful or unsuccessful completions. A
SCRIBE notation will also be placed in Case Notes regarding the offender’s
program participation. In Education/Vocational programs, a WAPR will be
utilized to address moving from one (1) level to the next level as well. In
instances where the reason for requesting an assignment change is


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unsatisfactory performance, the Classification Committee should verify that
other appropriate action has been taken.

3. A WAPR will also be used for the following reasons:


a. When supervisors want to communicate exceptionally good or poor

performance to an offender’s counselor. This should be the first
intervention, prior to requesting removal from an assignment;

b. Counselors should request WAPR’s to gather current information at a

minimum every six (6) months for a full assessment of offender’s progress
or lack of progress on all assignments; and

c. WAPR's shall be placed in the offender’s institutional file, along with any

documentation of counselor intervention.

Q. Special Parole Review: In the event an offender has displayed exemplary conduct

for an extended period, the Warden or Acting Warden may recommend a Special
Parole Review to be conducted. The Classification Committee shall be responsible
for gathering pertinent documentation concerning the exemplary conduct. This
recommendation shall be done on Special Parole Review Recommendation Form
(Attachment 4) and once approved by the Regional Director and Director,
Facilities Operations, will be forwarded to the State Board of Pardons and Paroles
for an early release consideration of the offender. This recommendation will only
take place when and if certain preliminary criteria are met. Those criteria include:


1. An offender serving a sentence of Life must have served the majority of his/her

set off period (five (5) of eight (8) years, four (4) of six (6) years, etc.);

2. The offender must have served twenty-four (24) months since his/her last

parole consideration;

3. The offender must have been at his/her present (recommending) facility for a


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minimum of twelve (12) months, of which time he/she has not received a
disciplinary report;

4. The offender must have documented in his/her file, exemplary conduct

documented via staff completing WAPR’s; and

5. The offender in question must not be serving a sentence of Life Without Parole

or have been convicted under SB 441;

R. Institutional Segregation Hearings: The Classification Committee shall follow the

requirements outlined in SOP 209.06, Administrative Segregation. With the
approval of the Warden, the Classification Committee Chairperson may designate
a sub-committee to handle institutional segregation reviews. The Classification
Committee Chairperson must review and sign off on the sub-committee's actions.

1. The Segregation sub-committee shall review offenders in segregation/isolation

before weekends or holidays to prioritize those best suited to be released after
business hours, should an urgent need arise for segregation/isolation
placement. This review should occur two (2) days or at least one (1) day before
the weekend or holiday. This meeting will be documented and shared with the
appropriate staff and kept on file as a classification action. Those staff who are
required to be in attendance must be a Chairperson, a member of security, and
a member of care and treatment.

S. Outside Detail Assignment: The following criteria shall be applied to all Outside

Details.


1. The offender shall have no more than thirteen (13) years left to serve on his/her

sentence, Tentative Parole Month (TPM) or Maximum Release Date (MRD);

2. The offender shall not have pending charges or detainers for any violations of

the Georgia Controlled Substance Act for which the offender may be subject
to a Life sentence;


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3. Offenders with pending charges or detainers of a non-violent nature will be

considered for housing in the annexes, county placement, and Outside Details;

4. Pending non-violent charges that might carry a sentence of more than twenty

(20) years will NOT be considered for placement in annexes, county facilities
or Outside Details;

5. Sex Offenders with Aggravated Offenses will NOT be considered for housing

in the annexes and for placement in a county facility. (i.e., Aggravated
Sodomy, Aggravated Child Molestation, etc.);

6. Offenders with a conviction of statutory rape shall be considered for Outside

Detail on a case-by-case basis;

7. Offenders with excessive fines (i.e., $500,000 or more) shall NOT be

considered for placement in annexes, county facilities, or Outside Details;

8. Offenders shall have no escape convictions or attempts within the last five (5)

years;

9. Offenders with convictions of violent offenses may be considered only as a last

resort unless the detail assignment is to a Closed Outside Detail. Murder and
voluntary manslaughter indictments and convictions shall never be considered
for Outside Detail. Offenders with armed robbery indictments or convictions
may be considered if no other offenders are suitable for the detail. Cases such
as this must be reviewed carefully to ensure that no present security concerns
exist;

10. Offenders with Federal Immigration Detainers, any violent pending charges,

or violent felony detainers will NOT be considered for placement in annexes,
county facilities, or Outside Details; and


11. Although an offender may be placed in the annex for housing, you MAY

designate him/her as “No Outside Detail”.


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T. Limited Supervision Outside (LSO) Details: The offender, prior to being assigned

to these type details, shall meet the following criteria:


1. Prior to the review the offender shall be minimum security;

2. The offender shall not be involved with drugs and/or alcohol within the last

year;

3. A former offender who had been previously assigned to an LSO Detail and

who has been returned to incarceration because of violation of conditions of
parole (as stipulated upon the offender's parole certificate) may be
recommended for reinstatement of assignment to LSO Detail after serving
three (3) months;

4. An offender who loses his LSO Detail due to violation of the rules and

regulations must maintain a clear conduct record for one (1) year to be eligible
for a recommendation to return to LSO detail;

5. If known to be an alcohol or drug addict at the time of commitment, sufficient

evidence must be furnished indicating that the addiction is controlled (i.e.,
completed a substance abuse class, no positive drug screens, etc.);

6. An offender is NOT eligible for LSO detail:


a. If he or she is or has ever been Under a Death Sentence;

b. If he or she has a Life sentence which is under appeal;

c. If he or she has been sentenced for two (2) or more crimes of violence;

d. If current or prior sentence is for a felony sex offense;


e. If he or she is serving a sentence for a crime of violence involving

particularly brutal or wantonly cruel circumstances, which involved


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multiple victims, which was committed against persons employed in law
enforcement, the judiciary, or corrections, or if he or she committed murder
in the act of another felony; and

f. If he or she is serving a sentence for murder, unless the Commissioner has

approved in writing a finding by the GDC that the murder did not involve
any aggravating circumstance(s) as defined in O.C.G.A. § 17-10-30(b);


7. An offender normally will not become eligible for LSO Detail without

additional, justifying documentation when:

a. He or she has an outstanding detainer;

b. He or she is serving a single misdemeanant sentence; and

c. He or she escaped from a close security facility, if the recapture occurred

less than five (5) years ago;

U. Offender Placement in County Facilities and Transitional Centers:


1. The Classification Committee will utilize County Facility Placement Criteria,

Attachment 12, and the procedures listed in SOP 222.02, County Facility
Placement and 220.02, Security Classification for placement of offenders in a
County Facility.

2. The Classification Committee will utilize Transitional Center Criteria,

Attachment 6, and the procedures listed in SOP 215.01, Transitional Center
Criteria Placement and Process for placement of offenders in a Transitional
Center.

V. Review of Offenders on Outside Details:


1. Under the direction of the Warden, the Classification Committee will conduct

an on-going review of all offenders assigned to Outside Details for


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appropriateness of assignment. This requirement shall contain but not be
limited to the following:


a. When offenders are sent to and return from court (sentence modification,

new conviction, or detainer added), they shall be removed from the Outside
Detail roster upon leaving the facility. When they return from court, they
are to be put back before the full Classification Committee for review and
assignment;

b. Notification of Parole Board action such as denials or change of TPM (set
off);

c. An increase in security level;


d. When these offenders are placed in segregation/isolation, they are to be

removed immediately from the Outside Detail roster. Once released from
isolation/segregation, they are to be institutionally reviewed and assigned
by the Classification Chairperson and then forwarded to the Deputy
Wardens and Warden for approval if the assignment involves an Outside
Detail;

e. Receipt of a disciplinary report;

f. Below average performance indicated on a WAPR;

g. Family crisis matters, i.e., divorce, death, custody changes, etc.;

h. Reports of suspicious behavior; and


i. The Classification Committee will coordinate with facility management to

ensure that staff members are informed of the above requirements. The
Classification Committee will maintain documentation regarding the
communication of these requirements.


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W. Facility Stratification and Movement Plan: With the Warden's approval, the

Classification Committee and Facility Oversight Committee shall develop and
maintain a written Stratification Plan (Attachment 10) and Movement Plan
(Attachment 9). The plan shall be:


1. Utilized to organize and manage the internal stratification and movement of

the facility's offender population;

2. Specific criteria shall be established for housing/bed assignments and

movements;

3. The plan will identify the level of authority required for approving and making

movements within dorm/units, between dorm/units in the same building, and
between buildings at the facility;

4. The Classification Committee Chairperson shall be provided a copy of the

daily report of all dorm/bed moves. These move slips shall be kept in the
Chairperson’s classification file for review;

5. The Classification Committee will consider each dorm/bed assignment;

6. The Classification Committee shall consider bed moves using the

Reclassification Move Request Form (Attachment 15). Attention should be
given to keeping security levels assigned with similar security levels, i.e.,
Minimum and Medium apart from Close; and

7. On the next business day, the Classification Chairperson shall be notified of all

emergency bed moves and moves to Administrative Segregation and any other
moves that are made after hours, on weekends or holidays, for the safety and
security of the facility.


X. Facility Trend Analysis:


1. The Classification Committee and Facility Oversight Committee shall have the


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responsibility for identifying issues within the facility, to include areas such
as:


a. Disciplinary reports and other behavior related issues;

b. Requirements of work details and programs; and

c. Full employment (work/programs) of the population, level of movements,

etc.

2. The Classification Committee shall stabilize caseloads and minimize

movements. The Classification Committee is to develop the following reports:


a. Disciplinary report tracking;

b.  Intranet reports;

c. Vacancy reports;

d. Activity rosters;

e. Attendance reports; and

f. Reports on internal moves, etc.

3. Facility staff will identify monthly the needs of the offender population to

ensure that the necessary programs and services are available.

Y.  Work/Program Slot Review:


1. The Classification Committee, with assistance from the OA, will ensure that:


a. Computerized Vacancy Reports are kept current on a weekly basis;


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i. The Classification Committee will use the report(s) to guide their
decision making when assigning offenders to work details and
programs; and

ii. Supervisors are to inform the Classification Committee of any critical
needs or issues.

Z. Computer Reports:


1. The Classification Committee shall utilize current available computer report

formats. The OA or their designee shall provide:


a. Current Vacancy Reports;

b. Incarcerated Offender Reports;

c. Activity Priority Report, Performance Incentive Credit; and

d. Movement Reports or other reports as requested to the Classification

Committee to assist them with making appropriate assignment decisions
and carrying out trend analysis responsibilities.

AA. Role of the Operations Analyst (OA):


1. The OA shall have the responsibility of:


a. Helping to coordinate the computerized documentation/tracking for all

offender movement and assignments;
b. Providing the Classification Committee with the necessary
information/reports needed to develop a Stratification and Movement Plan;

c. Providing on-going analysis of the trends in movement at the facility;

d. Entering schedule changes daily to ensure accurate accountability; and


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e. Entering all assignments, profiles, events, and conditions into SCRIBE.

Offenders shall receive a printed copy of their new schedule prior to the
start of their work cycle and program assignment.

**V.** **Attachments:**

Attachment 1:  Classification Committee Form
Attachment 2:  Classification Detail Request Form
Attachment 3:  Classification Appeal Form
Attachment 4:  Special Parole Review Recommendation Form
Attachment 5:  Reclassification Form (Inside Only)
Attachment 6:  Transitional Center Criteria
Attachment 7:  Notification of Registered Sex Offender Transfer
Attachment 8:  Counselor Request Form
Attachment 9:  Movement Plan
Attachment 10: Stratification Plan
Attachment 11: 48-Hour Waiver
Attachment 12: County Facility Placement Criteria
Attachment 13: Offender Refusal Form
Attachment 14: Operational Manual Template
Attachment 15: Reclassification Move Request Form
Attachment 16: Classification/Reclassification Summary Report
Attachment 17: 48-Hour Classification Notification Form

**VI.** **Record Retention of Forms Relevant to this Policy:**

Upon completion, Attachments 1,3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 13, and 17 will be placed in the
offender’s institutional file and retained per the official retention schedule.
Attachments 2, 6, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, and 16 shall be utilized per the SOP, until such
time the attachments are revised or becomes obsolete.