SOP_NUMBER: 220.05
TITLE: Diagnostic Reception, Orientation, and Processing
REFERENCE_CODE: IIC03-0002
DIVISION: Facilities Division
TOPIC_AREA: 220 Policy-Facilities Diagnostics/Classification
EFFECTIVE_DATE: 2019-02-14
WORD_COUNT: 3161
POWERDMS_URL: https://public.powerdms.com/GADOC/documents/105818
URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/220.05/

SUMMARY:
This policy establishes the procedures for receiving, orienting, and processing offenders through Georgia Department of Corrections diagnostic facilities. The policy covers initial intake procedures, court document verification, offender classification processes, and specialized considerations including disability accommodations, PREA compliance, health assessments, and housing assignments. It applies to all offenders entering either juvenile or adult diagnostic facilities and requires compliance with federal and state laws, GDC board rules, and ACA standards.

KEY_TOPICS: intake processing, diagnostic reception, offender classification, security classification, orientation, property management, medical screening, health assessment, PREA, disability accommodations, gender identity, transgender housing, safe housing, mental health screening, offender identification, court documents, commitment documents, fingerprinting, photo identification, contraband, visitation records

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|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Diagnostic Reception, Orientation, and Processing|**Policy Name:**Diagnostic Reception, Orientation, and Processing|**Policy Name:**Diagnostic Reception, Orientation, and Processing|
|**Policy Number:** 220.05|**Effective Date:** 2/14/2019|**Page Number:** 1 of 12|
|**Authority:** <br>Commissioner|**Originating Division:** <br>Facilities Division|**Access Listing:** <br>Level I: All Access<br>|


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





In accordance with the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) Rules, the
Facilities Division shall ensure that offenders are processed through a
Diagnostic Facility, where initial intake procedures are conducted.

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

A. O.C.G.A. §§42-5-51and 42-5-56;

B. GDC Board Rules: 125-1-2-.09, 125-2-3-.04, 125-2-4-.01, 125-2-4-.03,

125-2-4-.06, 125-2-4-.15, 125-4-4-.05, 125-4-4-.06, 125-4-4-.07, 125-4-5.01, 125-4-6-.05, and 125-4-7-.01;

C. GDC Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): 103.58 Security Threat

Group Management Program, 103.63 Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) Title II Provisions, 106.05 New Offender Orientation for Religious
Programs, 203.06 Offender Tracking Information System, 204.01 Georgia
Crime Information Center GDC Limited GCIC Terminal Operations,
206.01 Offender Personal Property Standards, 206.02 Management of
Offender Property or Contraband, 206.03 Disposition of Abandoned
Tangible Offender Property, 208.01 Management of Inmates Diagnosed
Positive for the HIV Antibody, 208.06 PREA-Sexually Abusive Behavior
Prevention and Intervention Program, 209.01 Offender Discipline, 219.01
Case Management - Records Maintenance, 220.02 Security Classification,
220.03 Classification Committee, 220.04 Offender Orientation, 220.06
Validation of Common Law Marriage for Visitation Purposes, 221.01
Fingerprint Procedures for Offenders, 221.03 Offender Photo
Identification Cards, 227.06 Offender Receipt of Mail, 227.05 Visitation
of Offenders, 401.01 Offender Clothing Management and Standard Issue,
507.04.19 Receiving Screening, 507.04.21 Health Assessment and
Medical Diagnostics, 504.04.23 Medical Classification and Profiling,
507.04.68 Management and Treatment of Offenders Diagnosed with
Gender Dysphoria, and 508.14 Mental Health Reception Screen;

D. _Estelle v. Gamble_, 429 U.S. 97 (1976); and


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Diagnostic Reception, Orientation, and Processing|**Policy Name:**Diagnostic Reception, Orientation, and Processing|**Policy Name:**Diagnostic Reception, Orientation, and Processing|
|**Policy Number:** 220.05|**Effective Date:** 2/14/2019|**Page Number:** 2 of 12|
|**Authority:** <br>Commissioner|**Originating Division:** <br>Facilities Division|**Access Listing:** <br>Level I: All Access<br>|



E. ACA Standards: 4-4177, 4-4281-1, 4-4281-2, 4-4281-4, 4-4281-5, 4-4285,

4-4286, 4-4287, 4-4288, 4-4292, 4-4312-1, 4-4347, 4-4362, and 4-4363-1.

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

A. **Diagnostic Facility Types:**


1. Juvenile Facility - Any facility that houses an offender that is seventeen

(17) years old, i.e., Burruss Correctional Training Center, (male) and
Lee Arrendale State Prison (female).

2. Adult Facility - Any facility that houses an offender that is eighteen

(18) years of age or older, _i.e_ ., Georgia Diagnostic and Classification
Prison (males), Lee Arrendale State Prison (females), and Coastal State
Prison (males).

B. **Disability**    - A Physical or Mental Impairment that substantially limits one

or more major life activities of an individual; A record of such an
impairment; or Being regarded as having such an Impairment.

C. **Gender Dysphoria**    - The range of diagnostic criteria referenced in the

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition
(DSM-5) Gender Dysphoria, involves a conflict between a person’s
physical or assigned gender and the gender with which he/she/they
identify.

D. **Gender Identity**    - A category of social identity that refers to an

individual’s identification as male, female, or some category other than
male or female. Gender identity is an internal construct independent of
anatomical genitalia at birth or sexual orientation.

E. **Gender Nonconforming**    - A person whose appearance or manner does not

conform to traditional societal gender expectations.

F. **Intersex**     - Persons whose sexual or reproductive anatomy or chromosomal

pattern does not seem to fit typical definitions of male or female. Intersex
medical conditions are sometimes referred to as disorders of sex
development.


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Diagnostic Reception, Orientation, and Processing|**Policy Name:**Diagnostic Reception, Orientation, and Processing|**Policy Name:**Diagnostic Reception, Orientation, and Processing|
|**Policy Number:** 220.05|**Effective Date:** 2/14/2019|**Page Number:** 3 of 12|
|**Authority:** <br>Commissioner|**Originating Division:** <br>Facilities Division|**Access Listing:** <br>Level I: All Access<br>|



G. **Mental Impairment**    - Any mental or psychological disorder to include,

but not limited to, intellectual and developmental disabilities, organic brain
syndrome, emotional or mental illness, traumatic brain injuries, and
learning disabilities.

H. **Physical Impairment**    - Any physiological disorder or condition, to

include but not limited to cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss
affecting one or more of the following body systems: neurological,
musculoskeletal, special sense organs, respiratory (including speech
organs), cardiovascular, reproductive, digestive, genitourinary, hernic and
lymphatic, skin, and endocrine.

I. **Safe Housing**      - Bed assignments that separate potential or known victims

of sexual abuse from potential or known aggressors of sexual abuse.

J. **Transgender**      - Persons whose Gender Identity is different from the

person’s assigned sex at birth.

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

A. Court Documents, Assignment Orders, and Pickup Orders:


1. Offender Administration accepts only Felony prison bound sentences

and misdemeanor sentences which are attached to a felony sentence
under the same docket. A misdemeanor conviction alone will not be
accepted. All felony prison bound sentences are submitted directly
from the Clerk of Superior Court in the county of conviction. Once
sentencing documents are received by Offender Administration, the
Processing Clerk will conduct a validity review to determine if all
necessary commitment documents have been received and are in
compliance with statutory sentencing requirements. This includes the
accusation-indictment and true bill, final disposition, affidavit of
custodian, and personal history. If all documents are in compliance, the
offender will be assigned an identification number (GDC #). A copy of
the court documents and sentence computation report are electronically
transferred into SCRIBE. An offender will be assigned to a diagnostics
and classification facility by Offender Administration, appropriate to
the assigned gender indicated in the offender’s PHS (personal history


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Diagnostic Reception, Orientation, and Processing|**Policy Name:**Diagnostic Reception, Orientation, and Processing|**Policy Name:**Diagnostic Reception, Orientation, and Processing|
|**Policy Number:** 220.05|**Effective Date:** 2/14/2019|**Page Number:** 4 of 12|
|**Authority:** <br>Commissioner|**Originating Division:** <br>Facilities Division|**Access Listing:** <br>Level I: All Access<br>|



statement) and GCIC. Should there be a discrepancy between the two
documents, the GCIC will be controlling.

2. Pickup orders are issued from the Offender Administration Jail Pickup

Coordinator arranging for transport of the offender to the diagnostic
facility from the county jail. In some instances, a facility will arrange
for pickup from the jails.

B. Offender Arrival at the Diagnostic Facility:


1. Upon arrival at the Diagnostic facility, a complete and thorough search

of the individual offender and his/her possessions shall be made in
accordance with SOP 206.01. Individual personal property shall be
thoroughly inventoried with the offender retaining only the following
authorized items permitted during diagnostic processing:


a. Prescription eyeglasses;

b. Hearing aids;

c. Family photographs (20 each, no nudity or obscene photos);

d. Correspondence (6 each);

e. Legal documents;

f. One (1) watch, one (1) ring and one (1) religious medal (none

homemade), combined value not to exceed $200.00;

g. Twenty (20) postage stamps; and

h. Approved Religious Materials.

2. Any money the offender possesses while at a county jail shall be placed

in the offender’s account so that purchases can be made at the offender
commissary, in accordance with SOP 206.02, 227.06, and 206.01.


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Diagnostic Reception, Orientation, and Processing|**Policy Name:**Diagnostic Reception, Orientation, and Processing|**Policy Name:**Diagnostic Reception, Orientation, and Processing|
|**Policy Number:** 220.05|**Effective Date:** 2/14/2019|**Page Number:** 5 of 12|
|**Authority:** <br>Commissioner|**Originating Division:** <br>Facilities Division|**Access Listing:** <br>Level I: All Access<br>|



3. Unauthorized items in the offender’s possession upon arrival shall be

handled in accordance with SOP 206.02.

4. Upon arrival at the diagnostic facility, it is required that all offenders

are sprayed with delousing disinfectant, shower, and have fingernails
clipped if necessary. Male offenders are required to shave and have a
haircut. Female offenders are not required to receive haircuts, unless
they arrive with dreadlocks. Dreadlocks shall be cut.

5. State clothing shall be issued along with any personal items needed

such as toothbrush, toothpaste, socks, and undergarments, in
accordance with SOP 401.01.

6. If during intake procedures, staff members have been made aware that

an offender identifies as intersex or transgender, this information shall
be reported immediately to the Warden or Superintendent. The Warden
or Superintendent shall immediately advise the Regional Director or
Female Services Director. The Regional Director or Female Services
Director shall notify the Director of Facilities, the Statewide Medical
Director, Statewide Mental Health Director, and the Statewide PREA
Coordinator. No search or physical examination of transgender or
intersex offenders shall be conducted for the sole purpose of
determining the offender’s genital status.

7. Offenders shall be photographed in accordance with SOP 221.03
Offender Photo Identification Card, and SOP 103.58 Security Threat
Group Management Program. All scars, marks, tattoos, and other
unusual physical characteristics shall be documented in SCRIBE.
Offenders shall be fingerprinted in accordance with SOP 221.01
Fingerprint Procedures for Offenders, if applicable.

8. Offenders shall receive an Offender Handbook upon entering

Diagnostics. During the GDC Diagnostics Orientation process, staff
should explain and provide in writing the below listed procedures, in a
language that is understood by all offenders to include other accessible
formats indicated by communication disability needs (hearing, vision,
speech, etc.). If requested and/or required, the Diagnostic staff shall be


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Diagnostic Reception, Orientation, and Processing|**Policy Name:**Diagnostic Reception, Orientation, and Processing|**Policy Name:**Diagnostic Reception, Orientation, and Processing|
|**Policy Number:** 220.05|**Effective Date:** 2/14/2019|**Page Number:** 6 of 12|
|**Authority:** <br>Commissioner|**Originating Division:** <br>Facilities Division|**Access Listing:** <br>Level I: All Access<br>|



responsible for providing translators, and assistance if a literacy issue
exists.

a. Diagnostic Process:


i. Visitation procedures;

ii. Financial procedures;

iii. Mail Procedures;

iv. Telephone/JPAY Procedures;

v. Grievance Procedures/Access to Courts;

vi. Next of Kin and Beneficiary;

vii. Zero Tolerance for Sexual Abuse/Assault (PREA);

viii. Right-To-Know/Understand; and

ix.  Facility Procedures.

C. Diagnostic and Medical/Dental/Mental Health Processing:


1. An initial medical/dental screen shall be conducted to determine if

immediate intervention is needed for the offender upon arrival.


a. The medical section shall be provided access to new arrivals at the

earliest opportunity possible.

b. Any medications brought from the county jail by the offender are

noted and are continued, if needed, and any specific medical needs
identified for immediate intervention are addressed.

c. Once medical staff has been made aware that an offender identifies

as transgender or intersex, this information shall be reported


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Diagnostic Reception, Orientation, and Processing|**Policy Name:**Diagnostic Reception, Orientation, and Processing|**Policy Name:**Diagnostic Reception, Orientation, and Processing|
|**Policy Number:** 220.05|**Effective Date:** 2/14/2019|**Page Number:** 7 of 12|
|**Authority:** <br>Commissioner|**Originating Division:** <br>Facilities Division|**Access Listing:** <br>Level I: All Access<br>|



immediately to the Warden/Superintendent. The Warden or
Superintendent shall advise the Regional Director, or Female
Services Director who will in turn notify the Director of Facilities,
the Statewide Medical Director, Statewide Mental Health Director,
and the Statewide PREA Coordinator.

d. Both a Mental Health History and an initial Mental Health

Assessment is conducted. If any mental health concerns are noted,
the offender is referred to the mental health team for consultation,
and possible follow-up, by a Psychiatrist, or Psychologist in
accordance with SOPs 518.14 and 507.04.68.

e. All identified Physical Impairments, Mental Impairments, and

Disabilities shall be immediately reported upon the offender’s
arrival, via email, to the GDC Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) Coordinator’s Office. The primary, preferred mode of
communication of offenders with communication disabilities shall
be entered into the agency’s electronic database, shared with staff
members, and utilized throughout the offender’s incarceration.

2. Assignment to a housing unit is made after the initial medical/mental

health screenings, sexual victimization and aggressor screening, and ID
processes are completed. All risk screening information required by
this SOP and SOP 208.06, shall be used to inform housing, bed, work,
education, and program assignments with the goal of separating victims
and aggressors of sexual abuse. The Warden shall designate safe
housing for those offenders identified as vulnerable to sexual abuse.
Individualized determinations about how to ensure the safety of each
offender shall be made by the facility, in accordance with their Facility
Stratification Plan.

3. Housing assignments for all offenders, to include transgender and

intersex offenders, shall be made based on overall safety, security, care
and treatment considerations from information gained during the
diagnostics process.


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Diagnostic Reception, Orientation, and Processing|**Policy Name:**Diagnostic Reception, Orientation, and Processing|**Policy Name:**Diagnostic Reception, Orientation, and Processing|
|**Policy Number:** 220.05|**Effective Date:** 2/14/2019|**Page Number:** 8 of 12|
|**Authority:** <br>Commissioner|**Originating Division:** <br>Facilities Division|**Access Listing:** <br>Level I: All Access<br>|



4. Housing assignments for offenders who have Disabilities shall be

determined as indicated in SOP 103.63.

5. All offenders shall receive an orientation to the diagnostic facility,

within 72 hours of arrival, reiterating Section B.8.a.(i.-ix.) of this SOP,
and the following:

a. PREA DVD;

b. Right-To-Know/Understand DVD; and

c.  PIC DVD; and

d.  Suicide Prevention Hotline contact information.

6. All offenders shall receive the following Diagnostic Educational

Testing:


a. Culture Fair IQ (offenders scoring less than 70, are referred to

Mental Health for K-BIT Testing. The K-BIT Test, is to determine
MH/MR);

b. WRAT 4-Reading/Spelling/Math.

7. After the orientation, and/or reception process, the assigned Counselor

shall enter a case note. This case note shall include all areas of concern,
and any other pertinent information regarding the process.


a. Offenders will be provided with information communicated orally,

in writing, in other accessible formats, and in a language clearly
[understood by the offender about sexual abuse/assault including:](javascript:standardsMaster.SelectTreeNode(597937);)

i. Prevention/intervention;

ii. Self-protection;

iii. Reporting sexual abuse/assault; and


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Diagnostic Reception, Orientation, and Processing|**Policy Name:**Diagnostic Reception, Orientation, and Processing|**Policy Name:**Diagnostic Reception, Orientation, and Processing|
|**Policy Number:** 220.05|**Effective Date:** 2/14/2019|**Page Number:** 9 of 12|
|**Authority:** <br>Commissioner|**Originating Division:** <br>Facilities Division|**Access Listing:** <br>Level I: All Access<br>|


iv. Treatment and counseling.





b. During orientation, an offender shall designate their religious

preference on Request to Designate/ Change Religious Preference
Form (Attachment 2, SOP 106. 05).

c. Films provided by the Department to address general orientation;

health issues shall be shown and made available in other accessible
formats for those with communication disabilities during the
orientation process.

8. Diagnostic offenders are not permitted visitation. Exceptions will be

made for the following reasons for offenders remaining beyond 30
days, and shall be in accordance with SOP 227.05:

a. Pending Medical Reasons;

b. Pending Court Charges;

c. Pending Mental Health Placement;

d. Pending bed space; or

e. Facility lockdown or quarantine.

9. Diagnostic offenders, shall not be permitted to utilize the telephone,

with the following exceptions:


a. PREA;

b.  Suicide Hotline;

c. Attorney of Record; and

d.  Emergencies.


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Diagnostic Reception, Orientation, and Processing|**Policy Name:**Diagnostic Reception, Orientation, and Processing|**Policy Name:**Diagnostic Reception, Orientation, and Processing|
|**Policy Number:** 220.05|**Effective Date:** 2/14/2019|**Page Number:** 10 of 12|
|**Authority:** <br>Commissioner|**Originating Division:** <br>Facilities Division|**Access Listing:** <br>Level I: All Access<br>|



10. Counseling staff shall conduct a screening for risk of victimization and

abusiveness, in SCRIBE, through use of the Victim/Aggressor
Classification Instrument. (SOP 208.06) this screening shall be
conducted within 24 hours of arrival at the facility. Subsequent
Victim/Aggressor Screenings shall be conducted in accordance with
SOP 208.06. Information from this assessment shall be used to inform
housing, bed assignment, work, education, and program assignments
with the goal of separating victims and aggressors of sexual abuse. If
an offender remains assigned to the diagnostic facility for more than 30
days, an additional Victim/Aggressor screening is required to be
conducted. The instrument can be located and retrieved from the
SCRIBE Classification module.

11. Appropriate controls shall be implemented to ensure response to

questions asked pursuant to the screening information is not exploited
to the offender’s detriment by staff or other offenders.

12. Blood testing, to include tests for AIDS antibodies shall be completed,

in accordance with SOP 208.01.

13. A complete physical examination is to be completed on each offender,

to include vision, hearing, dental examinations, and gynecological
examination in accordance with GDC Rule 125-4-4-.05.

14. All offenders will be given a questionnaire regarding the Zika virus and

whether the offender is at risk for having the virus. Special attention
will be given to pregnant women.

15. A Parole Officer interviews each diagnostic offender and a Personal

History Statement is completed.

16. The offender’s criminal biography is produced for use in checking an

offender’s criminal history, previous incarcerations in Georgia, prior
institutional adjustment, and any other data referencing prior
incarceration, parole or probation in Georgia (SOP 203.06).


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Diagnostic Reception, Orientation, and Processing|**Policy Name:**Diagnostic Reception, Orientation, and Processing|**Policy Name:**Diagnostic Reception, Orientation, and Processing|
|**Policy Number:** 220.05|**Effective Date:** 2/14/2019|**Page Number:** 11 of 12|
|**Authority:** <br>Commissioner|**Originating Division:** <br>Facilities Division|**Access Listing:** <br>Level I: All Access<br>|



**Note:** All interviews or questioning of offenders shall be done so in the

primary, preferred mode of communication as indicated in SOP
103.63.

D. Classification:


1. A classification interview shall be conducted for each offender to

explore medical/mental health issues, public and institutional risk
factors, educational, vocational and drug/alcohol involvement, work
history and any other areas pertinent to the needs and facility placement
of the offender. This information shall be utilized to complete the
Personal Data Sheet on all offenders.

a. Each area is discussed in depth to develop the Classification Profile.

b. Specific recommendations are made by the interviewer, relating to

the offender’s needs, possible program assignments, and housing
placement.

c. Each offender’s NGA (Next Generation Assessment) shall be

reviewed in accordance with SOP 220.02, Security Classification.

2. The Diagnostic Unit Manager shall establish and monitor the

diagnostic production flow for their facility.

**Note:** All interviews or questioning of offenders shall be done so in

the primary, preferred mode of communication as indicated in
SOP 103.63.

a. Upon completion of the diagnostic procedures, all collected data is

entered in SCRIBE and forwarded electronically to the Offender
Administration Classification Section for final NGA score review,
and assignment to a permanent facility. The following components
shall be completed prior to release of a diagnostic package:


i. Offender Classification Profile;


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
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|**Policy Name:**Diagnostic Reception, Orientation, and Processing|**Policy Name:**Diagnostic Reception, Orientation, and Processing|**Policy Name:**Diagnostic Reception, Orientation, and Processing|
|**Policy Number:** 220.05|**Effective Date:** 2/14/2019|**Page Number:** 12 of 12|
|**Authority:** <br>Commissioner|**Originating Division:** <br>Facilities Division|**Access Listing:** <br>Level I: All Access<br>|


ii. Security Classification;





iii. Offender Activity/Health Service Profile; and

iv. Mental Health Profile (if applicable).


b. All diagnostic packages are to be released the same day the final

interview is completed.

c. Diagnostic packages should be completed within 7-14 days of

arrival at the diagnostic facility except in cases with extenuating
circumstances, such as the following:

i. Medical Conditions;

ii. Mental Health Issues;

iii. Pending bed space;

iv. Court Production Order; and

v. Facility lockdown or quarantine.

**V.** **Attachments:** None.

**VI.** **Record Retention of Forms Relevant to this Policy:** None.