Inmate Classification
Classification of arrestees upon entry into jail is an important aspect of the safety and security of the jail, its staff, and other prisoners. Many of the cases which raise issues on classification are brought on as a result of inmate-on-inmate assaults. Inmates also have filed lawsuits alleging that their rights have been violated by a discriminatory classification scheme. In these cases, the jail’s policy and practices with respect to inmate classification and housing plans are the subjects of scrutiny. It is the policy of the jail to classify all prisoners to the least restrictive custody level appropriate to the objective risk variables presented by the prisoner.
Classification provides for the safety as well as the well-being of the prisoner(s) and the security of the jail. The staff must take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of prisoners by considering some of the following factors and classifying and separating the inmates accordingly after consideration of:
- Sex
- Age
- Pre-trial, awaiting sentencing, sentenced
- Past criminal history
- Gang affiliation or potential conflict arising from contact with another individual or group
- Homosexuality
- Need for medical care, need for mental health care, suicidal
- Prior institutional behavior
The following categories of prisoners shall be separated for purpose of safety and security:
- Male prisoners shall be housed separately and out of sight from female prisoners.
- Juveniles shall be held in accordance with NRS 43-251.01 and Chapter 5, Section 003.01B of NE Jail Standards.
- Mentally ill, developmentally disabled, dually diagnosed, or emotionally disturbed prisoners shall be separated from others.
- When possible non-criminal offenders such as traffic violators or non-support cases shall be separated from violent offenders.
- When possible misdemeanants should be housed apart from felons.
Scenario: Inmates who are members of different local gangs have previously been housed together with few problems. Jail staff learns that recent violence has occurred between the two gangs at the street level and rival gang members are entering the system. Officers have been correctly identifying these gang members at booking and housing them separately for personal and institutional safety.
Question: What further actions should be taken to ensure inmate and institutional security?
Answer: Re-classification can occur at any time during incarceration. Inmates associated with the rival gangs should be separated including the members who were incarcerated prior to the new gang dispute that is occurring on the street.
