1. OBJECTIVE CLASSIFICATION
AR’s 503, 521 & 523

2. Caseworker Duties:
Classification: Periodicals, changes, full- classification, intake and reception.
Parole Board Reports
Grievances or inmate Issues
Disciplinary or Statutory process and supporting report documentation
Offender Liaison and offender assistance
Level system review, implementation and a utilization for offender management
Assist officers with unit management.

3. Classification Guidelines:
Caseworker Classification Guidelines include:
NDOC Administrative Regulations
Facility Operational Procedures
Nevada Revised Statutes
(with emphasis on safety and security first)
A caseworker must review, understand and utilize the NDOC Classification AR 500 series.
A caseworker must review, understand and utilize AR 707 the Code of Discipline and AR 740 the Grievance Procedure.

4. Caseworker Classification Guidelines: AR’s, OP’s, NRS and more
Understanding Classification begins with understanding the legal guidelines and parameters, which are delegated by the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS), Nevada Dept. of Corrections (NDOC) Administrative Regulations (AR), Facility Operational Procedures (OP) and NDOC Administrative Directives.
The first Caseworker assignment is to read the Classification # 500 series of the NDOC Administrative Regulations, which will assist the Caseworker with learning the guidelines and parameters utilized in the NDOC offender classification process.
The second assignment is to read the Classification #500 series of Operational Procedures for the facility the CCS is currently assigned.

5. Legal Guidelines Continued
The next caseworker assignment is to read the State NRS section #209, to better understand the guidelines and the legal parameters for housing offender in the NDOC, as mandated by the state.
Last, there are other Administrative Regulations and Operational Procedures that affect Classification and offender assignment. Reading the #700 series will assist in understanding the rules the inmates must adhere to on a daily basis. Emphasis should be on AR 707 the Code of Penal discipline and AR 740 the Grievance Process. The Caseworker should review the AR 800 series to be aware of the offender program regulations.
After review of these procedures the Caseworker should have questions for their Supervisor to ensure thorough understanding.

6. Learning Objectives What is objective classification?
What is the purpose of objective classification?
Why is objective classification important?

7. What is Objective Classification?
Objective classification is the process used by NDOC to decide where an inmate belongs within the prison system
Assigned Custody: Custody given to the inmate by the institution or facility classification committee
Computed Custody: Custody level dictated by a numerical score
Determined when an inmate falls within a specified score range or when a specific limitation exclusion is entered

8. What is the purpose of objective classification?
The purpose of objective classification is to:
Protect staff, inmates and the community
Provide a system of positive and negative consequences for behavior
Provide an “objective” criteria for the determination of placement
Inmates should receive reasonable notice of scheduled classification; 24 hours before the start of the classification hearing.

9. Why is objective classification important?
Objective classification has the potential to save lives when done correctly
Objective classification has the potential to cost lives when done incorrectly

10. Types of Classification
Initial Classification
Periodic Reclassification
Reception Classification

11. Classification Hearings
Classification Committee should use:
Institutional files, NOTIS Information, information presented by the inmate or other interested parties
Determine if the inmate’s case factors warrant a change in custody or housing by reviewing the objective classification instrument
Inmate should make a personal appearance before the committee and present their point of view or submit documents bearing on the proposed committee action

12. Classification Hearings
When are they used?
Employment
Due Process Hearings
To dispute STG status
Intake Classifications

13. The NOTIS Classification Instrument is an objective tool used in calculating a numerical score given to case factors relevant to an inmate’s criminal history, behavioral history and current sentence structure to assist with placement. (see the NOTIS Classification Caseworker Manual for data entry directions)
A NOTIS Classification instrument is multifaceted for diversity with three primary categories of consideration:
Severity Factors (Section A): severity factors include institutional violence, if this violence was in the last six months, severity of current offense and prior offense history.
Diversity Factors (Section B): escape history, number of disciplinary reports, most severe disciplinary report, holds or detainers, prior felony convictions and percentage of time served on current sentence.
Minimum Eligibility Factors (Section C): sexual misconduct, violence in the last year, more than 36 months to a probable release, NDOC escape, death or life without parole sentence, felony hold or detainer, Central monitoring case, psychological restrictions, Protective custody or Disciplinary segregation.

14. Initial Classification
Completed upon entrance into NDOC custody
All case factors are entered into the NOTIS system such as:
Crime
Sentence structure
Gang affiliation
Sex Offender status
Medical, Dental & Mental Health Concerns
Educational testing
Previous criminal history
Any additional relevant case factors

15. Periodical Classification
An Initial Classification is completed on an inmate when he first arrives in the NDOC.
A Periodical Classification (Regular Review) interview is completed every six months to review for changes. An Interim Classification is completed in between Regular Reviews and is initiated when if some additional Casework needed or a change in status prompts new classification, such as eligible for lesser custody or resolution of an outstanding case.
Interviews should be done in person, with the exception of an exigent circumstance or involuntary, to ensure accuracy of the interview.

16. Classification Changes
Classification changes are completed when the status of an offender changes. Examples of this may be:
The offender is now eligible for lesser custody
The transfer is needed for some specific reason, such as enemy, court, medical, department needs or pending release.
An emergency transfer for a specific reason, such as medical, mental health or segregation.

17. Classification Review Process
Reclassification Periodical:
(the purpose is to evaluate for lesser custody; if eligible for minimum, when; if not, why?)
Review I-file and JOC. Compare to NOTIS data.
Review Non-associations.
Review Medical Restrictions.
Review STG Validation.
Review Disciplinary History.
Review all past case notes for pertinent details that should be brought forward in the new case note to ensure consistency.
Complete assessment, note computed custody, risk factor score and put all above data in NOTIS case note.
Reclassification Change:
(the purpose is to chance custody status or facility)
Review I-file and JOC. Compare to NOTIS data.
Review Non-associations.
Review Medical Restrictions.
Review STG Validation.
Review Disciplinary History.
Review all past case notes for pertinent details that should be brought forward in the new case note to ensure consistency.
Complete assessment, note computed custody, risk factor score and put all above data in NOTIS case note, as well as justify reason for change.

18. Full Classification
The purpose of a Full Classification Committee Hearing is for the hiring of individuals in specialized jobs, to level regress an inmate, to advise an inmate of a change in his status and to allow an inmate a remedy method to resolve subjective classification decisions through a group democratic process.
A Full Classification committee will consist of the Warden or his designee, usually the Associate Warden of Programs or the Caseworker Specialist III and at least two other committee members, usually Caseworkers.

19. Intake and Reception Classification
Intake Classification is conducted when an offender is first committed to the NDOC. This is the three week processing of a new offender into the NDOC.
Reception Classification is completed when an offender arrives at a new facility. This interview is completed to ensure the offender does not have any problem moving to the new facility yard, such as enemies or physical restrictions.

20. NOTIS Case Note
After completing any type of classification hearing, such as Due Process, Regular Review, Intake, Reception, De-pop, Post-Disciplinary, Interdisciplinary, Parole Board, Full Classification, serving court documents or just seeing the inmate for a question, the Caseworker should document the interaction in the NOTIS case note screen for a permanent record.

21. Offender Liaison
Caseworkers are the means for offenders to get assistance with issues they cannot resolve on their own.
Caseworkers help inmates with their legal issues.
Caseworkers help inmates with their housing issues.
Caseworkers help inmates with their money issues.
Caseworkers help inmates with their education and program issues.
Caseworkers help inmates with their employment issues.
Caseworkers help inmates with their daily life issues and stressors.
Caseworkers help inmates with their parole or release issues.
Caseworkers help inmates with their daily communication and social issues with staff as well as other inmates.
Caseworkers need to make every effort to help with their issues.

22. AR 521 Custody Categories & Criteria
Maximum Custody
Ex: Lock-up status at Ely State Prison
Close Custody
Ex: Protective Segregation at Lovelock Correctional Center
Medium Custody
Ex: General Population at Southern Desert Correctional Center
Minimum Custody
Ex: Three Lakes Valley Conservation Camp
Ex: Casa Grande Transitional Housing
Residential Confinement
Ex: House Arrest

23. Maximum Custody: Characteristics
Single cell
Direct supervision
Limited time outside cell
Unclothed searches on exiting and returning to housing unit
Restrained when moved inside or outside institution

24. Maximum Custody: Criteria
Inmates designated as High Risk Potential (HRP)
Inmates on Death Row (Sentenced to Death)

25. Close Custody: Characteristics
Double or single cells in protective segregation
Single cells for administrative or disciplinary segregation
Separate housing
Direct supervision
May be restrained during internal movement
Will be restrained during external movement

26. Close Custody: Criteria
Assignment to specialized housing areas of medium security institutions such as protective, disciplinary segregation, detention, or disruptive group management
Close custody is the custody designation for the general population of a maximum security institution (ex: ESP)

27. Close Custody: Criteria
Inmates with a history of violence, escape conspiracy to escape
Inmates whose conduct indicates their behavior cannot be controlled at lower custody levels
Evaluation and control of inmates for not less than one year with sentence of 20 years or more

28. Medium Custody: Characteristics
General population of medium security institution
Participation in work and program activities within the perimeter of the institution
Random searches
Movement without restraints inside institution
Movement with restraints outside institution

29. Medium Custody: Criteria
Assignment of inmates who do not represent significant behavioral problems or those who would represent a potential for escape outside the perimeter of an institution
Assignment of inmates who cannot be placed at reduced custody levels due to law or policy

30. Minimum Custody: Characteristics
Assignment to facilities without secure perimeters
Double cell or dormitory housing
Intermittent supervision
Random searches
Transportation without restraints
Work supervision by state employee (non NDOC staff trained to supervise inmates)

31. Minimum Custody: Criteria
Total Risk Factor Score (RFS) of 13 points or less
Be within 36 months of probable release from NDOC custody
Have performed assigned duties in a faithful or orderly manner

32. Minimum Custody Criteria Disqualifying Criteria
RFS of 10 points or more in Section “A” of the reclassification instrument
Committed a serious violent major infraction of AR 707 within the immediately preceding 12 months
Committed any major or work infraction of AR 707 within the immediately preceding 6 months

33. Minimum Custody Criteria Disqualifying Criteria
Having ever been convicted of a sexual offense that is punishable as a felony
Two or more charges for sexual offenses arising from separate incidents
Having ever been convicted of a felony crime for any offense involving the intended death of any victim

34. Minimum Custody Criteria Disqualifying Criteria
Been convicted of using or threatened use of force against a victim that is punishable as a felony immediately preceding 12 months
Escape or attempted escape from an NDOC institution or community supervised program

35. Minimum Custody Criteria Disqualifying Criteria
Convicted of a felony for the escape or attempted escape from any medium custody prison or jail
Minimum Custody: immediately preceding 120 months
Have a current felony detainer lodged against them

36. Minimum Custody Criteria Disqualifying Criteria
Have a death or life without the possibility of parole sentence
Require protective segregation
Serving a disciplinary segregation or disciplinary detention sanction

37. Discretionary Exclusions for Minimum Custody
Youthful Inmate
Medical, Dental or Mental health concerns
Other agency escape charges
Disciplinary record
Felony Hold
Concurrent or consecutive non-NDOC sentences
Other relevant factors

38. Exceptions to Criteria Determining Minimum Custody
Inmates serving DUI sentences under NRS or who have no non-DUI offenses as part of their sentence restructure
Exempt from the 36 months to probable release criteria
Inmates with a RFS of 14 or more points can be considered for minimum custody on a case by case basis
Require an override from the AOMD prior to approval

39. Considerations: Evaluating Inmates for Minimum Custody
Should classify a minimum custody inmate after a disciplinary finding for a serious infraction or an infractions that raises the inmate’s RFS to 14 points or more
If determination is to increase the inmate’s custody level
A verbal override is required from the AOMD or designee

40. Considerations: Evaluating Inmates for Minimum Custody
Determination is to increase the inmate’s custody level, staff must immediately treat the inmates at the recommended custody level
No inmate with a computed custody level of close should be assigned to minimum custody
OMD must give approval for minimum level inmates to be anywhere in the community

41. Transitional Housing: Criteria
Non-violent offense and within 1 year of probable release
Inmate is an abuser of alcohol or drugs who is within 24 months of probable release
is or will be eligible for phase II; residential confinement
Is eligible for minimum custody per AR 521
Has not committed a serious infraction to the rules or has not performed the duties assigned to him

42. Transitional Housing: Criteria
Has not been convicted of a violent felony offense or felony threat of violence within the preceding year
Inmate cannot ever have been convicted of a sex offense
Inmate cannot have escaped or attempted escape
Instant offense violence must be within 6 months of probable release

43. Residential Confinement AR 523
Three programs
DUI (305)
Residential Confinement (317)
Re-entry (Drug) Court (184)
Compassionate Release (298)

44. DUI (305) Must have DUI crime
Within one year of probable parole or release
Eligible for minimum
Reasonable prospect of employment and residence
No violent offense, no felony conviction involving the use or threat of force within the preceding 3 years

45. Residential Confinement (317) - Criteria
No felony conviction involving use or threat of violence within the 3 preceding years
No instant offense violence
No current or prior conviction for a category A or B Felony
Have no more than one prior felony conviction
Concurrent sentences are considered to be separate felonies if they arise out of separate criminal incidents
Must be on last sentence

46. Residential Confinement (317) Criteria
Must provide a work and residential program in a Nevada community approved by P&P
Must be able to pay the costs of supervision to P&P
Must be eligible for minimum custody per AR 521
Must be within 2 years of probable release on parole or discharge
Candidates for Residential Confinement must be approved by P&P

47. Re-entry (drug) Court (194) Criteria
Program of residence and employment
Pay all costs
Within 2 years of probable release
No felony convictions involving the use or threat of violence in the past 1 year
No instant offense violence
Eligible for Minimum Custody per AR 521

48. Compassionate Release (298) - Criteria
Physically handicapped to the degree no threat to public safety is posed
Expected to die within 12 months
No life without or death sentences
Not sentenced to death or has not previously been sentenced to death
Medical staff should identify eligible candidates
OMA will review the medical recommendation and certified letters then prepare a recommendation for the director

49. Compassionate Release: With Director’s Approval
Inmate must authorize the release of his/her medical information to the victims crime
Victim’s services officer will notify the victims of the approved compassionate release
OMA will notify the County Commissioners and P&P
OMA may coordinate the release of the inmate to P&P effective 45 days after notice has been provided
If approved, inmate will be released to P&P
Department is NOT responsible for Medical Costs incurred by the inmate on Compassionate Release

50. Conclusion
Objective classification is a critical part of maintaining the safety and security of staff, inmates and the community
Activity
Questions