Mississippi  Department of  Corrections

Christopher B. Epps	Phil Bryant
Commissioner	Governor

Mississippi Department of Corrections Division of Classification & Offender Services

The Division of Offender Services is responsible for the classification of each offender committed by the courts to the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC). Classification Objectives Include:   ·          Explain the classification process upon initial entry into the correctional system and throughout the incarceration period  ·          Identify MDOC custody levels, their respective criteria, privileges and limitations ·          Identify the offender’s security, medical, educational, work and housing needs and classify accordingly ·          Match the offender’s specific needs with the appropriate programs available in order to develop his personal incarceration program  ·          Monitor and evaluate annually the offender’s incarceration program through case management ·          Provide a level of appeal for the offender through grievance procedures    Initial Classification   Offenders committed by the courts to MDOC or returned as parole, probation, Intensive Supervision Program, Earned Release Supervision or suspension violators are first assigned to the Reception and Classification (R&C) Center, Central Mississippi Correctional Facility (CMCF), Pearl, Mississippi.  All offenders are initially classified into a custody level, incarceration program, and assigned to an institution that best meets their needs.  Initial reception and orientation for offenders at CMCF, except in unusual circumstances, shall be completed within four (4) weeks after admission. The Initial Classification assessment establishes an offender’s custody level upon his/her admission to the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC).  This custody level is scored on a numerical scale to identify the type and level of risk likely to be presented by the offender. The offender will be afforded a hearing and notification of decisions regarding  a facility assignment, program eligibility, and supervision requirements.   Admissions and Orientation consist of the following:   ·          Introduction to the initial classification process. ·          Explanation of mail and visitation procedures ·          Perform medical, dental and mental health screening by trained or qualified health care personnel  ·          Obtain a social history and personal data to complete the social admission report ·          Administer a battery of psychological, intelligence, and educational tests  ·          Assist the offender with social and family data sheet ·          Provide written orientation materials for MDOC  ·          Interview and conduct Initial Classification Hearings to determine the custody level, housing assignment, and incarceration program ·          Obtain authorization and signature of offender for release of confidential information  ·          Develop a summary admission report or working file that will move with each offender as housing locations change throughout the term of incarceration   Reclassification              The Reclassification Assessment is used to review and update an offender’s custody throughout his/her incarceration in the Mississippi Department of Corrections.  The purpose of the reassessment process is to ensure the offender’s placement in the least  restrictive  environment  while ensuring  public safety and  the  security of  the institution, staff , and others offenders.  The custody level is scored on a numerical scale to identify the type and level of risk likely to be presented by the offender.  The offender will be afforded a hearing, notification of  decisions regarding a facility assignment, program eligibility, and supervision requirements.  The offender will be reviewed once a year to assess the appropriateness of the individual’s classification plan and/or program(s) needs as well as the institutional needs.  Offenders housed in Close Restricted Security units will be reviewed more often as needed.   Request for reclassification of offenders will be initiated by the Unit Case Manager or by the following:      ·          Request from the Offender ·          Request from Staff ·          Request from Non-Staff Members   The following factors are considered during re-classification:   ·          Nature of offense – Circumstances of the crime ·          Behavior and attitude following arrest, and prior commitments, including confinement(s) and adjustment while on bond or probation ·          Type of sentence; length of sentence ·          Prior criminal history ·          Personal and social factors; personal goals ·          Adjustment to incarceration:  Rule Violation Reports recorded ·          Evaluation and psychological tests ·          Security requirement(s) of MDOC to include protecting the community, MDOC staff, and other inmates. Offenders are assigned to one of the below listed custody classifications:           Minimum (Community) Community Based Facility placement          Minimum (Non-Community) Without immediate security supervision          Medium Direct Security Supervision          Close Close Restricted Security Supervision; dorm or single cell          Death Row Sentenced to Death

Classification decisions are made using a formal hearing to ensure that decisions are rational, objective and completed in an equitable manner.  Reviews of each offender custody designation, job assignment, housing assignment, placement in/or release from security detention status and treatment programs will be conducted at the unit level by the Unit Case Manager, Associate Warden, Warden or upon request of an Administrative Staff.