Incarceration (Part Three)

In Criminal, Personal Injury by GWAO

There are three custody levels. Close custody is normally less than maximum custody, but still provides extra security than the other levels. Within close custody, however, are three control status levels, including Intensive Control, Maximum Control, and High Security Maximum Control. Education, counseling and work programs are available.

Medium custody is designed to provide academic and vocational education, substance abuse treatment, counseling programs, and work assignments, including working outside the prison (under armed guard).

Minimum custody includes misdemeanor inmates. Felons may be promoted to minimum custody. There are three levels within minimum custody, with level one the highest, and level three the least restrictive. Level one inmates may work on the grounds, but may only work away from the prison if accompanied by a correctional officer. Level two inmates may work away from the facility with a supervisor from a governmental agency. They may also receive short term community passes with a trained volunteer. The least imposing custody level, level three, may leave the facility for work release, home leave, jobs, school or other training, without supervision.

A felony inmate’s classification is reviewed at least once a year, with six month reviews occurring during the first three years and when the defendant is within five years of a potential release date. Misdemeanor inmates are reviewed every six months.

Work release is immediately available to those serving less than five years and received a recommendation from the court. For those who do not receive the court’s recommendation, work release is considered after they reach minimum custody level three by the date of the employment’s start. No pending felony charges, detainers, escape attempts within six months, or any major rule infraction during the previous three months. If serving five years or less, the inmate may be considered immediately. If serving a longer sentence, they must be within three years of their maximum release date.