Objective Point Base Classification

Carol MiciActing Deputy Commissioner

Massachusetts Department of Correction

Objective ClassificationObjective Classification The standardized evaluation & custody assignment of an

inmate based on objectively defined criteria Rely on factors that have been scientifically proven to

predict prison adjustment Designed to match the security needs of each prisoner

with the appropriate custody level institution Addresses issues of over & under classification The criteria are weighed, scored, and organized into a

valid and reliable classification instrument Applications of restrictions and/or overrides are done so

in a systematic manner and are monitored for appropriateness

Initial Classification VariablesInitial Classification Variables

• Severity of Current Offense• Severity of Conviction w/in last 7 years• History of Escapes or Attempts to Escape• History of Prior Institutional Violence w/in the last 7

years• Age• Education• Employment

Reclassification VariablesReclassification Variables

• Severity of Current Offense• Severity of Convictions within last 7 years• History of Escape or Attempts to Escape• History of Prior Institutional Violence w/in last 7

years• Number of Disciplinary Reports w/in last 12 months

– For females, it is within the last 6 months• Most Severe Disciplinary w/in last 18 months

– For females, it is within the last 12 months• Age• Program Participation or Work Assignment

Underclassification vs. OverclassificationUnderclassification vs. Overclassification

• Housing high security inmates in too low a security setting presents obvious problems – escapes, assaults, intimidation, and other internal management problems

• The confinement of low security inmates in a high security setting is dangerous for those individuals– It unnecessarily subjects them to threats, and physical

attacks from more aggressive, hostile inmates

– It is more costly than necessary to house lower custody inmates in a maximum security

BenefitsBenefits

• Greater consistency• Better use of bed space• Reduces inmate litigation• Variables on this Objective Classification

form all have statistical significance in predicting prison adjustment

• Variables and overrides may be modified

Non-Discretionary OverridesNon-Discretionary Overrides

• An override of a scored custody level, based on the agency’s policy of restricting the custody level of particular inmates.

• Classification staff has no discretionary power to disregard such restrictions

• Overrides used on inmates with exceptions

• Customized to your state

Discretionary OverridesDiscretionary Overrides

• An override of a scored custody level based on the professional judgment of trained classification staff.

• Should not exceed 15%

• May be used if appropriate and a detailed rationale is provided

• Coded, tracked and monitored

Lessons LearnedLessons Learned

• Weights and points are different for the male and female populations

• Modifications to the MADOC tool:– Severity of Convictions within the last 7 years– Points for lower security– Permissible legal issues– Length of time to release

Continued MonitoringContinued Monitoring

• STG Members

• Escape

• Length of Time to Release