(1) Institutional Classification Committees will review the diagnostic and classification records in order to determine the security classification assigned to each newly received inmate in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedure on Inmate Classification.(2) Each inmate's records will be reviewed by the institutional classification committee at least annually for possible recommendations to the Department of Corrections for upward or downward adjustment of the inmate's security classification consistent with the criteria set forth in the Standard Operating Procedure on Inmate Classification. (a) Adverse behavior on the part of an inmate may result in a review of the reclassification form for possible security change.(b) Inmates who have detainer(s) filed may have their securities adjusted based on the severity of the detainer(s). Once the detainer is lifted, appropriate readjustment may be recommended by the institutional classification committee.(c) Nature and circumstances of a particular offense or the inmate's criminal history may result in the denial of a security reduction, other eligibility notwithstanding.(3) Each inmate shall be assigned to quarters, subjected to institutional controls, and permitted institutional privileges in a manner which is consistent with the degree of control indicated by his/her individual security classification.(4) The Department of Corrections will advise the institution of any change in the security classification and maintain necessary records of the transaction in the departmental files.(5) The following items shall be on file prior to any security reduction: (a) An inmate must have the written recommendation of the Warden/ Superintendent.(b) An inmate must have a fingerprint card, FBI record sheet and diagnostic summary on record in the departmental inmate file and must have a photograph not over five years old in the file.(6) Inmate security classifications are established and defined as follows: (a)MAXIMUM: Those inmates estimated to be extremely assaultive or dangerous, high escape risks and/or to have serious adjustment problems will be assigned to this category. Such inmates require constant supervision by correctional officers and shall not be assigned to routine work outside the institution.(b)CLOSE: Inmates assigned to this category are suspected escape risks, habitual rule violators, have assaultive criminal or institutional history, unreliables and those against whom detainers for serious crimes are on file. These inmates require constant supervision by an armed correctional officer while outside the security boundaries and regular supervision when inside the security boundaries. (Inmates must remain at this level for one (1) year prior to consideration for reduction).(c)MEDIUM: Inmates assigned this classification must have established their reliability, have no major adjustment problems and have no current alcohol or drug addiction problems. Typically, this type inmate is cooperative and rules abiding. Such inmates require constant supervision outside the security boundaries of the institution by staff members appropriately trained and approved by the Department of Corrections, and regular supervision while inside the security boundaries. (Inmates must remain at this level for six (6) months prior to consideration for reduction).(d)MINIMUM: Inmates assigned to this classification have shown themselves to be capable of abiding by rules and presenting minimum risk of escape as well as a minimum risk to community and institutional safety. Such inmates shall be subjected to hourly checks while both inside and outside the security boundaries of the institution. Such checks will be made by staff members appropriately trained and approved by the Department of Corrections. Inmates assigned to this category must not have multiple escapes or multiple violent sentences. (Inmates must remain at this level for at least three (3) months prior to consideration for reduction).(e)TRUSTY: An inmate assigned to this category must have proven himself (herself) clearly trustworthy, having no adjustment problems; be fully cooperative, and have no current alcohol or drug addiction problems. Such inmates require occasional checks by staff members appropriately trained and approved by the Department of Corrections both inside and outside the security boundaries of the institution. The following criteria shall be used in recommending for Trusty status:1. Inmates must have a minimum security classification at the time of consideration.2. A former Trusty inmate who has been returned to incarceration as a result of violation of conditions of parole (as stipulated upon the inmate's parole certificate) may be recommended for reinstatement of Trusty status after serving three (3) months.3. An inmate who loses his Trusty status due to violation of the rules and regulations must maintain a clear conduct record for one (1) year to be eligible for a recommendation to return to Trusty status.4. If known to be an alcohol or drug addict at the time of commitment, sufficient evidence must be furnished indicating that the addiction is controlled.5. An inmate is NOT eligible for Trusty Status:(i) if he or she is under a death sentence:(ii) if he or she has a life sentence which is under appeal:(iii) if he or she has been sentenced for two (2) or more crimes of violence;(iv) if current or prior sentence is for a felony sex offense;(v) if he or she is serving a sentence for a crime of violence involving particularly brutal or wantonly cruel circumstances; or which involved multiple victims; or which was committed against persons employed in law enforcement, the judiciary, or corrections; or if he or she committed murder in the act of another felony.(vi) if he or she is serving a sentence for murder, unless the Commissioner has approved in writing a finding by the Department that the murder did not involve any aggravating circumstance(s) as defined in Ga. Law 1983, p. 1806.6. An inmate normally will not become eligible for Trusty without additional, justifying documentation when: (i) he or she has an outstanding detainer;(ii) he or she is serving a single misdemeanant sentence.7. Time requirements stipulated for each security class must be followed unless individual specific exceptions are granted by the Department of Corrections.8. Other policies may be promulgated in the above areas and issued as separate instructions to field units.Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 125-3-1-.02
Ga. Constitution 1983, Art. XI, Sec. 1, Par. (b); Ga. L. 1956, pp. 161, 170; 1969, p. 598, pp. 161, 171 (O.C.G.A. 42-2-11); Ga. L. 1964, pp. 489, 490; 1968; p. 1399 (O.C.G.A. 42-5-51); Ga. L. 1969, p. 602; 1971, pp. 435, 436 (O.C.G.A. 42-5-59); Ga. L. 1972, p. 582; 1973, pp. 1297, 1298, 1299 (O.C.G.A. 42-5-51); Ga. L. 1956, pp. 161, 173; 1957, pp. 477, 479 (O.C.G.A. 42-2-11); Ga. L. 1969, pp.234,235 (O.C.G.A. 34-9-15); Ga. L. 1962; p. 699 (O.C.G.A. 42-5-52); Ga. L. 1956, pp. 161, 174 (O.C.G.A. 42-2-11);Ga. L. 1964, pp. 491, 492; 1970, pp. 318, 319 (O.C.G.A. 42-5-53); Ga. L. 1985, p. 283 (O.C.G.A. 42-2-1).
Role, entitled "Inmate Security Classification," filed as Rule 415-3-1-.02 on November 14, 1984; effective December 4, 1984, renumbered as Rule 125-3-1-.02. Filed June 28, 1985; effective July 20, 1985, as specified by the Agency.Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted; f. Mar. 7, 1989; eff. Mar. 27, 1989.Amended: F. May 8, 1990; eff. May 28, 1990.