RANDOLPH COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

4.1.1 Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish a comprehensive detainee classification system within the Randolph County Detention Center that ensures the safe, secure, and orderly housing of all detainees. This system is designed to assess risk, status, and individual needs to provide appropriate separation, supervision, and access to programs while maintaining institutional safety and compliance with constitutional standards.

4.1.2 Policy

It is the policy of the Randolph County Detention Center to classify all detainees and assign them to housing units that are most appropriate for their security level, safety, and individual needs.

The facility shall provide a variety of detention settings to ensure proper separation and supervision of detainees. Classification decisions shall be based on objective criteria, professional judgment, and ongoing review.

It is in the penological interest of this facility to provide reasonable and necessary security, safety, and separation of detainees based on individual risk factors, behavior, and institutional needs.

4.1.3 Definitions

Administrative Segregation: A non-punitive housing status that separates a detainee from the general population due to safety, security, medical, or administrative concerns.

Classification: The process of determining appropriate housing, supervision level, and program eligibility for a detainee based on risk, behavior, and needs.

4.1.4 Classification Criteria

A. Detainees shall be classified and housed to ensure separation of the following categories:

1. Male and female detainees (shall always be separated by sight and sound)

2. Adult and juvenile detainees (shall always be separated; juveniles are not normally housed in the facility)

3. Violent and non-violent detainees

B. Additional classification factors shall include, but are not limited to:

1. Current charges and criminal history

2. History of violence or escape

3. Institutional behavior

4. Medical and mental health status

5. Protective custody needs

6. Known affiliations that may present a security threat

7. Special management or supervision needs

C. Deviation from classification separation (except for male/female and adult/juvenile) may occur only when necessitated by bed space limitations or emergency conditions and must be approved by the Chief Jail Administrator or designee.

4.1.5 Initial Classification & Housing Assignment

A. Each detainee shall be initially classified and assigned to a housing unit by the Shift Supervisor using established classification criteria.

B. The Chief Jail Administrator or designee shall review classification decisions as needed and may:

1. Confirm the initial housing assignment; or

2. Reassign the detainee based on updated information or institutional needs

C. Juveniles shall not be housed in the Randolph County Detention Center under normal circumstances. If a juvenile is adjudicated as an adult, housing placement must be approved by the Shift Supervisor and/or Chief Jail Administrator.

4.1.6 Administative Segregation

A. Administrative segregation is a non-punitive status used to separate detainees from the general population when necessary for safety, security, or operational reasons.

B. A detainee may be placed in administrative segregation when the detainee:

1. Poses a serious threat to self, staff, other detainees, or property

2. Presents a risk to the security or orderly operation of the facility

3. Requires protective custody or requests separation for safety

4. Is pending trial for a criminal act committed within the facility

5. Is pending transfer to another institution

6. Is under investigation or awaiting a disciplinary hearing

7. Is placed for medical or mental health reasons by a qualified provider

8. Requires reassessment of classification

4.1.7 Conditions of Confinement (Administrative Segregation) 

A. Conditions of confinement in administrative segregation shall be substantially similar to those in general population unless specific security or safety concerns dictate otherwise.

B. Detainees in administrative segregation shall be afforded basic privileges consistent with safety and security requirements.

C. Detainees who violate facility rules while in administrative segregation shall be subject to disciplinary action consistent with established policy.

D. Disciplinary measures may include:

1. Reclassification to a more restrictive status

2. Placement in disciplinary detention

3. Temporary removal of privileges

4. Placement in a stripped cell when justified and documented

4.1.8 Duration & Review of Segregation

A. The length of time a detainee remains in administrative segregation shall be determined by the Chief Jail Administrator or designee.

B. Decisions shall be based on:

1. The original reason for placement

2. Current risk to the facility or others

3. The detainee’s behavior and compliance

4. Availability of housing and resources

5. Institutional needs

C. Administrative segregation placements shall be reviewed periodically to determine continued necessity.

4.1.9 Reclassification

A. Classification is an ongoing process. Detainees shall be re-evaluated:

1. Upon significant behavioral changes

2. Following disciplinary action

3. Upon receipt of new criminal or institutional information

4. At regular intervals as determined by facility policy

B. Reclassification may result in reassignment to a different housing unit or custody level.

4.1.10 Detainee Appeal Process

A. Any detainee may appeal their classification or housing assignment.

B. Appeals must:

1. Be submitted in writing

2. Utilize the detainee request or grievance system

C. The Chief Jail Administrator or designee shall review all appeals and provide a written response.

4.1.11 Authority & Responsibility

A. The Chief Jail Administrator is responsible for:

1. Establishing classification criteria

2. Ensuring compliance with this policy

3. Reviewing and approving classification decisions as necessary

B. Shift Supervisors are responsible for:

1. Initial classification and housing assignments

2. Monitoring detainee behavior and recommending reclassification when appropriate