Prison Classification

Effective offender classification is essential in corrections, not only to support daily management and administration, but also to keep the system responsive to changing offender demographics, sentencing statutes, and agency policy.

The National Institute of Corrections helps agencies develop or modify their classification procedures through programs, technical assistance, and resource materials. Use of objective classification systems and techniques is emphasized.

This infographic from the CSG Justice Center explains the urgent need for corrections agencies to examine how they administer risk and needs assessments, so they can confidently rely upon the results and avoid the pitfalls of poor implementation.