The Florida Senate

944.1905  Initial inmate classification; inmate reclassification.--The Department of Corrections shall classify inmates pursuant to an objective classification scheme. The initial inmate classification questionnaire and the inmate reclassification questionnaire must cover both aggravating and mitigating factors.

(1)  In scoring either the initial inmate classification questionnaire or the inmate reclassification questionnaire, points must be added to the inmate's overall score for factors indicating the inmate's custody risk. Such factors may include:

(a)  The severity of the crime;

(b)  The length of the sentence; and

(c)  The verified history involving intentional violence.

(2)  In scoring the initial inmate classification questionnaire, points may be deducted from the inmate's overall score for factors indicating the inmate's stability. Such factors may include:

(a)  Age 30 or over;

(b)  High school diploma or GED received; and

(c)  Full-time employment, full-time school attendance, or part-time employment and part-time school attendance for 6 months or longer at the time of arrest.

(3)  Points may be deducted from the inmate's overall score on the inmate reclassification questionnaire for continuous positive behavior. Continuous positive behavior may include:

(a)  Lack of any major penalties for a specified period of time;

(b)  Completion of any correctional programs aimed at self-betterment, such as drug or alcohol counseling, vocational training, or academic programs;

(c)  Above-average behavior or progress on work squads outside the perimeter of the institution; or

(d)  Above-average behavior or progress in any employment inside the perimeter of the institution.

(4)  The department shall cross-validate the initial inmate classification questionnaire and the inmate reclassification questionnaire using custody score sheets from other states to determine the validity of the Florida model. If any items prove to be invalid, the department may revise either questionnaire as needed.

History.--s. 83, ch. 88-122.