2018 female diagnostics & classification fact sheet

FACT SHEET
FEMALE DIAGNOSTICS & CLASSIFICATION

2018

GREGORY C. DOZIER COMMISSIONER TIMOTHY C. WARD CHIEF OF STAFF RICKY MYRICK ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER

Within the correctional system, the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) has four female state prisons, one medical facility, which houses pregnant offenders, two treatment facilities, and one probation
detention center. There are 3,500 female offenders, which is nine percent of the total state prison population. The female offender population is Georgia's fastest growing population. The Diagnostic
facility is located at Lee Arrendale State Prison in Alto, Georgia.

DIAGNOSTICS

Overview
Identifies all pertinent needs of an inmate entering the prison system to hopefully meet those needs to prevent the inmate from returning to prison
Conducted at Lee Arrendale State Prison (LASP)
History
LASP remissioned as the female diagnostic facility in 2005 Process was revised in 2009; takes approximately 14 work
days
Population
Diagnostic inmates arrive from the county jails Monday and Wednesday
All diagnostic inmates receive security classifications through the Next Generation Assessment (NGA) while in county jails awaiting assignment to GDC. Security classifications are close, medium, and minimum
Diagnostic inmates transfer to other facilities on Tuesday and Thursday
Diagnostic inmates receive one visitation on weekends and holidays, if they have been at LASP for 60 days
Diagnostic visitation is conducted from 9am to 3pm on holidays and quarterly alternating Saturday and Sundays
Diagnostic inmates usually transfer prior to being eligible for visitation, if bed space is available
Upon transfer to their new facilities, diagnostic inmates become permanent inmates, remaining at the new facility until they are released or administratively transferred due

Process
Inmates without disciplinary, medical or mental health issues usually complete the process in approximately 7-10 working days
Staffing for the process includes a Diagnostic Director, correctional officers, doctors, nurses, counselors, mental health counselors, teachers, psychologists, psychiatrists and clerical support staff
Inmates are screened for: Security threat potential (based on crime, sentence, security threat group affiliation, escapes during all incarcerations and disciplinary histories for all incarcerations)
Medical condition Mental health status Educational level Treatment programs needed or ordered by the court for
the inmate to complete (i.e. Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, sexual offender counseling, substance abuse counseling)
Day One
Inmate intake Delouse Shower Locks received Hair accessories received Issue clothing and ID card Inventory property and medication
Medical screen PPD test, blood work, and vital signs Medical review
Mental Health Screen/PREA Assessment Housing/bed assignment

FACT SHEET
FEMALE DIAGNOSTICS & CLASSIFICATION

2018

GREGORY C. DOZIER COMMISSIONER TIMOTHY C. WARD CHIEF OF STAFF RICKY MYRICK ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER

Day Two
Dental Examines
Orientation - Completion of orientation and parole forms - Orientation videos: Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), AIDS, Right to Know, and - Performance Incentive Credits (PIC) - Diagnostic handbooks distributed - Diagnostic testing is scheduled
Days 3-4
Pre-Parole Interviews PPD Reading Medical Exam
Days 5-6
Diagnostic testing - Culture Fair (IQ) - Academics: WRAT 4-Reading, Spelling and Math
Days 12-15
Final Interviews (10-20 per day) - Interviews cannot be scheduled or conducted without test completion and medical clearance of inmate - Interviews assure that all areas of inmate's process are complete and to recommend custody level - Case planning is completed
Security Levels Overview
Offenders are assigned to a security level by the NGA utilizing factors that include the offender's sentence, nature of the crime, criminal history, history of violence, medical and treatment risks and needs
The classification levels are: close, medium and minimum

CLOSE SECURITY
Have staffing and physical security measures which are designed for the offenders listed below
Offenders: - Are escape risks - Have assault histories - Are considered dangerous and may have detainers for other serious crimes on file. (A detainer is a request by another law enforcement agency to hold an offender pending other charges or actions.)
May never leave the prison Require supervision at all times by a
Correctional Officer
MEDIUM SECURITY
Have staffing and physical security measures which are designed for the offenders listed below
Offenders: - Have no major adjustment problems - Many may work outside the prison fence, but must remain under constant supervision - Largest category of offenders
MINIMUM SECURITY
Have staffing and physical security measures which are designed for the offenders listed below
Offenders: - Tend to abide by prison regulations - Present a minimal risk of escape - Have been judged to be a minimal threat to the community - May work outside the fence under minimal supervision - Assigned to this level often have proven to be trustworthy, cooperative and have no alcohol/ drug problem - Eligible for transitional centers