Classification

The primary responsibility of the Classification Section is to maintain a safe and harmonious atmosphere in compliance with the Classification and Detention Security Procedures. The Section’s objective classification system was adapted from the guidelines outlined by The National Institute of Corrections, and works to prevent such things as institutional violence, escape, and victimization of inmates by separating predatory inmates from potential victims while providing inmates with programmatic opportunities. By gathering reliable and valid information on all incarcerated individuals, the Classification Section is essential for maintaining a safe and secure environment within the Yuma County Detention Center.

Officers in the Classification Section gather information from criminal histories, psychological reports, institutional behavioral reports, and face-to-face interviews with the inmates. With this information, they are able to determine the risk level of each inmate classified, and house him or her throughout the facility in high, medium, or low risk housing units. The correct classification and housing of the inmates within the facility is an ongoing process. This process requires continual review of inmates’ current behavior to include their interaction with Detention Officers as well as other inmates, accumulation of disciplinary sanctions, and/or amendments to their current charges. All this is gathered in effort to provide a detention environment that protects both staff and inmates and ultimately the public.