BSCC - Board of State and Community Corrections Title 15 Inmate Management Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to Title 15, Section 1050, what is the primary purpose of the inmate classification plan in a local detention facility?
- To punish inmates based on the severity of their crime.
- To properly assign inmates to housing and activities based on objective criteria for the safety of inmates and staff. (Correct answer)
- To segregate all inmates with prior offenses from the general population.
- To create a hierarchical system among the inmate population to simplify management.
Correct answer: To properly assign inmates to housing and activities based on objective criteria for the safety of inmates and staff.
Title 15, Section 1050(a) explicitly states that the purpose of a classification plan is to properly assign inmates to housing units and activities according to various objective criteria to provide for the safety of inmates and staff.
Question 2: An inmate in a Type II facility files a grievance regarding a disciplinary action they received. According to Title 15, Section 1073, which of the following is a required component of the facility's inmate grievance procedure?
- The grievance must be resolved within 24 hours of submission.
- The inmate must have legal representation to file a grievance.
- The procedure must allow for an appeal to the next level of review if the initial resolution is unsatisfactory. (Correct answer)
- Grievances related to disciplinary actions are not permitted under the procedure.
Correct answer: The procedure must allow for an appeal to the next level of review if the initial resolution is unsatisfactory.
Title 15, Section 1073 requires that the written policies and procedures for inmate grievances include an appeal to the next level of review. While a reasonable time limit for response is required, it is not set at 24 hours. Inmates can grieve disciplinary actions.
Question 3: A new inmate is being booked into a Type III facility. Which of the following is NOT an objective criterion to be used for their housing assignment under the Title 15 classification plan?
- Seriousness of crime charged
- Assaultive/non-assaultive behavior
- The personal opinion of the arresting officer (Correct answer)
- Physical or mental health needs
Correct answer: The personal opinion of the arresting officer
Title 15, Section 1050(a) mandates that the classification plan be based on objective criteria. The personal opinion of an arresting officer is subjective and not listed as an approved criterion for classification. Criteria such as sex, age, criminal sophistication, seriousness of crime, health needs, and behavior are considered objective.
Question 4: For minor acts of non-conformance with facility rules, what action may staff take under a disciplinary plan developed in accordance with Title 15?
- Immediate placement in administrative segregation for 30 days.
- Forfeiture of all accumulated good time credits.
- Imposition of a temporary loss of privileges with supervisory approval. (Correct answer)
- Referral for criminal prosecution without exception.
Correct answer: Imposition of a temporary loss of privileges with supervisory approval.
Title 15 allows for a plan for inmate discipline that includes, for minor violations, a temporary loss of privileges such as TV, phone, or commissary access, provided there is written documentation and supervisory approval. More severe punishments are reserved for more serious offenses.
Question 5: A facility administrator of a Type II facility is developing policies for inmate programs and services. According to Title 15, Section 1070, the facility shall develop written policies that facilitate cooperation with outside agencies for what type of programs?
- Advanced theoretical physics seminars.
- Luxury spa and relaxation services.
- International travel and cultural exchange programs.
- Individual or family social service programs. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Individual or family social service programs.
Title 15, Section 1070 specifies that Type II, III, or IV facilities shall develop policies to cooperate with public or private agencies to provide individual or family social service programs, utilizing community resources. These can include counseling, reentry planning, and substance abuse programs.
Question 6: During a facility inspection, it is noted that inmates are only permitted to shower once a week. This practice violates which section of Title 15 concerning inmate personal hygiene?
- Section 1050 - Classification Plan
- Section 1080 - Disciplinary Actions
- Section 1266 - Showering (Correct answer)
- Section 1061 - Inmate Education Plan
Correct answer: Section 1266 - Showering
Title 15, Section 1266 states that inmates shall be permitted to shower/bathe upon assignment to a housing unit and at least every other day, or more often if possible. A once-a-week showering schedule would be a clear violation of this standard.
BSCC - Board of State and Community Corrections Title 15 Inmate Management Questions and Answers
According to Title 15, Section 1050, what is the primary purpose of the inmate classification plan in a local detention facility?