The term “classification” is used in a variety of ways in correctional settings: as the procedure by which incoming inmates are designated to prisons at appropriate security levels; as the process that places prisoners in different living quarters within an institution; as the method that assigns inmates their custody level; and as the practice that results in program activities being selected for prisoners on an individualized basis. Because of its critical role, classification affects every aspect of a correctional system's operation. This article attempts to differentiate among the plethora of meanings as an aid to clearer communication.
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References
1.
American Correctional Association . Standards for adult correctional institutions. College Park, MD: Author, 1981.
2.
Federal Bureau of Prisons . Security designation and custody classification system (Program Statement 5100.1). Washington, DC: Author, 1979. (Mimeo)
3.
Levinson, R. B. and Williams, J. D.Inmate classification: Security/custody considerations. Federal Probation, March 1979, pp. 37-43.
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Megargee, E. I. , & Bohn, M. J., Jr.Classifying offenders. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage, 1980.
5.
National Institute of Corrections . Classification instruments for criminal justice decisions. Washington, DC: Author, 1979. (Mimeo)
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Quay, H. C.Personality and delinquency. In H. C. Quay (Ed.), Juvenile delinquency. Princeton, NJ: Van Nostrand, 1965. Pp. 139-169.
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Warren, M. Q.The case for differential treatment of delinquents . The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 1969, 381, 47-59.
