Decision-Making Process for Prison Allocation in Federal Systems: A US Federal Example
In large jurisdictions such as the states and territories of Australia, federal systems like that of the United States, and various countries within the European Union, the decision of which prison and inmate will be assigned to is a multifaceted and complex process. This article focuses on the US federal prison system, providing an in-depth look at the various factors and criteria that influence this process.
Behavioral Scoring and Security Ratings
Each prisoner in the US federal system is assigned a score based on his prior behavior. This score takes into account several critical factors:
Escape Risk
A risk score is assigned to potential escape based on the prisoner's history. This can include recent escapes or a pattern of non-compliance with institution rules.
Risk of Violence
This score reflects the prisoner's potential for violent behavior, taking into account any assaults, threats, or previous violent incidents.
Age and Sentence Length
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Points are dynamically adjusted based on the prisoner's age and the length of their sentence. Younger individuals and those facing longer sentences receive more points, reflecting the perceived higher security risk.
Security Levels and Breakpoints
Based on these scores, prisoners are classified into different security levels, which determine where they can be housed:
Minimum Security: For the least risky inmates. Low Security: Offers more privileges and job opportunities. Medium Security: Balances security with inmate privileges. Maximum Security: High levels of security and restricted privileges.However, special considerations can override these security levels. For instance, if a prisoner has a recent history of escape, they may be required to serve at a Minimum or Medium Security facility, even if they otherwise qualify for a lower security level.
Additional Programming Requirements
Some prisoners are assigned to mandatory education or rehabilitation programs, such as drug classes or sex offender treatment. These programs are not always available at every facility; hence, if a prisoner’s current security level does not offer the required program, they will be moved to a more secure facility that does offer it.
Court Requests and Inmate Preferences
Inmates and their defense attorneys can often request specific prisons based on various non-security-related factors. If the requested facility has an available bed and is not lower than the prisoner’s current security level, the Bureau of Prisons (BoP) is likely to grant the request. However, this is subject to limited bed availability.
Personal Factors and Distance Considerations
Prisoners are also considered based on their personal factors such as family visits and planned post-release addresses. The BoP makes every effort to minimize travel distance for family visits and plan for post-release relocation. This can involve moving an inmate to a facility closer to their family or a more accessible location.
Reallocation Based on Circumstances
Beds availability plays a crucial role in the assignment process. If no suitable beds are available within a reasonable distance from the prisoner’s home, they may be assigned to a facility much farther away, even across state lines. In cases where a bed is available but the prisoner does not meet the required security level, they may be transferred to a higher-security facility.
Similarly, if a prisoner falls ill or requires specialized medical care, they may be transferred to a medical prison. If they recover, the original facility might not have the space, leading to a complete reallocation based on points and the completion of required programs.
Conclusion
The process of assigning prisoners to federal facilities in the United States is a nuanced and strategic decision-making process. While it is influenced by security and behavioral scores, it also takes into account personal requests and health considerations. Understanding these dynamics is essential for both legal professionals and the general public to grasp the complexities involved in the prison system.