Sheriff's Office

Correctional Services

Objective Jail Classification

The Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office instituted Objective Jail Classification (OJC) in March of 2003. This system represents a new and more balanced approach in how inmates will be classified, housed and their eligibility for privileges within the jail. It should be understood that the OJC system is driven by individual inmate behavior, and it will be a primary means by which inmates can qualify for lower custody status and increased privileges. Under OJC all incidents and resulting disciplinary actions will be documented, regardless of which disciplinary process is used. Because documentation of such actions are placed in each inmate’s classification file, these actions will become major factors in determining to increase or decrease custody levels and privileges. This information will transfer with the inmate to other facilities such as RRJ and DOC.

Understanding and accepting that individual behavior will be the most essential factor by which custody levels are assigned and changed should benefit most inmates who make the choice to AADJUST@.

Initial Assessment

Inmates entering the Chesterfield County Jail will be classified at intake according to the current offense and risk factor. Information from other sources will be considered in determining custody and housing assignments. During the initial intake process, inmates will be carefully questioned and observed to determine the existence of any medical, psychological, substance abuse, protective custody, or other special needs. When any such conditions are identified or suspected, the appropriate department will be notified accordingly and the inmate will be assigned to an appropriate housing area.

Classification

Objective Jail Classification is an objective process by which inmates will be classified and housed based on the severity of the offense, prior convictions, prior institutional behavior and current institutional behavior.

Custody Levels

The custody level assigned to an inmate will determine their initial housing, privileges and program eligibility. However, over time an inmate’s behavior and/or other circumstances may result in more or less restrictions.

There are four (4) custody levels as follows:

Inmates designated as custody level 1 /2 /3 (Maximum) will have the most restrictions and the least number of privileges. Detail inmates will be the least restricted and enjoy the greatest number of privileges. Custody levels and their corresponding privileges will be posted.

Reclassification

An inmate’s custody and housing status is reviewed at least once every 90 days. This process will focus primarily on the inmate’s institutional behavior. However, any new criminal charges or court action can be a factor.

Disciplinary Process

Violations will be categorized as A, B, C, or D violations. When charged with category A, B or C violation, an inmate may choose to forego a formal hearing by entering a guilty plea and accepting a penalty offer issued by the Officer-In-Charge (OIC). The specific offenses constituting each category violation can be found in the Inmate Handbook distributed at classification.

Category A Violations - These violations include actions that pose a serious threat to the security of the institution or the safety of inmates or staff. All Category A violations will be heard by a Disciplinary Board. One (1) Category A violation with a guilty finding will result in an increased classification level.

Category B Violations - These violations include actions that threaten the security of the institution or the safety of the inmates or staff. Category B violations will be heard by the Hearing Officer. Two (2) Category B violations with a guilty finding will result in an increased classification level.

Category C Violations - These violations include misconduct that does not constitute a significant security risk to the institution, inmates, or staff. Category C violations will be heard by the Hearing Office. Three (3) Category C violations with a guilty finding will result in an increased classification level.

Category D Violations - A Category D violation does not constitute a serious security threat and will be dealt with at the security shift level. A Category D violation may result in an inmate being locked down for a period not to exceed eight (8) hours or the use of other sanctions such as, but not limited to, loss of telephone privileges and/or loss of television privileges. The inmate will receive a copy of the report and a copy will be forwarded to Classification for use in reclassification, as well as determining classification level during subsequent incarcerations. Three (3) Category D violations will result in an increased classification level.

For more information contact 804-717-6702.