When a person is incarcerated and arrives at a correctional facility, the initial phase is known as the reception and classification process. This crucial period, which can extend up to 90 days, is designed to assess various aspects of the incarcerated individual’s case to determine appropriate institutional placement. Understanding What To Expect during this time can help both the incarcerated person and their loved ones navigate this challenging transition.
Initial Steps Upon Arrival at a Reception Center
Upon arrival at a prison reception center, an incarcerated person begins the reception and classification process. This involves a comprehensive review of their case factors to calculate a classification score. This score is pivotal in recommending placement at an institution that aligns with their security level. While the geographical location of family is considered, placement proximity to family is not guaranteed due to numerous other determinant factors.
Communication During Reception: Phone Calls and Mail
Can you receive calls or make calls during the reception process? Yes, within the first week at the Reception Center, incarcerated individuals are typically allowed to make a phone call. Following this initial call, they are usually permitted to make one phone call per week as part of the ongoing reception procedures. These calls are typically collect calls, requiring a family-set-up account to receive them, and are subject to monitoring by the institution.
Incarcerated persons can also receive mail and are provided with writing materials. Specifically, they are allowed to possess up to one hundred sheets of plain yellow or white lined writing paper (excluding spiral metal bindings, cardboard, or plastic wrap), forty embossed/metered envelopes from the post office, forty stamps, and forty blank envelopes.
To ensure mail reaches the incarcerated person, it is crucial to address letters correctly using the following format:
[Incarcerated Person’s Name], CDC#
[Institution Facility], Building #, Cell #
PO Box [PO Box Number]
[City, State Zip Code]
Visiting Policies at Reception Centers
Is visitation possible during the reception process? Yes, visiting is possible at the reception center once you have completed the visitor application process and have been approved. However, it’s important to note that visits at Reception Centers are typically conducted behind glass and are strictly by appointment only. For detailed information on the visiting application process and regulations, refer to the institution’s visiting guidelines.
Tablet Access During Reception
Will a tablet be available during the reception period? No, tablets are not provided to incarcerated persons while they are in the reception center. Tablets are a privilege granted after the completion of the reception and classification process and upon transfer to their permanent institution. Once transferred, incarcerated persons can request a tablet through the tablet kiosk in their assigned housing unit. These tablets are provided at no cost to the incarcerated individual.
Determining Institutional Placement: Security Levels Explained
How is the institution placement determined? The Department uses a placement scoring system to determine the appropriate security level for each incarcerated person. This score dictates the type of facility they will be housed in. Here’s a breakdown of the placement scores and corresponding security levels:
- Level I Facilities: Placement score of 0-18. These facilities and camps usually consist of open dormitories with a low-security perimeter.
- Level II Facilities: Placement score of 19-35. These facilities primarily feature open dormitories but with a secure perimeter, which may include armed coverage.
- Level III Facilities: Placement score of 36-59. Level III facilities typically have a secure perimeter with armed coverage, and housing units may consist of cells adjacent to exterior walls.
- Level IV Facilities: Placement score of 60 and above. These are the highest security level facilities, featuring secure perimeters with both internal and external armed coverage, and housing units or cell blocks with cells not adjacent to exterior walls.
Placement scores are meticulously calculated based on a comprehensive review of the incarcerated person’s case factors, including age, the nature of the crime committed (especially if violence was involved), prior incarceration history, and any gang affiliations. Annually, a counselor reviews each incarcerated person’s case to assess eligibility for a reduced placement score, which can be achieved through participation in programs and maintaining a clean disciplinary record. Conversely, disciplinary actions can lead to an increased score and a higher security housing level.
After the initial case review and institutional recommendation, the Classification Staff Representative (CSR) must approve the “endorsement” to the recommended institution. This endorsement process can take an additional 45 to 60 days. Following endorsement, the incarcerated person awaits transportation and bed availability at the assigned institution.
These processes are governed by the California Code of Regulations, Title 15 – Crime Prevention and Corrections.
Understanding Classification Committees
What are the roles of classification committees? Classification committees play a vital role in decisions regarding an incarcerated person’s placement within an institution, transfers between facilities, program participation, work assignments, and custody designation. These committees ensure equal access and effective communication during all hearings.
There are two primary types of classification committees:
-
Unit Classification Committee (UCC): The UCC handles initial and subsequent program assignments, changes, and transfers. It comprises three members, chaired by a Facility Captain or Correctional Captain level staff member. UCC responsibilities include:
- Explaining facility expectations.
- Detailing job and program availability and reviewing eligibility.
- Placing individuals on job or academic/vocational waiting lists.
- Establishing workgroups and custody levels.
- Explaining appeal and credit earning processes.
- Addressing the incarcerated person’s questions.
- UCC reviews are conducted at least annually to adjust classification scores and re-evaluate housing status.
-
Institutional Classification Committee (ICC): The ICC is the highest level committee within an institution, consisting of at least three members and chaired by the Warden or Chief Deputy Warden. ICC reviews are required for:
- Incarcerated person behavior resulting in Restricted Housing Unit placement.
- Issues referred by lower committees.
- Case-by-case reviews for minimum facility eligibility.
- Review of Security Housing Unit term assessments and referrals to the Departmental Review Board (DRB).
Privileges During Reception
What privileges are available during reception? Initially, incarcerated persons are placed in privilege group U until they complete the reception and classification process. During this time, privileges are limited:
- No family visits are permitted.
- Canteen access is restricted to one-half of the maximum monthly draw.
- Telephone calls are limited to one within the first week and one per week thereafter.
- Personal packages are not allowed.
The incarcerated person will be informed of their specific privilege group, and this information can be shared with family members. (Reference: California Code of Regulations, Article 3.5, Section 3044)
Privilege Group Criteria and Restrictions
The privilege group system is designed to incentivize positive behavior and goal achievement. The criteria for each group are as follows:
- Group A: Full-time credit qualifying work/training program assignment, or diagnosed as totally or partially disabled and assigned work/training within their capabilities.
- Group B: Half-time work/training program assignment or involuntarily unassigned.
- Group C: General population inmates who refuse work/training assignments.
- Group D: Inmates in special housing units (ASU, SHU, PSU) not in full-time or half-time work/training programs.
- Group U: Reception center inmates undergoing processing.
The table below summarizes the privileges and restrictions associated with each group:
| Privilege | Group A | Group B | Group C | Group D | Group U |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family Visits | Yes | 1 each 6 months | No | No | No |
| Visiting | Yes | Yes | No Family Visits | No Family Visits | No Family Visits |
| Canteen | Maximum | 1/2 as authorized | 1/4 as authorized | 1/4 as authorized | 1/2 as authorized |
| Telephone | Yes | Yes | 1 per week | 1 per week | 1 per week |
| Yard Access | Yes | Yes | Limited | Limited | Yes |
| Recreation Access | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Entertainment Access | Yes | Yes | No | No | Limited |
| Excused Time Off | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Personal Property Package | 4 per year, max 30# | 4 per year, max 30# | No | 1 per year, max 30# | No |
Life After Reception: Transitioning to a Permanent Institution
What happens after completing the reception process? Upon completion of the reception process, the incarcerated person will be endorsed and transferred to a permanent institution. This institution will be equipped to provide housing and programs that are best suited to their individual needs and classification. The placement decision is guided by guidelines in the Department Operations Manual (DOM), specifically Chapter 6, which includes: (Article 2) Case Considerations, (Article 3) Cumulative Case Summary, and (Article 5) Classification Process. These guidelines are crucial in determining the final institutional placement.
