Definitions
- Classification
- Classification is the management tool used to assign incarcerated persons to the least restrictive Custody Level that addresses programming and other needs, while providing for the safety of personnel, the community, and the incarcerated person. The tool is designed to assign points based on factors that may include, but are not limited to, crime category, history of violence, detainers, escape history, age, and characteristics of sentence. (DOC 310.150
, DOC 310.150 Attachment 1DOC 300.380) - Custody Levels
- Custody is the state of being kept in prison (source). Custody Levels at the Department of Corrections (DOC) are designated by a point valuation through the Classification process. Each Custody Level reflects the degree of supervision required to effectively and safely manage incarcerated persons. For example, inmates classified at higher Custody Levels require more supervision staff to effectively and safely manage them, as well as physical premises that are of a higher Security Level than lower Custody Level. (DOC 310.150, DOC 310.150 Attachment 1, DOC 300.380)
- DOC Number
The Department of Corrections (DOC) assigns a six-digit identification number to each incarcerated individual. DOC number is the primary means to identify individuals currently and formerly under the jurisdiction of the department.
If you don't know an inmate's DOC number, you may use the incarcerated individual Search tool to discover it with a combination of the individual's first name, last name, and/or facility where they are currently incarcerated.
- Grievance
- A grievance is a formal written complaint submitted by an individual under DOC supervision in the community.
- Initial Custody Designation (ICD)
- The Initial Custody Designation (ICD) is a model that assigns points to a person upon initial incarceration with the Department of Corrections (DOC) based on five categories to include current crime, history of violence, current detainers, institutional escape history and age.
- Kite
- A form for official handwritten correspondence from inmates to employees, contract staff, and volunteers.
- Prosocial
- A voluntary behavior intended to benefit one or more people other than oneself. Prosocial behavior is often characterized by concern about the rights, feelings, and welfare of others.
- Recidivism
- Recidivism refers to a person's relapse into criminal behavior. It is measured by criminal acts that result in a return to a Department prison facility with or without a new sentence during a three-year period (36 months) after being released from prison (NIJ ). The legislative intent is that the system should positively impact inmates by stressing personal responsibility and accountability and by discouraging recidivism (RCW 72.09.010 ).
- Security Levels
- Facility security level designation refers to the security level requirements that apply to living units, facility perimeter, and movement controls within the facility. Living units with different custody levels may exist within the same perimeter, however, no living unit may be used for a custody level higher than the facility's perimeter. Security level designations are:
- Security Level 5 - Maximum Custody
- Security Level 4 - Close Custody
- Security Level 3 - Medium Custody
- Security Level 2 - Minimum Custody
- Security Level 1 - Community Based, Partial Confinement