Section 791.4401. Security classification; criteria; security classification committee; levels of custody; additional criteria for certain classifications; grievance.

Rule  401.   (1)   A  prisoner's    security   classification   is    a determination, based on the experience of correctional administrators, as to the level of confinement required for public safety and the safety and security of the facility. It is not  a punitive or disciplinary sanction. All of the following factors may be considered in determining classification:

(a)     The prisoner's need for protection.

(b)     The safety of others.

(c)     The protection of the general public.

(d)    Prevention of escape.

(e)     Maintenance of control and order.

(f)    Medical and mental health care needs of the prisoner.

(2)     After examination of all  relevant  information,  a  prisoner  shall be assigned to 1 of the following. that is the least restrictive level of custody consistent with the requirements of subrule (1) of this rule:

(a)     Segregation.

(b)     Level VI.

(c)     Level V.

(d)    Level IV.

(e)     Level III.

(f)    Level II.

(g)     Level I.

(h)     Community status.

(3)      Security classifications to all levels,  except  level  VI  and community status, shall be determined at each institution by a  committee which  is appointed by the warden and which is under the direction of the deputy director for correctional facilities. The deputy  director   of correctional facilities administration shall  determine all placements  at level VI.

Placement on community status requires the concurrence of the administrator of the office of field programs and is subject to R 791.4410 and R 791.4425.

(4)     A prisoner who objects to a reclassification decision may  file a grievance.

History: 1979 AC; 1987 AACS; 1989 AACS; 1993 AACS; 2002 AACS.