Who makes the decision about which institution in a jurisdiction an offender will go to begin his or her term of incarceration is made at the?

Prison classification is a method of assessing inmate risks that balance security requirements with program needs. Newly admitted inmates are transported from county jails to one of 11 prison receiving centers where the risk assessment process begins. There are two reception centers for females, two for male youth, and seven for adult males. Upon admission, processing and evaluation of offenders begins. They are put through a series of evaluations, including medical and mental health screenings. Prison classification specialists develop an individual profile of each inmate that includes the offender's crime, social background, education, job skills and work history, health, and criminal record, including prior prison sentences. Based on this information, the offender is assigned to the most appropriate custody classification and prison.

From this initial classification, inmate behavior and continuing risk assessments by prison staff will determine the inmate's progression through the various custody levels to minimum custody and eventual release. Prison managers assign inmates to work, rehabilitative self improvement programs, and treatment. As inmates serve their sentences, the inmates who comply with prison rules, do assigned work, and participate in corrective programs, may progress toward minimum custody. Inmates who violate prison rules are punished and may be classified for a more restrictive custody classification and a more secure prison. Inmates are then required to demonstrate responsible and improved behavior over time to progress from this status to less restrictive custody classifications and prisons.