Just off the highway, it sits. In Massachusetts, surrounded by trees and wrapped inside of a streamlined silver fence, Norfolk County Sheriff's Office looks high-tech. The building is a modern corrections facility with a modern philosophy.

Using direct supervision, Norfolk County runs like a tightly-driven machine. And if the officers and administrators at Norfolk County are the nuts and bolts of the operation, the Jail Inmate Classification System (JICS) is the oil that keeps the machine running smoothly. Direct supervision requires that inmate classification be objective and accurate – for the safety of the inmates and officers. Norfolk County needed a classification system that was as advanced as the facility – and found JICS an essential tool for its philosophy of rehabilitation.

“We're really trying to get a complete picture of each inmate,” explains Mary Kelley, Director of Classification for Norfolk County. “JICS provides us with a snapshot of each inmate, in a comprehensive way; their history, their criminal record, their past adjustments. And using JICS, we know where an inmate belongs as soon as he arrives.”

JICS, a computerized inmate classification system, has been proven objective and helps Norfolk County remain on the cutting edge of corrections. The recently installed JICS system contains a full history of each inmate – from escape attempts to current charges – and uses that history to determine the inmate's classification. Taking all factors into account, JICS electronically decides if an inmate belongs in minimum, medium or maximum security. The JICS system has also been validated legally because it eliminates any personal bias that could change an inmates' classification.

“The system that was in place before JICS was more subjective,” says Jim Matsanz, Superintendent of Norfolk County. “There has been a lot of recent research into the need for valid and objective instruments for classification. This is far more advanced and user friendly – and we are pleased with the more reliable information we have on our inmates.”

Changing Classification: JICS in Action

JICS, and the reliable information it compiles, has certainly changed Norfolk County. Before using the system, administrators say that roughly 20 inmates were being held in the minimum security pod of the facility. Using the new classification system, 60 inmates are currently being held in the minimum security pod – and now, there is a waiting list for inmates who are eligible for transfer there.

“This system lets us know exactly where an inmate fits into our population,” says Kelley. “As a result, we can move that inmate to the right place within the facility. And when we review these inmates for classification, we take into account whether or not they have completed their GED, or new legal matters. Basically, inmates are reviewed on their aggravating or mitigating behavior.”

Administrators are also touting the JICS system for eliminating the margin of error that is typical of a subjective classification system. Using a decision tree, JICS considers the status of an inmate by taking into account whether or not the offender has a history of assault, family ties, outstanding cases, and even sex offenses.

“When we had a subjective classification system, it meant that we went by our staff experience and knowledge on criminal history,” says Matesanz. “But it was inconsistent because we were relying on judgement as opposed to a validated system. It allows us to have more reliable information on each inmate.”

Another aspect of JICS that is being celebrated by administrators is the amount of information provided to the facility as a whole. Matesanz believes that JICS is different from other classification systems because it does more than classify – it compiles information.

“We get a much quicker sense of each inmate and their needs and risks overall,” says Matesanz. “Moreover, it also gives us the ability to identify collective needs and collective identification. For example, how many of our inmates have substance abuse problems? How many need interventions? This allows us, as an organization, to develop programs and services to meet the needs of this collective group of inmates. This is huge – for an organization to be able to identify the large-group needs of its inmates is highly valuable.”

Aside from giving a large picture of Norfolk County as a whole, JICS is also inmate-friendly because it operates on a fifth-grade comprehension level. JICS provides inmate print-outs, and offenders sign off to establish that they understand their classification.

“Basically, it's the carrot and the stick,” says Kelley. “Every 60 days, inmates at Norfolk County have their classification reviewed. We sit them down and say: ‘If you do this, this and this, you will be stepped down to minimum security. And, if you do well in minimum security, we will move you down to the bracelet program.' We use JICS to give our inmates contracts, basically, so they can do what's best for them and we can prepare them for release.”

Changing Corrections: Classification and Security

Norfolk County first installed JICS in April of 2005 after it was recommended by the National Institute of Corrections (NIC). Following a three-day training period for officials and administrators, Norfolk County soon decided to train their employees to use the JICS system.

“We contacted the NIC, and they sent us a consultant. Once we had an assessment conducted of our classification system, we looked at its strengths and weaknesses,” explains Matesanz. “Based on our needs, and organization, we decided to give JICS a try.”

JICS is also highly touted by Kelley, who uses it on a daily basis to ensure proper classification – for the safety of the inmate, and the facility.

“Classification IS security,” says Kelley. “I think objective classification really provides the most consistent documentation of inmate behavior and adjustment. This system brings security into the process so finely that people can see that classification and security are one and the same.”

Beyond the relationship between classification and security, Matesanz believes that JICS has changed the culture within Norfolk County because inmates can see it working.

“This is a motivator for inmates,” Matesanz explains. “They can understand why they are placed in a particular category and how their needs have been identified. They can also see that conducting themselves in a certain way can change their classification in a very clear and visible presentation. I feel it's a very good tool for that especially.”

Overall, the JICS system is receiving rave reviews from Norfolk County. JICS maintains security, remains objective and offers inmate motivation; which Norfolk County says makes the system a benefit in any facility.

“I've worked in a variety of facilities,” says Matesanz. “This system could be used in almost any facility, and proves advantageous for administrators as well. As an administrator, it's reassuring to know that you're using a system that has been validated.”

For those who work with the system on a daily basis, the reviews are just as positive.

“With JICS, we have the resources we need to put the right people in the right places,” says Kelley. “And now, we know who our inmates are better than ever.”