California Code of Regulations, Title 15 - Minimum Standards for Local Detention Facilities (Title 15) defines two types of inmate: General Population and Administrative Segregation.
The California Penal Code and Title 15 allow for additional classifications to be defined within these two types of inmates along with appropriate housing for each.
All inmates are considered as General Population except those Administratively Segregated (Title 15, sections 1053 and 3335). Several additional sub-types are specified within Administrative Segregation: Restrictive Housing, Extended Restrictive Housing, Protective Custody, and Discipline.
All administratively segregated inmates are classified as such at the discretion of the Chief of Custody Services Division, General Population, or the Chief of Custody Services Division, Specialized Programs. Should a conflict arise wherein an inmate's reclassification is questioned by the initial requestor (i.e., Homicide Bureau, Operation Safe Streets Bureau, or other investigative unit), the final classification decision shall be the responsibility of either chief or their designee.
General Population shall be utilized for all inmates not administratively segregated.
Administrative Segregation shall be utilized for all inmates who require segregation from the general population due to the threat presented against them, or the threat they present to the jail, other inmates or personnel.
Restrictive Housing shall be utilized as a classification to designate inmates who are administratively segregated and whose out-of-cell, programming and privileges are generally restricted (compared to the general population), due to security, facility, availability of resources and other factors.
Housing that separates the inmate from contact with the general population while restricting the inmate to his/her cell for at least 22 hours per day, and for more than 30 days for the safe and secure operation of the facility.
Protective Custody is a sub-class of Administrative Segregation and shall be utilized for inmates who require segregation from the general population and administrative segregation population due to threats or potential threats against them (either individually or in a larger group population).
The discipline type is utilized for inmates currently serving discipline. The inmate may retain their classification; however, privileges and programming may be temporarily suspended. Disciplinary procedures can be found in Custody Division Manual (CDM) section 5-09/000.00.
In addition to their categorization as General Population or Administrative Segregation, all inmates are further classified and identified using one or more of the following:
The following security levels shall be used:
Maximum Security - Inmates designated as security levels [REDACTED TEXT]. Inmates who are assigned to a maximum security level shall be those who have been charged with serious or violent felony crimes and/or have holds or other pending court action considering these types of crimes. Also, such inmates may have displayed a significant disciplinary problem within custody and/or display a need for the maximum amount of supervision. Their program participation shall be limited to those programs that are conducted within secured areas of the facility.
Medium Security - Inmates designated as security levels [REDACTED TEXT]. Inmates assigned to the medium security level shall include inmates in the facility awaiting trial or sentencing and convicted felons who do not qualify for minimum security, but do not require a higher level of security. These inmates are eligible for in-house inmate worker consideration and may be allowed to participate in most other in-house programs.
Minimum Security - Inmates designated as security levels [REDACTED TEXT]. Those inmates assigned to a minimum security level may be misdemeanants or selected sentenced felons, except those who have been convicted of assaultive felony crimes. Minimum security inmates shall have no "holds" or other pending court action against them, and must display a cooperative attitude toward staff and the rules and regulations of the facility. Minimum security inmates may be eligible for inmate worker and outside work crew status, work release, and educational release.
Each security level shall be separated into different custody housing levels unless an approved exception exists:[REDACTED TEXT]
Also known as Inmate Keep-Away [REDACTED TEXT] status, [REDACTED TEXT] are classifications of inmates who must be kept away from other inmates of different [REDACTED TEXT] classifications, except [REDACTED TEXT] (see below).
[REDACTED TEXT] - Family of Law Enforcement ([REDACTED TEXT] Wristband): This classification shall be utilized solely at the discretion of Custody Investigative Services (CIS) - Jail Liaison Unit for inmates who are immediate family members of law enforcement officers. If another classification is found to be more suitable, the inmate will be reclassified appropriately.
[REDACTED TEXT]- Keep Away from Another Inmate ([REDACTED TEXT] Wristband): These classifications shall be utilized for inmates who must be kept away from each other. Inmates who must be kept away from each other shall be given different keep-away numbers. Inmates with identical keep-away numbers may be housed and transported together. Inmates with [REDACTED TEXT] statuses may be housed with other general population inmates, provided they have no other special handling sub-classifications
[REDACTED TEXT] - Administrative Segregation ([REDACTED TEXT] Wristband): This classification shall be utilized for inmates who are not considered to be a threat to jail security; however, based on special circumstances they must be administratively segregated from the general population. A [REDACTED TEXT] inmate's sub-classification shall dictate their handling and housing requirements.
[REDACTED TEXT] - Administrative Segregation for Pre-Arraigned Inmates ([REDACTED TEXT] Wristband): This classification shall be utilized for all pre-arraigned inmates who require special tracking, which may be associated with public related events or mass bookings. All pre-arraigned inmates under this category shall be administratively segregated from the general inmate population. Once the inmate has been arraigned and remanded into the custody of the Sheriff's Department, the Population Management Bureau (PMB) Classification Unit shall immediately reclassify the inmate from their [REDACTED TEXT] status to an appropriate classification level based on established procedures. This classification shall only be associated with a [REDACTED TEXT] wristband designating the inmate's pre-arraigned status.
[REDACTED TEXT] - Pregnant ([REDACTED TEXT] Wristband Loop): This classification shall be utilized for inmates who have received notification from Correctional Health Services (CHS) personnel that their pregnancy test has returned with a positive result. [REDACTED TEXT] classifications may be assigned any color wristband but must include the [REDACTED TEXT] loop described in the "Inmate Special Wristband Configuration" section of this policy. This classification is intended for informational purposes only to ensure reasonable accommodations are made when handling pregnant inmates. While [REDACTED TEXT] inmates receive a level of administrative segregation (differentiation from the general population) and a level of protected custody (as they are protected in various ways), they may be housed with general population or other suitable housing.
[REDACTED TEXT] - Jail Security Risk / Temporary Classification ([REDACTED TEXT] Wristband): This classification shall be utilized for inmates who are awaiting review by CIS - Jail Liaison Unit and require segregation from the general population until an assessment and inquiry is completed.
[REDACTED TEXT] - Restrictive Housing - Disruptive ([REDACTED TEXT] Wristband): This classification shall be utilized for inmates who, based on confirmed information, require administrative segregation from the general population at all times. These inmates may be disruptive in general population housing or during the provision of medical or mental health services, requiring their segregation from the general population. All [REDACTED TEXT] inmates will be assessed by Correctional Health Services (CHS) in addition to the Restrictive Housing Panel (RHP).
[REDACTED TEXT] - Restrictive Housing - Protective Custody ([REDACTED TEXT] Wristband): This classification shall be utilized for inmates who, based on confirmed information, require segregation from the general population due to the potential threat of harm against them.
[REDACTED TEXT] - Restrictive Housing - Major Disruptive ([REDACTED TEXT] Wristband): This classification shall be utilized for inmates who, based on confirmed information, require segregation from the general population due to the potential threat they present to other inmates.
[REDACTED TEXT] - Restrictive Housing - Highly Dangerous ([REDACTED TEXT] Wristband): This classification shall be utilized for inmates who, based on confirmed information, present a danger to personnel and other inmates.
Inmates not classified with a [REDACTED TEXT] classification are considered as General Population.
The purpose of inmate sub-classifications is to provide custody personnel with additional information as to the basis of an inmate's classification. Inmate sub-classifications shall be utilized to ensure the safety of all inmates and to promote optimum jail security. Sub-classifications, which are also associated with wristband colors, shall be represented by letters.
Unless otherwise designated, wristbands with sub-classification codes may be of any color determined by the wristband classification of the inmate. The PMB Classification Unit lieutenant or their designee shall have the responsibility of ensuring the correct special handling classification of all inmates. No sub-classification code, except [REDACTED TEXT] (AB 109/PC 1170[h]), [REDACTED TEXT] (Mental), [REDACTED TEXT] (CST Priority), or [REDACTED TEXT] (Suicidal) shall be added to a wristband unless a Special Handling Request has been submitted to and approved by the PMB Classification Unit. There shall be no unofficial special handling classifications. The sub-classification codes are:
[REDACTED TEXT] (Supervisor Escort) - This sub-classification shall be utilized for inmates who have been designated as "supervisor (at the rank of supervising line deputy [B-1] or above) escort." This sub-classification may be used in addition to any of the below sub-classifications or as a result of disciplinary issues, gassing, allegations against personnel, or risks to personnel, the inmate, other inmates, or jail security. This sub-classification shall be associated with a [REDACTED TEXT] wristband.
NOTE: While a sergeant escort is preferable, in circumstances when a sergeant is not available, a B-1 deputy may provide escort. The B-1 deputy will be held to the standard as outlined in CDM section 2-01/080.00, "Bonus 1/Supervising Line Deputies" and Manual of Policy and Procedures (MPP) section 2-02/090.15, "Supervising Line Deputies."
[REDACTED TEXT] (Threats) - This sub-classification shall be utilized for inmates who have been confirmed by CIS - Operation Safe Jail (OSJ), as having a confirmed or potential threat against them or an affiliated group. This sub-classification shall be associated with a [REDACTED TEXT] wristband.
[REDACTED TEXT] (Deaf/Hard of Hearing) - This sub-classification shall be utilized for inmates determined by CHS to be deaf or hard of hearing. This sub-classification shall be associated with a [REDACTED TEXT] wristband.
[REDACTED TEXT] (Escape Risk) - This sub-classification shall be utilized for inmates who have a conviction for escape or attempted escape from a jail facility, have the known potential to escape from a secured facility, have a conviction as a "walkaway" from a halfway house, or have escaped while on inmate worker status within the past five years. This sub-classification shall be associated with [REDACTED TEXT] wristbands.
[REDACTED TEXT] (Fragile) - This sub-classification shall be utilized, at the discretion of the unit commander of the PMB Classification Unit or their designee, for inmates who are deemed highly susceptible to being victimized or abused by inmates in general population. Factors that may be used to determine if an inmate meets this sub-classification may include but are not limited to, age, size, physical appearance, and demeanor. This sub-classification shall be associated with a [REDACTED TEXT] wristband.
[REDACTED TEXT] (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Questioning Intersex LGBTQI) - This sub-classification shall be utilized for confirmed members of the LGBTQI community. This sub-classification shall be associated with a [REDACTED TEXT] wristband.
[REDACTED TEXT] (Highly Dangerous) - This sub-classification shall be utilized when there is confirmed information the inmate is, or has the potential to become, highly dangerous. This may include, but not be limited to, inmates who have violently assaulted staff or other inmates. An inmate may be issued this sub-classification based on current or past criminal history. This sub-classification shall be utilized for [REDACTED TEXT] wristband inmates only.
[REDACTED TEXT] (Visually Impaired) - This sub-classification shall be utilized for inmates who present substantial visual impairment which significantly affects their mobility or activities of daily living. This sub-classification shall be associated with a [REDACTED TEXT] wristband.
[REDACTED TEXT] (AB 109/PC 1170[h]) - This sub-classification shall be utilized for inmates sentenced under AB 109 pursuant to 1170(h) PC. This code shall NOT be visible on the wristband.
[REDACTED TEXT] (Keep-Aways) - This sub-classification shall be utilized solely for [REDACTED TEXT] inmates who have additional considerations that shall be accommodated to promote the security of all inmates. This sub-classification notifies personnel that it is necessary to review information about the inmate's keep-away status or other special conditions in the Automated Justice Information System (AJIS) [REDACTED TEXT] screens. This sub-classification shall be associated with [REDACTED TEXT] wristbands.
[REDACTED TEXT] (Leg Chain) - Court Services Transportation (CST) code only. This sub-classification shall be utilized for inmates who must be leg and waist chained while being transported. This code shall NOT be visible on the wristband.
[REDACTED TEXT] (Mental) - This sub-classification shall be utilized for inmates who have been diagnosed or are allegedly suffering from a mental illness and may exhibit unpredictable and/or possibly assaultive behavior. This sub-classification shall be associated with a [REDACTED TEXT] wristband.
[REDACTED TEXT] (No Telephone) - This sub-classification shall be utilized for inmates who have a court order denying telephone usage. This sub-classification shall be associated with [REDACTED TEXT] wristbands.
[REDACTED TEXT] (Cautious) - This sub-classification shall be utilized for inmates who have been given a lengthy prison sentence as determined by the PMB Classification sergeant. Factors such as criminal history, institutional behavior, the potential for violence, age, known associations, gang affiliations, etc. will be taken into consideration. The final authority to issue the [REDACTED TEXT] classification rests with the PMB Classification sergeant based on the totality of the aggravating or mitigating factors. This sub-classification shall be associated with a [REDACTED TEXT] wristband.
[REDACTED TEXT] (Psychotropic Medication) - This sub-classification shall be utilized for inmates who have been prescribed psychotropic medication. This sub-classification shall be associated with ANY color wristband.
[REDACTED TEXT] (Reserved) - This sub-classification shall be utilized, at the discretion of the unit commander of the PMB Classification Unit, or their designee, for specific inmates who refuse a transfer to another jail facility. This sub-classification entry is for statistical tracking purposes through the Automated Jail Information System (AJIS) and is NOT to be placed on an inmate's wristband. This sub-classification shall be associated with ANY color wristband and in addition to any other special handle codes. Only the PMB Classification Unit shall reclassify an inmate to [REDACTED TEXT] status and shall remove this sub-classification when it is no longer applicable.
[REDACTED TEXT] (HOH/CST Priority) - This sub-classification shall be utilized for High Observation Housing (HOH) inmates who require priority court transportation. Inmates with this sub-classification shall be waist chained while being transported. This sub-classification shall be associated with a [REDACTED TEXT] wristband.
[REDACTED TEXT] (Suicidal) - This sub-classification shall be utilized for inmates who have made suicide attempts or claim to be suicidal, or who personnel believe may become suicidal. Personnel shall complete an electronic Special Handling Form and provide a detailed narrative of the inmate's behavior. A copy of the electronic Special Handling Form, with this sub-classification, shall stay with the inmate until CHS mental health personnel have completed their initial evaluation of the inmate. This sub-classification shall be associated with a [REDACTED TEXT] wristband.
[REDACTED TEXT] (Contempt of Court) - This sub-classification shall be utilized for inmates booked with the sole charge of Contempt of Court (Section 1209 of the Code of Civil Procedure or Sections 166.1-4 of the Penal Code), or those booked for the sole charge of Disobedience to a Subpoena (Section 1331 of the Penal Code). This sub-classification shall be associated with a [REDACTED TEXT] wristband.
[REDACTED TEXT] (Prosthetic, Crutches, or Walker) - This sub-classification shall be utilized for inmates who are dependent upon a prosthetic, crutches, or a walker to remain ambulatory. This sub-classification shall be associated with ANY color wristband. These inmates shall be designated in AJIS as "MAY NEED TRANSPORT CHAIR, NO W/C VAN NEEDED" on the inmate's [REDACTED TEXT] screen.
[REDACTED TEXT] (Noteworthy Inmates) - This sub-classification shall be utilized for inmates who receive an inordinate amount of publicity. This determination shall be made by the PMB Classification Unit on a case-by-case basis. This sub-classification shall be associated with a [REDACTED TEXT] wristband.
[REDACTED TEXT] (Wheelchair) - This sub-classification shall be utilized for inmates who have been confirmed by CHS personnel to require a wheelchair for mobility. This sub-classification shall be associated with ANY color wristband.
[REDACTED TEXT] (Sexually Violent Predator-SVP) - This sub-classification shall be utilized for civil detainees who have been convicted of a serious sexual offense and have served time in state prison. These civil detainees are then ordered back by the Los Angeles Superior Court (Department 95) for evaluation to determine if they represent a danger to the community and should be sent to a treatment facility, or if they should be released from custody. This sub-classification shall be associated with a [REDACTED TEXT] wristband.
[REDACTED TEXT] (Inmate Arrested for 288 P.C. Charge) - This sub-classification shall be utilized for inmates who have been arrested for committing sex crimes against a child. This sub-classification shall be associated with a [REDACTED TEXT] wristband.
[REDACTED TEXT] (Condemned Prisoner) - This sub-classification shall be utilized for inmates who have been sentenced to death or have returned from death row. For CST purposes, inmates with this sub-classification shall be leg and waist chained while being transported. This sub-classification shall be associated with a [REDACTED TEXT] wristband.
[REDACTED TEXT] wristbands shall be utilized for all inmates involved in a mass booking that require special identification and tracking. These may be associated with public events. All pre-arraigned inmates under this category shall be administratively segregated from the general inmate population. Once the inmate has been arraigned and remanded into the custody of the Sheriff's Department, the PMB Classification Unit shall immediately declassify the inmate from their [REDACTED TEXT] status to an appropriate classification level based on procedures established within this policy.
For more specific details, refer to wristband classification procedures for [REDACTED TEXT] defined within this policy.
[REDACTED TEXT] wristbands shall be utilized for inmates who are housed in Administrative Segregation or Restrictive Housing based on confirmed information that requires them to be kept away from other inmates. [REDACTED TEXT] wristband inmates are generally housed in single-man cells and kept away from all other inmates unless otherwise designated by CIS - Jail Liaison Unit. [REDACTED TEXT] wristband inmates shall be escorted by deputy personnel and be waist chained while being transported.
NOTE: Classification and reclassification of all [REDACTED TEXT] wristband inmates shall be approved through the CIS - Jail Liaison Unit. If an inmate has multiple classifications that include a [REDACTED TEXT] wristband and any other colored wristband, the inmate's wristband shall remain [REDACTED TEXT] with all sub-classifications noted on the wristband.
[REDACTED TEXT] wristbands shall be utilized for inmates who are not considered to be a threat to jail security; however, based on special circumstances, they must be administratively segregated from the general population. [REDACTED TEXT] wristband inmates shall only be housed and escorted with other inmates of identical [REDACTED TEXT] sub-classification. [REDACTED TEXT] wristband inmates with identical sub-classifications may be housed together or in single-person cells. The Central Housing Unit (CHU) shall be responsible for determining appropriate housing areas for [REDACTED TEXT] wristband inmates. [REDACTED TEXT] wristband inmates housed in single-person cells shall be approved by the PMB Classification Unit lieutenant or their designee.
[REDACTED TEXT] wristbands shall be utilized for inmates who require additional consideration and some segregation from the general population but not to the extent of full administrative segregation, refer to Section 2, Inmate [REDACTED TEXT] or Keep-away Classification, [REDACTED TEXT]. Custody personnel shall take special note of inmates wearing [REDACTED TEXT] wristbands and ensure that these inmates are restricted to the appropriate housing area. CHU shall be responsible for determining appropriate housing areas for [REDACTED TEXT] wristband inmates.
[REDACTED TEXT] wristbands shall be utilized for inmates who are developmentally disabled or have medical or sensory impairments that may require administrative segregation from the general population. Housing assignments will be determined on a case-by-case basis. CHU, working in conjunction with CHS personnel, and the Regional Center shall be responsible for determining the appropriate housing areas for [REDACTED TEXT] wristband inmates.
[REDACTED TEXT] wristbands shall be utilized for inmates who are confirmed juveniles. All confirmed juveniles shall be administratively segregated from the general population. CHU shall be responsible for determining the appropriate housing area for all confirmed juveniles.
White wristbands shall be utilized for all general population inmates.[REDACTED TEXT]
A [REDACTED TEXT] loop attached to an inmate's wristband signifies an inmate who has an order for release by a judge. This loop is normally placed on an inmate at court who has been issued an order for release. The loop is used to ensure the inmate is released as soon as possible.
A [REDACTED TEXT] loop attached to an inmate’s wristband signifies an inmate as being pre-arraigned. This loop is placed on inmates who have not been to Arraignment Court. This usually means the inmate was recently arrested within the last three (3) business days. Misdemeanor inmates in this category cannot be routinely strip searched unless there is probable cause. For further information, see CDM section 5-08/010.00, "Searches."
A [REDACTED TEXT] loop attached to an inmate's wristband signifies an inmate who is enrolled in a drug rehabilitation program. This loop is normally affixed to the inmate at court when they are qualified and enrolled in a drug rehabilitation program.
A [REDACTED TEXT] loop attached to an inmate's wristband signifies an inmate as being currently in-trial. This loop should aid in ensuring their expedient transportation to court.
A [REDACTED TEXT] loop attached to an inmate's wristband signifies the inmate's medical process is not complete, and he or she shall return to IRC's or CRDF's respective medical processing area.
An [REDACTED TEXT] loop attached to an inmate's wristband signifies inmates who have received notification from CHS personnel that their pregnancy test has returned with a positive result. The loop is used to aid custody personnel in identifying an inmate who is pregnant and utilizing appropriate restraint techniques when necessary, as outlined in CDM section 7-02/010.00, "Pregnant Inmates."
Inmates housed in a Custody Services Division facility shall wear a jail-issued uniform. The uniform color shall correspond to the inmate’s classification level or other identifier, following the chart below:
|
Color |
Classification Type(s) |
|---|---|
|
Dark Blue |
[REDACTED TEXT] |
|
Light Blue |
[REDACTED TEXT] |
|
Yellow |
[REDACTED TEXT] |
|
Light Green |
[REDACTED TEXT] |
|
Orange |
[REDACTED TEXT] |
|
Light Blue and White Shirt & Light Blue Pants |
[REDACTED TEXT] |
|
Yellow Shirt and Dark Blue Pants |
[REDACTED TEXT] |
|
Orange Shirt and Light Blue Pants |
[REDACTED TEXT] |
|
White Shirt and Dark Blue Pants |
[REDACTED TEXT] |
|
Blue Shirt and Brown Pants, White Vests* |
[REDACTED TEXT] |
|
Brown |
[REDACTED TEXT] |
|
Red |
[REDACTED TEXT] |
|
Suicide Prevention Gown |
[REDACTED TEXT] |
|
White Apron |
[REDACTED TEXT] |
|
Denim Jackets |
[REDACTED TEXT] |
|
White Knit Gloves |
[REDACTED TEXT] |
|
Thermal Underwear |
[REDACTED TEXT] |
|
Black Boots |
[REDACTED TEXT] |
*[REDACTED TEXT] inmates shall have the option of wearing the above mentioned "White Vests" while outside of their permanent housing locations. Vests shall be labeled with the inmate's last name and booking number, written in permanent marker.