Inmate Classifications

Inmate Classifications

Classification is an objective means of identifying and categorizing various offender traits, characteristics, and potential risks and liabilities in order to detain offenders in a safe, humane manner. Proper classification ensures secure jail operations and facilitates staff and public safety. It also allows offenders to be assigned to programs and services that constructively occupy their time while in custody, which ensures the orderly management of the jail. Offenders will not be classified by race, color, creed, or national origin but will be separated by gender, legal status, and for other management reasons.

The objective risk assessment system processes and groups inmates based upon their previous criminal history, current criminal charges and institutional behavior. These items are weighted and assigned differential values with a classification instrument which is then used to assess the inmate's level of risk or program needs. The inmates will receive a risk score from 1 through 8, with 1 being the highest risk score. Objective systems place greater emphasis on fairness, consistency, and openness in the decision making process.

Programs

The Classification Section provides several educational, religious and therapy oriented programs to the inmate population. Many of the programs offered to the inmates are facilitated by volunteers. It is through the dedication and commitment of these citizens that the inmates are offered the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of programs. Attendance to most of the programs is voluntary and available to various inmate housing areas upon written request at no charge. The programs include but are not limited to:

  • Nurturing Fathers and Mothers Program
    • This is a 13 week parenting course that teaches fathers and mothers how to let go of ineffective roles and practices. Fathers and mothers learn new attitudes, behaviors and skills that lead to nurturing, rewarding relationships with their children, their partners and family members.This program is accepted through the adult and juvenile justice systems.
  • Level Two Alcohol Education
    • Level Two Education Education was implemented in 2016.  All participants must be in custody with a Driving Under the Influence or Driving While Ability Impaired charge and have at least 4 weeks left on their sentence. Inmates will be given a certificate of completion and the documentation is forwarded to the Department of Motor Vehicle to proved proof of the inmate's successful completion.
  • Alcohol Anonymous
    • Alcohol Anonymous (AA) is a 12 step program that has increased it's volunteer base and hours of participation. There are two, one hour meetings offered to the inmate population each week.
  • Religious Programs
    • These programs consist of many different denominations and are offered to our inmate population by means of volunteers. We currently offer 9 hours per week of religious studies.
  • General Education Diploma (GED) Program
    • The General Education Diploma (GED) program is contracted with the Pueblo Community College. The contract is specific with instructors providing adult basic education skills and General Education Diploma (GED) preparation instruction on an individual and group basis in a classroom environment.

Library

The facility provides offenders access to recreational reading material organized through the Classification Section. The library contains a collection of general, specialized and reference materials. The Law Library has experienced a major policy and procedural change regarding inmate attendance as well as approval to attend the Law Library. Inmates will make a request to use the Law Library utilizing the kite system.

Trustee Program

The Pueblo County Detention Facility maintains an inmate work program which includes daily maintenance of the Jail, housekeeping, laundry, painting, canteen operations, public service and food service operations. The principal value of the trustee program is in the opportunities they provide for the development of skills and work habits instrumental in the inmate's successful occupation adjustment in the community. There is approximately an average of 120 trustees on a daily basis in job areas that include: kitchen, laundry, property, recreation, labor crew, car wash, commissary and other special projects.  

Recreation

The Pueblo County Detention Facility follows American Correctional Association (ACA) guidelines when offering recreation to inmates. A normal week consists of approximately 600 inmates attending recreation in 80 hours between the tower and the dorms. We provide a variety of recreation games, equipment and tournaments to the inmates.