If, after processing into the jail, an inmate is unable to post bond, pay a fine, or otherwise secure release, they will meet with a classification officer for assignment to the appropriate living unit within the jail.  “Classification” refers to the process for determining an inmate’s appropriate housing and security level.

Objective classification is a process wherein a determination will be made regarding an inmates housing assignment.  During the inmates initial 72 hours of confinement, the classification officers will gather information about their criminal record, past confinement, adjustment, and discipline history.  This information will be utilized to determine the correct classification for that inmate. There are three (3) levels of classification: Level 1 Minimum; Level 2 Medium; and Level 3 Maximum.  Privileges and housing assignments are based upon classification level.

Minimum Classification   This classification offers the most privileges in the jail which may include:

• Dayroom time: 6:00am – Midnight
• Full commissary order list including music players, pillows, and tennis shoes
• Use of microwaves (if available)
• Bible study and other programming eligibility
• One twenty-minute non-contact visitation per week
• Weekly video visitation visits
• Inmate worker eligibility

Medium Classification:  This classification offers most available privileges in the jail which may include:

• Dayroom time 6:00am – 10:00pm
• Full commissary order list including music players, pillows, and tennis shoes
• Use of microwaves (if available)
• Bible study and other programming eligibility
• Weekly video visitation visits
• Inmate worker eligibility

Maximum Classification:  This classification offers the least privileges in the jail which may include:

• Dayroom time 6:00am – 9:00pm
• A very limited commissary menu
• Weekly video visitation visits
• Limited programming

There are a number of factors used to determine an inmates long-term housing assignment.  No one factor is more important than any other.  However, the inmates’ ability and willingness to follow all jail rules and staff instruction will receive a high degree of consideration.

All inmates are eligible to be reclassified approximately 60 days from the initial classification. After this 60 day period, an inmate may write to the classification office to request a reclassification authorization.  If an inmate acts in an exemplary manner, staff members may note this fact in the inmate’s record.  This may result in assignment to a lower security level with more privileges as a reward for good behavior.  When this occurs the inmate will be moved from their present location to the lower security level.  If the inmate does not wish to go to the lower level, they will be moved to a different housing unit of their same security level.  The inmate will not be considered for reclassification to a lower level again for the rest of their current stay at the Racine County Jail.

When there are jail rule violations resulting in disciplinary reports, the inmate may be reclassified at that time.  An inmate’s bad behavior and the reclassification may result in assignment to a higher classification level with fewer privileges.  The inmates’ 60-day time for reclassification will start over again from that date.

An inmates’ classification determination is appealable.  An inmate may request, in writing, an appeal to the Classification Supervisor.  The supervisor will determine the legitimacy of the appeal and any actions to be taken regarding the appeal.