Writing assignment

Module 2: The Classification and Disciplinary Systems

LISTEN TO: COMMENTARY ON MODULE 2

READ:

1) The Texas Department of Criminal Justice Institutional Division Offender Orientation Handbook: https://www.tdcj.texas.gov/documents/Offender_Orientation_Handbook_English.pdf

· Unit Classification: pages 5-10

· Standards of Behavior: pages 11-24

· Disciplinary Procedures and Rules, pages 71-73

2) Job description for the Counsel Substitute I position in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice: https://www.tdcj.texas.gov/divisions/hr/pd/019146.pdf

LISTEN TO:

3) A 14-minute video about classifying prisoners incarcerated in the Federal Bureau of Prisons, prepared by The Prison Professors:

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=Inmate+Classification+Levels&&view=detail&mid=B8DD03AAD3CA0CCCE25AB8DD03AAD3CA0CCCE25A&&FORM=VRDGAR&ru=%2Fvideos%2Fsearch%3Fq%3DInmate%2BClassification%2BLevels%26FORM%3DVARSQP

ASSIGNMENT FOR MODULE 2 (maximum points 30)

A prisoner’s custody-level significantly impacts a prisoner’s life – where he or she lives, works, and how easily they can move around a facility. Prisoners who break prison rules (institutional behavior) may have their custody level raised. Prisoners who do not break prison rules, may eventually have their custody levels lowered. Prison disciplinary procedures provide the process by which prisoners can be “punished” for violating prison rules. Understanding prison rules and the classification and disciplinary systems will help students get grounded in what it is like to be incarcerated. There are differences in the rules and classification/disciplinary systems across the states. For example, some states allow prisoners to have long hair or allow more choice in how prisoners can dress. However, there are far more similarities than differences.

Question 1

Now that you have read the rules that govern prisoners living in Texas state prisons (Standards of Behavior), select 3 rules that most surprise you or which you have questions about. Explain in 2 well-written, substantial (that means several sentences) paragraphs.

Question 2

Read about the procedures that institutions must follow when a prisoner is “charged” with breaking a prison rule. Read the job description for the position of Counsel Substitute 1 (the entry level for that position). Explain why you would or would not apply for this position. In your answer, focus totally on the position and ignore issues such as salary, retirement pension, etc. Let me know in your answer that you read the procedures that officials must follow. Write 2 substantial, well-written paragraphs.

Question 3

You have been convicted of or plead guilty to federal crime and are awaiting sentencing. What expert advice would you seek from The Prison Professors about your classification status? 1 substantial, well-written paragraph.