What determines what prison an offender is placed?

Question

Apart from category or offence, how does geography decide where they end up. Can an a offender 'plan' their punitive destination?

I wish people would read the question. Thank you to all that do.

Answer 1

Usually the bureau of prisons in the state in which the person is found guilty of the crime decides unless there is some sort of agreement in place before sentencing.

Answer 2

In Canada, it's a little different. Offenders with sentences of less then two years go to provincial institutions. Offenders with sentences of two years or more go to the federal prisons.

The determination of which federal prison to put an inmate in is done at the assessment unit of a designated prison. Each province has one prison designated as the assessment unit. (In Ontario the assessment unit is located at Millhaven Institution which also has a a separate section that houses offenders classified as maximum security. Millhaven is also home to Canada's much smaller version (6 cells) of Guantanamo Bay)

At the assessment unit an offender undergoes a number of interviews, that coupled with the nature of the offence(s), attitude, health and various other factors, including whether or not an inmate is required to take any special programs (Drug Counselling, Sex Offender program, Cognitive Skills etc.) Some institutions offer special programs and that can play a role in the determination of placement. After about two months at the assessment unit, the offender's security level is classified as "Maximum," "Medium" or "Minimum." And about a week after they've been classified, they are shipped off to whatever institution they've been assigned to. (NOTE: Convicted murderers must spend a minimum of two years in a maximum security prison before they become eligible for a transer to a lower security.) Annual security reports are also done on each offender and their security level may be raised or reduced depending on their behaviour.

An inmate does have a say in which institution he or she goes to. Inmates, at anytime, may request a transfer to another institution anywhere in Canada as long as the security level is the same. They don't always get approved for it, but it usually works out for them at some point.

Answer 3

I understand that once an offender is inside, he can apply for a transfer under the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997. http://www.opsi.gov.uk/ACTS/acts1997/97043--i.htm#sch1
How far planning of punitive destination is possible apart from that, I don't know. It is particularly disastrous to commit a series of crimes both sides of the Scottish border, as one might end up being tried and serving terms of imprisonment in both jurisdicitions (I have actually known this happen.)

Answer 4

Putting offense aside it would be the geographically closest prison with capacity. You could plan it to an extent but there would be no guarantees. If a prison is over maxed then they "rent" space from other prisons until they have a vacancy.

Answer 5

never known anyone to plan where they end up other than in a british film i saw once cant remember the title... any way a man's preganant wife is murdered in their own home. the murderer who was a nasty piece of work ends up in prison but not for killing the lady and child.

the husband decides to go missing presumed dead. using a fales name he starts commiting crime like criminal damage to a police car. this gets him sent over the wall !!! (which would never happen in real life more a fine and community service for a few hours sentance) its a min security prison where he tries to escape.

so he is transfered to a higher security prison where he continues to cause problems. his goal is to get to the same prsion as his wifes muderer (max security) which he does to seek revenge and kill him. he doesnt actually kill him but the nasty piece of work is killed. happy days return to old self again.

wish i could remember the name of the film cos i bet you have no idea what im talking about!!! (billy elliots dad is in it still no idea!)

Answer 6

The crime determines what security level prison they go to. Which specific prison on that security level one is placed in is determined by the amount of space in the prisons on the level. At least that's how it is in the state of Alabama.

Answer 7

The try to put prisoners in a catchment area depending on the catagory of prisoner and prison, lifers go to lifers prison usually far away, and get to go to a near prison to the family once or twice a year for visits. ( the catchment area for a prison is usually the surrounding areas but not immediate)

Answer 8

Severity of the crime determines whether or not you're sent to a maximum security prison.

You'll probably stay in the same state, unless there is no room.

If you commit a federal crime you may be sent out of state as well.

Answer 9

Each Prison has a different security level based on the severity of the crime comitted. Hope that helps.

Answer 10

From what I've been through with family, NO you can't choose where you want to go. If it's a federal offense/court, then you go to a federal prison. If it's a state offense/court, you go to state prison. Also, there are prisons specifially for prisoners requiring medical help.