Chapter 6 – Adult Classification

62090.11.3 Non‑Life Prisoner Evaluation Format

• The format described below shall be used for non-life prisoner hearings.

• Purpose of hearing. Specify in capital letters the type of hearing:

  • ISLIndeterminate Sentence Law INITIAL PAROLE HEARING.

  • ISLIndeterminate Sentence Law SUBSEQUENT PAROLE HEARING.

• Custody

  • Institutional history. Reflect past and present custodies, and their duration in months. Explain the reason for any increased custody specialized housing such as SHUs or PHUs.

• Transfers

  • Summarize any transfers during the reported period or since the inmate’s reception, recording the most recent transfers first and indicating the reason for the transfers.

• Program Record

  • Program record. (Omit sections that are not applicable.)

    • Academic education. State the education level at reception. Evaluate ability to learn (IQ), and chronologically summarize academic achievements and motivation, as reported by the Education Department, since the inmate’s reception.

    • Vocational instruction. Chronologically summarize all past and current training being received and achievements. Note past and anticipated dates of completion. If terminated without completing a course, summarize the reasons.

    • Work. Chronologically list all past and current work assignments, noting duration and work habits. Evaluate their total work pattern.

    • Self-help programs. Chronologically list participation in group activities for the period of time addressed in the report, such as group counseling, Alcoholics Anonymous and/or Narcotics Anonymous. This section should also include athletic participation, hobby, Inmate Advisory Council or any inmate documentable activity.

    • Programs recommended by BPHBoard of Parole Hearings (formerly Board of Prison Terms). Chronologically list the program categories recommended and the degree of participation or reasons for noncompliance. List the current participation first.

• Inmate Resources

  • Inmate resources and plans for release.

    • Marital status/child support. Summarize present family situation such as married, a registered domestic partner, single, common-law, or divorced. Report status of any marriage intent or returning to a marriage upon release. List obligations to pay family support in dollar amount, name of county and address of agency to receive payments.

    • Employment. List job offers if the inmate has job commitments. Include employment address, phone number, type of work and proposed salary. If there are no job offers, the inmate’s desires shall be noted. Indicate the relationship between the inmate’s intent for employment and institutional work and vocational training.

    • Other community resources. Indicate prior union membership, status of driving privileges, if driver’s license is valid, and special employment needs, such as tools or clothes.

    • Residence. List current county of commitment resources. Indicate name, address, and location of prospective residence upon release. If placement is to be with relatives or friends, review significant attitudes and reasons for this placement. List all phone numbers, directions to the address if in a rural area or a P.O. Box number. Indicate if the inmate will need assistance from the Parole Agent and note any financial resources the inmate may have to aid this placement.

    • Alternative County of Parole. If inmate has alternative to county of commitment plans, list them in order of residence, with whom and relationship, any job offers, special needs to complete parole.

• Counselor Evaluation

  • Counselor evaluation. (Analysis and professional judgment.)

    • Attitude toward offense. Outline the commitment offense and the inmate’s present attitude towards it. Note if the inmate’s attitude is the same as when received or if it has changed. The inmate shall not be required to admit guilt or discuss factors if they choose not to.

    • Institutional adjustment. Describe the inmate’s overall behavior pattern in prison, effects of prison on their personality, and their rapport with staff and peers. Describe significant medical or emotional problems and treatment.

    • Prognosis. Indicate if the inmate understands or foresees any problems they will face and if the inmate’s release plans are realistic. Note if the inmate has developed social skills to cope with the stresses of society. Advise the Parole Agent of problem areas and positive traits. Provide a balanced opinion of readiness for release, being careful not to make a recommendation.

    • Technical data. Indicate any holds or notices (agency and reasons). Current status of crime partner, including last Board action on crime partner if presently incarcerated. If enemy or gang affiliation exists, refer to the confidential folder if appropriate. Include any other significant information not covered above.

    • Addenda. A chronological list of disciplinary reports shall be compiled and attached to the report. If a disciplinary violation occurs a day to two before the Board hearing, custodial staff shall provide the records office with a brief statement of the incident and an estimate of when the disciplinary process shall be completed.