Mission Statement

The mission of the Harris County Sheriff's Department's Classification Section is to classify all inmates in the least restrictive means consistent with the safety and security of the institution.

Goal

The goal of this section is to classify and house inmates in the least restrictive housing available without jeopardizing staff, inmates or the public as soon after receiving as practical.

Vision

The vision of all Classification personnel is to provide the highest level of professional service on behalf of the citizens of Harris County.

The Classification Section is composed of two interrelated components, Male and Female Classification, supported by a staff of civilian clerks. The purpose of Classification is to provide a means by which inmates detained in the custody of the Sheriff of Harris County are assured of appropriate safety, protection from violent or aggressive inmates, adequate health care, and the opportunity to participate in programs offered through the department.

Further, Classification is designed to maximize the safety and well-being of the detention staff and provide an efficient operation. This includes but is not limited to principles, procedures, instruments, and explanations for Classification assessments, housing assignments, reassessments, and inmate needs.

Classification personnel are committed to creating a safe environment for staff and inmates. The Classification Section consists of approximately 80 professional and highly trained personnel comprising certified deputies, deputy jailers and civilian clerks. The Classification Commander is Lt. G. Moore who is supported by Classification Sergeants M. Hawkins, J. Alexander and E. Luten. The Section has operations in all Harris County Detention facilities including the Inmate Processing Center, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Specialized Unit

DGU
The DGU (Disruptive Groups Unit) is responsible for identifying, monitoring and expediting security threat groups through the Harris County Jail System.

Security Threat Groups are groups or individuals who present a threat to the security and orderly operation of the institution, or individuals who present a threat to themselves, other inmates, or staff members, due to the nature of their crime or behavior. This includes inmates housed in Administrative Separation, Protection, and Disruptive Groups.

DGU is commanded by Lt. G. Moore and consists of two certified deputies, M. Squyres and L. Scott.

INMATE WORKER DETAIL
Certain deputies are assigned to screen and select appropriate inmates for outside work details. The Classification Section currently sends out approximately 400 inmate workers on an average day for various county projects. The Classification Section also selects inside workers who perform tasks within the jail system. Approximately 900 inmate workers are assigned on a daily basis.