Classification assists in identifying the potential dangerousness of an inmate so that appropriate housing, supervision, and treatment decisions can be made. Knowledge of what kind of inmate is where can contribute to security decisions and enhance both inmate and staff safety. In addition, classification provides for equity, fairness, and consistency in managing the inmate population by providing objective criteria supported by specific policies and procedures. This provides reasoning to support decisions and eliminates arbitrary decisions on such issues as program eligibility. It also supports a system of behavior modification, providing incentives for positive inmate behaviors. Periodic review of the inmate's classification also provides a means for tracking and monitoring behaviors. Classification also can contribute to public safety by identifying inmates suitable for early release to community-based programs and, thus, can help alleviate jail overcrowding. Finally, inmate classification, with other inmate data, can play a significant role in jail management and planning as it provides guidance for determining facility construction needs, targets subpopulations for which alternatives are appropriate, facilitates data collection and analysis, and facilitates more consistent jail policies.