Citing longer prison sentences and a national recidivism rate of over 30 percent, the article argues that inmate classification is critical to prison management and planning. SCDC's external classification system is described, as are incentives for positive adjustment and annual revalidation procedures. After assigning inmates to institutions according to security level, the SCDC uses a behavioral classification system to allocate housing. Each inmate is assigned a classification caseworker, and committees regularly review inmates' adjustment and program performance. This system also allows inmate input and opportunities for custody and security level advancement. The article explores monitoring processes, plans for future prison construction, and overcrowding.