The classification system seeks to minimize risk to the public and to other inmates and staff, as well as the security risk (i.e., the possibility that an inmate may escape, fail to return after authorized temporary leave, or obtain escape paraphernalia such as ropes). Other goals of the system include minimizing institutional disruption, classifying offenders into lowest possible security levels, and maximizing fairness and inmate understanding of the system. To this end, the parole board uses a matrix system which keys off the severity of inmates' offenses and their scores on a risk of failure index. Inmates spend 50 percent of their incarceration in their initial risk category and then become eligible for lower security levels. Some inmates (e.g., those convicted of multiple homicides) are excluded from the system. Furthermore, the superintendents of a medium or minimum security institution may refuse to accept eligible inmates; such refusal must be made in writing and the reasons documented. Inmates have a right to appeal the decisions. A computer simulation to test the system is briefly discussed. Two footnotes are included.