Sec. 3. (a) Upon completion of the evaluation prescribed in section 2 of this chapter and before assigning him to a facility or program, the department shall determine the appropriate degree of security (maximum, medium, or minimum) for each offender as described in IC 35-38-3-6. In making that determination the department shall, in addition to other relevant information, consider:

(1) the results of the evaluation prescribed in section 2 of this chapter;

(2) the recommendations of the sentencing court; and

(3) the degree and kind of custodial control necessary for the protection of the public, staff, other confined persons, and the individual being considered.

     (b) After determining the offender’s security classification, the department shall assign him to a facility or program; make an initial employment, education, training, or other assignment within that facility or program; and order medical, psychiatric, psychological, or other services. In making the assignment, the department shall, in addition to other relevant information, consider:

(1) the results of the evaluation prescribed in section 2 of this chapter;

(2) the offender’s security classification;

(3) the offender’s need for special therapy or programs, including employment, education, or training available only in specific facilities or programs;

(4) the likelihood of the offender’s reintegration into the community in which the facility or program is located;

(5) the desirability of keeping the offender in a facility or program near the area in which he resided before commitment;

(6) the desires of the offender;

(7) the current population levels of the facilities or programs considered appropriate for the offender; and

(8) the length of the offender’s sentence.

     (c) If the department determines that a committed offender is mentally or physically incapacitated to such an extent that proper custody, care, and control cannot be provided by the department, it shall make arrangements for placement outside the department.

     (d) Before assigning an offender to a facility or program, the department shall give him an opportunity to present pertinent information; discuss with him all aspects of the evaluation, classification, and assignment process; and work with him to determine a fair and appropriate assignment.

     (e) If an offender is sentenced to a term of imprisonment of one (1) year or less, the department may make an assignment under this section without making the evaluation prescribed in section 2 of this chapter. In determining the length of an offender’s term, consecutive terms of imprisonment shall be added together.

     (f) This section does not prohibit the temporary assignment of an offender pending evaluation and classification.

As added by Acts 1979, P.L.120, SEC.3. Amended by P.L.5-1988, SEC.60.