When an inmate may be permitted to leave the institution unaccompanied by a detention officer, he/she is in what custody category?

When an inmate is permitted to leave the institution unaccompanied by a detention officer, he or she is categorized as being in minimum custody. This classification generally applies to inmates who have demonstrated good behavior, are deemed low risk, and are likely to comply with institution rules and regulations.

In minimum custody, inmates often have more privileges compared to those in higher custody classifications, reflecting their ability to follow rules and manage their own safety. This can include various opportunities for work assignments outside of the institution, participation in community programs, or other activities that allow them to integrate into the community while under a certain level of supervision or with specific conditions.

The other custody categories—maximum, close, and medium—represent progressively higher levels of security and restrictions on movement, whereby inmates are closely monitored, and chances of unaccompanied leave are significantly limited due to concerns about safety, the potential for escape, or behavior issues. Therefore, the permission for an inmate to leave the institution without an accompanying officer correctly reflects the confidence in their compliance and conduct, which is characteristic of the minimum custody category.