Therefore, it is important to not only provide programming and employment to the inmates, but allow them recreational time as well. It should be noted that most of the inmates currently incarcerated will be returning to society, and hopefully will be prepared when they do so. The levels of security in the prison system are minimum, low medium, high medium, maximum, and super-maximum. With the exception of super-maximum, the three main considerations in assigning an offender to a security level are the committing offense, the length of sentence, and prior criminal history. These facilities have the least restrictive security measures.
Housing is dormitory style.
Also included as minimum security are work release program offenders, who leave the facility for outside employment but return nightly. These facilities have a moderate degree of security measures. Housing is dormitory style. Offenders typically have shorter sentences than level 3 offenders. These facilities have a moderately high degree of security measures.