Alachua County Sheriff's Office

Professional Support Bureau

Bureau Chief Karen Keith
(352) 491-4471
kkeith@alachuasheriff.org

The Professional Support Bureau Chief oversees the Medical and Mental Health Services provision contracts, the Classification Unit, and participates in the gathering and analyzing of data relative to Inmate Population and Jail Planning.

Classification Unit

The Classification Unit is responsible for the evaluation and classification of all inmates with special consideration given to the level of security risk, potential for violence, and medical or mental health needs. These evaluations and classifications are utilized to ensure appropriate housing assignments, to identify inmates needing special observation, and to ensure overall continuity in inmate housing. Additionally, this information is used to identify inmates for work detail, programs opportunities and other referrals as appropriate.

Inmate evaluations address behavioral, developmental, physical and psychological aspects of each person housed within the facility. Reclassification of inmates, through evaluation of institutional behavior and monitoring of legal status changes and segregation needs, is an ongoing process. Relative to inmate management, Classification Unit personnel provide casework, crisis intervention and conflict resolution as needed. Caseworkers interact regularly with inmates in assigned housing areas in order to ascertain inmate needs relative to incarceration. In addition to these responsibilities, the Classification Unit is responsible for many other tasks throughout the facility.

Status Review - The Classification Unit is responsible for the ongoing review of inmates with special needs, medical and mental health inmates, and inmates on administrative confinement or protective custody. These reviews are necessary in determining the need for change in or continuation of such status for each inmate on a regular basis.

Medical Services

Medical services are provided to the inmates through a contracted medical service provider. This is Prison Health Services (PHS). This department is responsible for providing medical services, including dental, emergency and health education.

Mental Health Services

Mental Health services are provided to the inmates by a contracted medical service provider. This is Prison Health Services (PHS.). The agency provides psychiatric screening, treatment planning and implementation.

Mental Health Unit staff, along with the Medical Contract Monitor and Classification staff, work closely with other entities in the judicial system and the community mental health provider. This allows for diversion of inmates to community programs as appropriate.