(a)

1. (1) The chief executive shall establish a policy providing for a classification system to be used to separate detainees into groups to enhance safety of detainees and personnel and reduce the probability of disruptive behavior.
2. (2) The classification process, at a minimum, shall identify the appropriate level of custody and the appropriate housing assignment for each detainee.

3. (3) Detainees shall be classified, at a minimum, considering the following characteristics:

   1. (A) Age;
   2. (B) Sex;
   3. (C) Current offense or conviction;
   4. (D) Custody needs;
   5. (E) Special problems and needs; and
   6. (F) Behavior.

(b) Facility classification policies shall comply with the following rules:

1. (1) Classification shall consider federally protected classes absent a compelling security interest;
2. (2) Custody levels and special housing needs shall be assessed to include differing custody levels and the placement and release of detainees to and from special units including protective custody, administrative segregation, disciplinary separation, and mental and medical health housing including detainees known to be pregnant;
3. (3) Female detainees shall be housed separately by sight and sound from male detainees to the greatest extent possible;
4. (4) An assessment instrument may be used to assess the needs and qualifications of detainees for participation in vocational, educational, mental health, substance abuse, and other treatment or work programs;
5. (5) Restrictive housing of a female detainee who is pregnant, breastfeeding, has delivered a child within the previous thirty (30) days and is not currently breastfeeding, or is under a physician's care for postpartum depression or other medically verifiable postpartum condition shall be applied in conformity with Arkansas Code § 12-32-104, when applicable; and

6. (6) The plan shall provide that all staff whose duties include classification shall undergo training on the principles, procedures, and instruments for:

   1. (A) Classification assessments;
   2. (B) Housing assignments;
   3. (C) Reassessments; and
   4. (D) Inmate needs.