(a) The Post-Prison Transfer Board considers key factors reflecting best practices in transfer decision-making that:

1. (1) Use research-supported factors as criteria;
2. (2) Use relevant policy considerations that are consistent with laws and policies governing transfer decisions;
3. (3) Ensures that board members consider evidence-based factors in determining transfer suitability; and

4. (4) Employs a structured professional judgment model that in no way limits the discretion of the board but is intended to:

   1. (A) Improve transparency in decision making;
   2. (B) Improve public confidence in transfer; and
   3. (C) Assist inmates in understanding any changes that are needed to improve the likelihood of future positive transfer decisions.

(b) The board utilizes a validated risk-needs assessment:

1. (1) Pursuant to Arkansas Code §§ 16-93-211(c), 16-93-615(i), 16-93-701(b)(1), 16-93-1807, and 16-93-1811(e);
2. (2) As a starting point in the process of making transfer decisions; and
3. (3) In conjunction with the criteria described in this section.

(d) The board reviews the inmate case file and considers the following evidence-based criteria:

1. (1) Criminal and supervision history factors that occurred prior to the index offense;
2. (2) Self-control history factors that occurred prior to and during the index offense;
3. (3) Program responsivity factors that occurred since the index offense;
4. (4) Institutional and community behavior factors that occurred since the index offense;
5. (5) Prosocial development factors that occurred since the index offense;
6. (6) Release plan factors; and
7. (7) Special considerations factors unique to the inmate’s case which were not previously considered that might influence or affect the risk to reoffend.

(e) The board considers policy-related factors which include:

1. (1) Statements from victims as set out in 16 CAR §§ 23-302 and 23-303;
2. (2) Statements from public officials as set out in 16 CAR § 23-302;
3. (3) Youth offending factors as set out in 16 CAR § 23-401;
4. (4) Elderly transfer considerations as set out in 16 CAR § 23-402;
5. (5) Terminally ill or permanently incapacitated individuals as set out in 16 CAR § 23-403; and
6. (6) Detriment to the community criteria as set out in 16 CAR § 23-101.