The Department of Corrections has 21 institutions and they are categorized into four distinct custody levels: close security, medium security, and minimum security which includes community-based pre-release/work centers for those with Minimum-Out Custody classification. The architectural design of the institution, type of housing, operational procedures, and the number of security staff determine an institution’s custody. Inmates are assigned, based on their designated custody, to institutions to meet their specific security, programming, medical, educational, and work requirements.