Seminar Title
Jail Intake and Classification
Dates of Events
02/17/2027 through 02/18/2027
Last Updated: 11/13/2026
Instructor(s): Lisa Farmer
Location: Legal and Liability Risk Management Institute Training Center - 5250 E. US Highway 36, Avon, IN 46123
Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Avon - 193 Angelina Way, Avon, IN 46123
Course Registration Fee: $295
Instructor Bio
Lisa Farmer
Lisa Farmer, Director (retired)
Fayette County Detention Center Adult Facility. Lexington, Kentucky
Lisa Farmer retired in October 2022 and the Director of Fayette County Detention Center in Lexington, KY. Fayette County Detention Center is a Direct Supervision 1260 facility bed, with a staff of 358. She worked in many areas of the jail including the Classification Department. While promoting up the ranks, she was a Sergeant in Professional Standards for 7 years which included Internal Affairs investigations and starting the Gang Intel Unit. As she continued to promote up thru the ranks, she was a commander over the Custody Bureau. In March 2014, Lisa completed the National Jail Academy Leadership Command Academy in Sam Houston, TX and was the first to receive the CJM certification at Fayette County Detention Center in November 2014. Lisa was an adjunct instructor for training and recruit academy classes covering topics of gangs and Internal Affairs. Lisa completed her BS degree in Corrections and Juvenile Services from Eastern Kentucky University in 2001 and then followed up with her MS degree in Criminal Justice from Eastern Kentucky University in 2004, while working at the detention center.
Lisa Farmer, Director (retired)
Fayette County Detention Center Adult Facility. Lexington, Kentucky
Lisa Farmer retired in October 2022 and the Director of Fayette County Detention Center in Lexington, KY. Fayette County Detention Center is a Direct Supervision 1260 facility bed, with a staff of 358. She worked in many areas of the jail including the Classification Department. While promoting up the ranks, she was a Sergeant in Professional Standards for 7 years which included Internal Affairs investigations and starting the Gang Intel Unit. As she continued to promote up thru the ranks, she was a commander over the Custody Bureau. In March 2014, Lisa completed the National Jail Academy Leadership Command Academy in Sam Houston, TX and was the first to receive the CJM certification at Fayette County Detention Center in November 2014. Lisa was an adjunct instructor for training and recruit academy classes covering topics of gangs and Internal Affairs. Lisa completed her BS degree in Corrections and Juvenile Services from Eastern Kentucky University in 2001 and then followed up with her MS degree in Criminal Justice from Eastern Kentucky University in 2004, while working at the detention center.
Course Objectives
Course Overview:
Course Overview
This course provides a step-by-step framework for the critical early stages of jail operations—from assuming legal custody of an arrestee to intake screening, assessment, and housing classification.
The focus is on equipping intake and classification officers with the skills and tools to:
· Identify risks during initial screenings.
· Handle challenges related to drugs, contraband, and mental illness.
· Reduce jail liability through thorough documentation and objective decision-making.
· Apply a validated classification system to ensure safe housing and reduce the risk of violence or litigation.
The training also addresses restrictive housing practices, stressing legal considerations and the importance of limiting its use to only the most necessary situations.
Course Objectives
Intake Screening
· Conduct detailed, accurate, and documented intake screenings
· Identify and respond to risks related to substance use, withdrawal, or concealed contraband
· Recognize severe mental health issues or co-occurring disorders
· Understand how careful observation and assessment can save lives and reduce liability
Jail Classification
· Learn the history and evolution of inmate classification and housing
· Implement an Objective Jail Classification System (OJCS) to improve safety and fairness
· Compare objective vs. subjective systems, and why objective systems better protect staff, inmates, and agencies
Restrictive Housing
· Explore current requirements and restrictions on the use of restrictive housing
· Understand its proper role, limited use, and the legal implications of misapplication
Inmate Discipline
· Review fair and consistent disciplinary practices
· Ensure disciplinary measures align with legal standards and facility policies
This course provides a step-by-step framework for the critical early stages of jail operations—from assuming legal custody of an arrestee to intake screening, assessment, and housing classification.
The focus is on equipping intake and classification officers with the skills and tools to:
· Identify risks during initial screenings.
· Handle challenges related to drugs, contraband, and mental illness.
· Reduce jail liability through thorough documentation and objective decision-making.
· Apply a validated classification system to ensure safe housing and reduce the risk of violence or litigation.
The training also addresses restrictive housing practices, stressing legal considerations and the importance of limiting its use to only the most necessary situations.
Course Objectives
Intake Screening
· Conduct detailed, accurate, and documented intake screenings
· Identify and respond to risks related to substance use, withdrawal, or concealed contraband
· Recognize severe mental health issues or co-occurring disorders
· Understand how careful observation and assessment can save lives and reduce liability
Jail Classification
· Learn the history and evolution of inmate classification and housing
· Implement an Objective Jail Classification System (OJCS) to improve safety and fairness
· Compare objective vs. subjective systems, and why objective systems better protect staff, inmates, and agencies
Restrictive Housing
· Explore current requirements and restrictions on the use of restrictive housing
· Understand its proper role, limited use, and the legal implications of misapplication
Inmate Discipline
· Review fair and consistent disciplinary practices
· Ensure disciplinary measures align with legal standards and facility policies