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Table 2 Categories and definitions of policy classifications

From: Policy and public communication methods among U.S. state prisons during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic

Classification Category

Definition

Policy Type

 Public health

Policies that mirror broader public health measures or mandates

 DOC-specific

Policies that address actions or needs that only apply to correctional agencies or systems

Policy Form

 Expand access

Policies that make something more available than it was previously, either by explicitly authorizing increased access or by reducing barriers to access

 Reduce access

Policies that make something less available than it was previously, either by explicitly suspending or reducing access or by increasing barriers to access

 Mandate change

Policies that create requirements for individuals or organizations

Who Policy Primarily Affects

 Resident

Policies that primarily target individual residents and/or resident behavior

 Staff

Policies that primarily target staff and/or staff behavior

 System

Policies that primarily target or facilitate institutional change