Prison is an intimidating place — governed by its own culture, its own rules, and a system that can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve never dealt with it before. I’ve never met anyone who planned to go to prison, so it’s only natural that when a loved one is sentenced to serve time in a state penitentiary, you’re left with a flood of questions.
One of the first things to understand is the difference between custody level and security level — two terms that come up often but are commonly misunderstood.
Custody vs. Security Level
Here’s the basic distinction:
- Custody level applies to the person.
- Security level applies to the facility.
An incarcerated person’s custody level determines the type of security level facility where they’ll be housed.
Custody Levels in Alabama
Alabama uses several custody classifications:
- Close custody – Often called “maximum security” or “solitary.” Reserved for individuals who pose the highest security risk.
- Medium custody – The most common classification.
- Minimum-In – The person must remain within the facility’s fences.
- Minimum-Out – The person may work off-site under supervision.
- Minimum-Community – Better known as “work release.” The individual may work off-site without supervision.
Security Levels (SL) of Prison Facilities
Facilities in Alabama are assigned a security level (SL) based on physical design and other factors. The levels range from 1 to 5, though oddly, Security Level 3 is not used — and no one really knows why.
- SL-5 – Maximum security. Houses those with violent offenses, those serving life without parole, or individuals who’ve demonstrated violent behavior in custody.
- SL-4 – Medium security. Houses people in medium or minimum custody.
- SL-2 – Minimum security. For minimum custody individuals.
- SL-1 – Work release centers. For those in minimum-community custody.
Putting It Together
Let’s break it down with some examples:
- If your loved one says they’ve been assigned to work release, that means they are in minimum-community custody and will be housed at a SL-1 facility.
- If someone says they’ve been “closed out,” that means their custody level has been increased to close, and they’ll be moved to a SL-5 facility.
Understanding these distinctions helps you know what kind of environment your loved one is in, and what privileges or restrictions they may face.
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This post is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. If you are seeking representation or have questions about a specific case, please visit my website at hsizemorelaw.com.
Alabama State Bar, Rules of Professional conduct, Rule 7.2 (e), requires the following language in all attorney communications: No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.
Hayden Glass Sizemore 