The Kern County Sheriff’s Office Classification Unit is a working component of the Inmate Services Section that is dedicated to population management of an average daily population of 2500 inmates. The unit follows a structured plan which provides a safe and secure custodial environment protecting both inmates and staff.  The unit follows an established uniform procedure for the classification of inmates with classification staff systematically and continually assessing the risk criteria and custody requirements for all persons confined.  The classification of inmates is equitable and objective without discrimination against any individual based on sex, race, color, creed, cultural background, physical handicap, or national origin.
 
The Classification Unit is also responsible for collecting DNA on inmates. All sentenced felons are subject to DNA collection. DNA collection consists of a bucal swab that scrapes the saliva and skin cells from the inner cheek of the prisoners mouth and a set of palm prints that are then fowarded to the Department of Justice. DNA profiles on file assist law enforcement in solving crimes as well as exonerate persons wrongly accused of a crime. Starting in 2009, all adults arrested on felony charges were required to submit to DNA collection.

In an effort to combat gang violence, the classification unit works diligently in identifying gang members incustody. Gang deputies assigned to the Classification Unit work with allied law enforcement agencies, not only on the local and state level, but nationwide.