The classification system was intended to award privileges to death row prisoners exhibiting good behavior.

[8] For the first time in MDOC history, the state began to allow death row prisoners to leave their housing units, with staff escorts, to eat meals.

When no serious incidents occurred, MDOC officials began to use an escort system so that death row prisoners could use the gymnasium.

The death row prisoners also began to have access to the law library, and were permitted to work in the laundry facility.

In April 2005, the site of executions was moved 25 miles (40 km) east to the Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center in Bonne Terre, Missouri.