The cells have solid steel doors, cutting off contact with other inmates, with a window through which the guards can view the prisoners at any time. SHU inmates are allowed a limited number of possessions in their cells, including a radio and TV which they must purchase themselves. No clocks or watches are allowed. The security measures are stringent and follow statewide rules designed originally for high security units in maximum security prisons for men. The psychiatric and medical staff also voluntarily wear protective jackets if they need to talk to prisoners at their cell doors, even though the women are locked inside.
Armed guards oversee the exercise yards and the control booth inside the unit.
Amnesty International considers that many aspects of the security procedures imposed in the unit are oppressive and go beyond what is appropriate or necessary for the population confined there. Some of the procedures breach international standards on human dignity and privacy and are open to abuse. Some prisoners have complained that male guards peer at them while they are on the toilet or undressing. Prisoners told Amnesty International that some women deliberately expose themselves to male guards for extra provisions and that several guards have encouraged this. The showers are in an area in full view of the custody staff and have only small panels to cover the middle part of the prisoners' bodies.