The forgotten goal of restoring misbehaving inmates must become a renewed priority. We need to constantly remember that many of these men and women were themselves victimized and suffered serious mistreatment as children. We need to understand that when inmates act out, it is a way for them to assert power and self-identity. Rather than treating them in a way that encourages anger and feelings of powerlessness and dehumanization, we need a system that allows inmates to experience empowerment, but in constructive ways. We need to shift our punitive thinking and actions towards a different model of inmate justice, which promotes accountability but also fosters restoration.
Improvements are necessary.
Most importantly, strict limitations on both the nature and length of sanctions are required. Solitary confinement should be reserved for only those inmates who are assaultive or otherwise determined to be dangerous based on specific acts. Generally, solitary confinement terms should be limited to a range of 30 to 60 days, except in cases of serious assaults or attempted assaults or serious threats to the safety or security of a prison. More programming, not less, is appropriate for inmates in solitary confinement, especially for those confined for more than 60 days, both to prevent deterioration and to address their needs. Such programming will not just reduce the number of inmates who return to solitary confinement, it will help better prepare inmates to return to their communities with positive attitudes, not with anger and severe mental health problems.