Prison segregation

Date and country of first publication

1997
United States

Definition

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Prison segregation refers to the practice of separating inmates within a prison based on various factors such as gender, age, security level, and offense committed. It is done to maintain order, safety, and security within the prison facility.

There are different types of segregation in prisons:

1. Gender segregation: In most prisons, male and female inmates are housed separately to minimize potential issues related to sexual assault, violence, and exploitation.

2. Age segregation: Younger inmates, especially those under the age of 18, are often kept separate from adult prisoners to protect them from potential harm or negative influences.

3. Security level segregation: Inmates are classified based on their risk level and separated according to their security classification. This helps to prevent conflicts between low-risk and high-risk prisoners and ensures that inmates are in an appropriate environment based on the level of threat they pose to others.

4. Administrative segregation: Sometimes referred to as solitary confinement or "the hole," this type of segregation is used to isolate inmates who have violated prison rules, pose a threat to others, or need protection from other inmates. It is typically used as a disciplinary measure or for ensuring the safety of the inmate or others.

While prison segregation has its benefits in terms of maintaining order and security, there are concerns regarding its potential negative effects on the mental health and well-being of inmates. Prolonged periods of isolation can lead to increased levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and even self-harm. Therefore, the use of prison segregation is often subject to scrutiny and debate regarding its appropriateness and potential abuse.

Further reading

Miller H.A.; Young G.R. (1997) "Prison segregation: Administrative detention remedy or mental health problem?", Criminal Behaviour and Mental Health, 7(1), pp. 85-94. . DOI: [htttp://doi.org/10.1002/cbm.146 10.1002/cbm.146]

Martel J. (2006) "To be, one has to be somewhere: Spatio temporality in prison segregation", British Journal of Criminology, 46(4), pp. 587-612. . DOI: [htttp://doi.org/10.1093/bjc/azl012 10.1093/bjc/azl012]

Fekete L.; Webber F. (2010) "Foreign nationals, enemy penology and the criminal justice system", Race and Class, 51(4), pp. 1-25. . DOI: [htttp://doi.org/10.1177/0306396810362868 10.1177/0306396810362868]

Brown E. (2020) "A systematic review of the effects of prison segregation", Aggression and Violent Behavior, 52(), pp. -. Elsevier Ltd. DOI: [htttp://doi.org/10.1016/j.avb.2020.101389 10.1016/j.avb.2020.101389]

Vitulli E.W. (2020) "“A means of assuring the safe and efficient operation of a prison” Segregation, security, and gender nonconformity", GLQ, 26(1), pp. 174-182. Duke University Press. DOI: [htttp://doi.org/10.1215/10642684-7929213 10.1215/10642684-7929213]