NCJ Number
140878
Date Published
1987
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This briefing explains the policy for segregating British inmates under Prison Rule 43 (Rule 46 in the Youth Custody Centre Rules and the Detention Centre Rules), the conditions of segregation, and recommendations from the Chief Inspector's review (1986) of inmate segregation.
Abstract
Although solitary confinement is no longer permitted in prisons in England and Wales, inmates can still be kept in segregation through the use of Prison Rule 43, which provides for segregation when the prison authorities consider it necessary to maintain "good order and discipline" and when inmates request it for their own protection. Many more inmates are segregated for their own protection than for the maintenance of good order and discipline. The conditions under which segregated inmates live vary greatly among facilities. Generally, they have limited opportunities to engage in work, association, and education. Sometimes they must endure poor food, ill-fitting clothing, and inadequate sanitary arrangements. For some prison authorities inferior conditions are intended to discourage inmates from remaining in segregation for lengthy periods or from seeking segregation in the first place. The Chief Inspector has concluded that "segregated prisoners can be treated humanely without undermining discipline or efficiency" and that "a major aim should be to provide Rule 43 inmates with living conditions which are comparable to those of other inmates." For seriously disruptive inmates, a therapeutic facility has been established at Parkhurst; it is staffed by a mixture of security and hospital officers. Other such units are scheduled for completion at other facilities. 11 references