Use of Isolation/Solitary Confinement

State Sued Over Prisoner's Death

January 3, 2012
Richard Gifford, a developmentally disabled prisoner, died in a segregation cell at the Oregon State Penitentiary after injecting an "undetermined drug or toxin." His mother is suing the state, claiming his death was the result of "deliberate indifference" by prison employees (Statesman Journal).

Some "Smart on Crime" Reforms that are Working

December 7, 2011
Necessitated by harsh economic times and encouraged by declines in crime rates, a number of states have made significant strides in reducing the number of people in prisons and jails and cutting spending while maintaining public safety.

Article by Denise Welch

Tortured by Solitude

November 17, 2011
“Don’t worry,” I told myself, “this is probably your last day alone, they can’t just let you go crazy in here.” (The New York Times)
 
By SARAH SHOURD, The New York Ti

Indefinite solitary confinement persists in California prisons

September 23, 2011
Long abandoned by many states, the practice is a last resort for California authorities struggling to thwart gang activity and extract information from the most hardened members. Critics say it amounts to torture. (LA Times)

Indefinite solitary confinement persists in California prisons

PSJ's Youth Justice Report - Misguided Measures

September 19, 2011
Giving a voice to those youth who are sent to adult jails or prisons to await trial or carry out there sentences when they are not adults. Misguided Measures represents the impact that Measure 11 has on Oregon's Youth.

Historic California Assembly Hearing on Solitary Confinement

September 7, 2011
In response to the statewide prison hunger strike in July, the Public Safety Committee of the California State Assembly, chaired by State Assemblyman Tom Ammiano, met on Tuesday to discuss the conditions in California’s Secure Housing Units. Solitary Watch

Historic California Assembly Hearing on Solitary Confinement

Cruel Isolation: A California prison protest spotlighted widespread use of torturous solitary confinement.

August 25, 2011
Americans should be disgusted and outraged that prolonged solitary confinement, sometimes for months or even years, has become a routine form of prison management. It is inflicting unnecessary, indecent and inhumane suffering on tens of thousands of prisoners. (NYT)

Cruel Isolation: A California prison protest spotlighted widespread use of torturous so

At hearing, prison officials says Pelican Bay isolation policies will change

August 25, 2011
Last month’s inmate hunger strike at Pelican Bay State Prison near the Oregon border has prompted a review of the way dangerous inmates are housed. And now a top state prison official has told Sacramento lawmakers to expect changes. (KPCC)

At hearing, prison officials says Pelican Bay isolation policies will change

Hunger Strike Puts Focus On Calif. Prison Conditions

July 22, 2011
A three-week hunger strike by prisoners in California further highlighted perceived problems with the state's huge prison system. This protest was chiefly driven by demands for an end to long-term solitary confinement. (National Public Radio)

More Mentally Ill Persons Are in Jails and Prisons Than Hospitals

May 18, 2010
Americans with severe mental illnesses are three times more likely to be in jail or prison than in a psychiatric hospital, according to new report: "More Mentally Ill Persons Are in Jails and Prisons Than Hospitals: A Survey of the States". (Treatment Advocacy Center)

 Severely Mentally Ill Persons More Likely to be in Jails than Hospitals,

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