Views From the Inside: Insights About Restrictive Housing From Prison System Officials, Officers, and Staff

Abstract

Restrictive housing substantially limits inmate movement and privileges. Proponents argue it creates safer prison systems, while opponents claim it does not and harms inmates. However, few studies have systematically examined restrictive housing through the perspective of those who work in prison systems or scrutinized the diverse dimensions relevant to its appraisal. This study addresses this gap by drawing on qualitative data to examine how such individuals view the housing, its operational challenges, effectiveness, possible improvements, and potential alternatives. We present findings along each of these dimensions and then discuss their implications for research and policy.

Solitary Confinement and Prison Personnel: Emotional numbing as a response to work in extended restrictive housing*

“…Yet, as some scholars have highlighted (e.g. Mears et al, 2021), reliance on it may compromise this very goal or create unintended harmful effects. For these reasons, prison systems at the least may want to assess the impacts of their use of ERH and to consider possible effects not only on incarcerated persons and prison order but also on personnel and their families.…”

“…Prior accounts have described ERH work conditions as including greater uncertainty, relative to work in general population prison settings, in how individuals in the housing will behave (Cloud et al, 2015;Mears and Watson, 2006;Rudes, 2022). In Rudes' (2022) study on restrictive housing units, correctional staff described these units as "dangerous, hectic, under-resourced, and chaotic" (p. 27), and reported that it took a toll on their personal and professional lives (see also Mears et al, 2021). Media accounts (e.g.…”

“…Research shows that it adversely affects incarcerated persons in a variety of ways, and recent work (e.g. Mears et al, 2021;Rudes, 2022;Sundt, 2016) suggests it may also adversely affect personnel. Building on this work, and the insight that personnel who work in ERH may encounter unique challenges and elevated risks of trauma and violence, we investigate whether and how exposure to such conditions contribute to emotional numbing.…”