Solitary Confinement History

History The idea of solitary confinement as a method of deterrence did not gain popularity until the 19th century, practices with its characteristics are found throughout history. However, it was not until the mid-nineteenth century that history shows solitary confinement used as a tool of manipulation to get information from prisoners of war (POW). This was accomplished by sensory deprivation, where an individual’s unmet needs were used against them until the desired information was acquired. After the effects of sensory deprivation among POWs were brought to the attention of both media and researchers, there began a large controversy regarding methods of the correctional system and their aftereffects. For example, confessions

Inmates are held between 21 - 23 hours a day in their cells, where they have little space to themselves. Most cells hold a bed and a sink on occasion a toilet or desk bolted to the floor. Doors may be made out of a single sheet of metal with a slot to facilitate communication between inmates and staff or a heavily barred door with a small window set high in the frame (Smith, 2006, 443). Offenders are only taken out of their cells to use the restroom, shower, exercise yard, or go to the visitation center. The intervals of time between these periods of freedom differ from facility to facility. For example, inmates at one facility in solitary confinement may only be allowed to shower three times a week, while others housed in a different facility may be able to shower up to five times. When being transported to locations, inmates are placed in heavy restraints, usually at the hands and feet, which connect to a chain around their stomach. They are also escorted by several correctional officers at once (Smith, 2006, 443; Haney, 2003,

Most interact with correctional officers only at mealtimes or if they are being escorted to different locations. In addition, visitation guidelines are extremely strict, if allowed at all. The prison may turn away visitors for no specific reason and visitation privileges may be withheld from inmates for even minor infractions. Despite the existence of mental health issues in offenders especially those in confinement, it is rare to see a psychiatrist or mental health staff in that area of the facility. In part, this is made possible by the increase of technology in correctional facilities. For example, officers may interact with inmates via an intercom system instead of having to respond physically to the cell. Tours of cellblocks are also more infrequent as cameras are found everywhere throughout the facility, aimed to lower rates of violent encounters between inmates and staff. For mental health staff, consultations and check-ins can be made through teleconferencing. Inmate’s privileged enough to have face-to-face interactions with psychiatrists do so in specialized cells with heavy mesh separating them or in full restraints (Smith, 2006,