Solitary Confinement and Public Safety

Solitary confinement involves isolating inmates in a separate cell for extended periods, away from others. It is used for safety reasons, such as preventing violence or protecting staff, but it can negatively impact mental health and human rights. In terms of public safety, proponents argue it helps control dangerous individuals and prevents crime within prisons. Critics, however, emphasize that prolonged isolation may reduce an inmate’s chances of successful rehabilitation and reintegration into society, potentially increasing future risks. Balancing safety concerns with humane treatment is a key challenge in using solitary confinement responsibly.