Protective Custody in Prisons: Solitary or Shared Housing?

Life in prison is a complex and multifaceted experience, shaped by various factors such as prison policies, security needs, and individual inmate behaviors. Particularly for individuals housed in protective custody (PC), the issue of whether they stay alone or with a roommate can significantly impact their daily life and overall well-being. This article delves into the typical housing arrangements for PC inmates and the unique challenges and considerations involved.

Policies and Considerations

Prison facilities follow specific policies and guidelines when it comes to housing inmates in protective custody. These policies are designed to ensure safety for both the inmates and the staff, and they take into account the individual risk assessments of each detainee. In general, protective custody units are placed in areas with enhanced security measures, and the decision to house an inmate either alone or with a partner is made based on a variety of factors.

Violence and Safety Concerns

No to Single Cell Units: In contravention to common beliefs, protective custody inmates are rarely housed in solitary cells. In the absence of significant safety concerns—a history of violent behavior, for example—the typical arrangement involves shared housing. This is particularly true for those who are in protective custody due to behavioral issues but do not pose an immediate threat to others.

Shared Inmates with Similar Risk Levels

Same Risk Inmates: Protective custody units are designed to ensure that inmates are housed with others who share their level of risk. This means that inmates who have a history of violence or who have shown a propensity to harm others are predominantly placed with similarly risky inmates. This approach helps in maintaining a safer environment and reduces the likelihood of violent incidents.

Variability in Housing Accommodations

Fluctuating Housing Conditions: The housing arrangements for protective custody inmates can vary significantly depending on the phase of their stay, the type of prison or institution, and the availability of space. Different prisons may have different protocols, and sometimes changes in guards can influence these decisions.

Prison Type Housing Arrangements Single-Custody Facilities Almost always have a roommate Ad-Seg and SHU (Special Housing Units) Sometimes single cell occupancy with limited outside time Pending Units May start with single occupancy but move to double cells or dorms

Examples and Specific Facilities

There are specific facilities that offer unique setups for protective custody inmates. For example, USP Atwater had a whole unit dedicated to protective custody, consisting of double cells and a dayroom. Similarly, some prisons may have a "PC farm" where all inmates are in protective custody, moving around like the general population.

Specific Case Studies

A point of interest is the Southern California Correctional Center (SCCC). For a long time, it did not have a protective custody unit, but then they converted one wing of the hole (solitary confinement) into a PC unit. Previously, these cells were 2-man cells, so it's reasonable to assume they kept this setup when converting it to a PC unit. However, the exact specifics are uncertain, especially when considering the variations across different states and prison systems.

Conclusion

While protective custody arrangements can vary greatly depending on the specific circumstances, it is clear that shared housing is the norm. The primary concern remains ensuring the safety and security of both the inmates and the staff, with the immensely important consideration of risk management guiding these decisions. Individuals in protective custody are typically housed with others who share similar risk levels, and the housing arrangements can vary widely depending on the facility, phase, and spatial considerations.

As we learn more about the inner workings of prisons and the challenges faced by inmates, continued dialogue and research are essential in addressing the unique needs of individuals in protective custody and ultimately improving the overall prison environment.