The prison community coined the term 23/1, to describe the schedule of inmates spending 23 hours of cell time and 1 hour outside confinement. Prolonged periods of isolation such as ‘23 and 1’ vary depending on the facility and circumstance. However, prisoners generally spend most of their time locked up in their cells.
In the recent Netflix series Unlocked: A Jail Experiment, a significant change decided by the Sheriff is to completely terminate 23/1 to allow the inmates the privilege to use the commodity around the unit whenever they want freely. Inmates highly regard such authorisation and utilise it to ‘let off steam’ by interacting with inmates, watching TV, and playing sports and board games It was evident in the documentation that after the 23 hours of lockdown, conflict arose the moment the doors opened. However, the prisoners found a way to stabilise themselves and others to avoid revoking the new rules.
According to the government chief inspector of prisons, inmates should experience the outside conditions for at least 10 hours for their mental well-being and support the ability to rehabilitate. Yet, as specified by the Gov.UK, ‘’All prisoners should be able to spend between 30 minutes and an hour outside in the open air each day’.’
Increasing fights and misunderstandings also heighten the tension between inmates which may lead to serious confrontations. The ‘built-up’ anger and frustration are ineffectively dealt with if prisoners are confined in a cramped space for the majority of the day. Therefore, authorising longer hours to enjoy the natural environment and exercise allows the inmates to channel their pent-up emotions to productive activity.
Definitions of Solitary confinement are the enforced isolation from human contact where one may be detained in a singular space, alone for long periods. The practice was only meant for extreme cases where the inmate may show signs of self-harm. However, the definition differs for the general prisoners as they spend their isolation with a cell partner or multiple. Thus, they may not be robbed of human contact but still face possible psychological suffering.
Edward Argar, UK Minister of State for prisons, stated that ‘’Prisoners are spending up to 23 hours a day locked up in their cells as a direct result of overcrowding and the prisons capacity crisis caused by this Government.’’ The terrible conditions of the cell exuberate the possible effects on one’s psyche. At a prison in Devon, HMP Exeter, an inspector discovered exposed electric wires and missing glass from windows. Moreover, 85% of the inmates were crammed in a cell designed for one.
Some may argue that solitary confinement violates Human Rights, regardless of whether they are criminals. Isolation undoubtedly heightens the risk of detrimental psychological implications and risk of severe self-harm. The inmate receiving ‘’reduced environmental stimulation’’ such as social isolation and outside time reduces one’s sensory input. However, inmates can also be subjected to overstimulation from the nature of their confined space – bright lights, rank smell, and loud noises.
The creation of heavy surveillance and extremely harsh and deprived confinement may have critical outcomes which include heightened chances of self-execution and self-harm. This can be supported by Dr Sharon Shalev, who authored ‘A sourcebook on solitary confinement’, listing copious problems from feelings of anxiety and depression to hallucinations and psychosis. Not only does isolation affect one mentally but also physically as Dr Shalev goes on to discuss effects like hypersensitivity to light and noise, digestive problems, eyesight deterioration and many more.
Moreover, during the Pandemic, prisoners were placed in solitary confinement. Studies record the ‘’widespread trauma’’ and found scores for depression and anxiety to be five times higher than the general population. The overall suggestion, solitary confinement further hinders the prisoners’ ability to effectively socialise themselves in society and worsens their mental and physical health, which does not elevate their criminal tendencies.
By Nikath Yr12
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Another fantastic article Nikath. Well done