The New York City Council has recently passed a bill aimed at reforming the city's approach to solitary confinement in jails. This move, outlined in Introduction 549-A, sponsored by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, aims to ban the use of solitary confinement, except in cases where a person engages in a violent incident in custody. Under this new bill, all individuals in city custody will be guaranteed at least 14 hours of out-of-cell time in shared spaces, fundamentally changing the current disciplinary process.
The City Council's decision, which succeeded on a 39-7 vote, faces opposition from Mayor Eric Adams, who told reporters this week that while he doesn't believe in solitary confinement, he also doesn't "like" the bill in its current form. — NBC News NYC lawmakers ban solitary confinement in its city jails
The use of solitary confinement has long been a contentious issue. Statistics and research have shown that even a few days in solitary can lead to a significantly heightened risk of death by accident, suicide, violence, overdose, and other causes. Studies indicate that those placed in solitary confinement are over seven times more likely to self-harm and six times more likely to commit fatal self-harm. Furthermore, solitary confinement has been linked to the induction of acute anxiety, depression, psychosis, and other mental health impairments, which can severely hinder an individual's ability to reintegrate into society upon release. This issue disproportionately affects Black and brown people, who are more likely to be put in solitary confinement.
Supporters of the ban argue that solitary confinement is inhumane and a violation of basic human rights. Advocates for the ban assert that ending solitary confinement is not only a moral imperative but also beneficial for public safety, as it aims to make jails and the city safer overall. Opponents of the ban, however, raise concerns about the safety and management of jails. They argue that solitary confinement, when used properly, is a necessary tool for maintaining order and safety within the jail system, especially for managing individuals who commit violent acts while in custody.
The city's decision to ban most uses of solitary confinement reflects a significant shift in policy and a move towards more humane treatment of incarcerated individuals. What do you think? Do you agree with the New York City Council bill that would ban most forms of solitary confinement?