By Tate McCotter, NIJO Executive Director An April 5, 2023, headline from AP News stated “West Virginia Atheist Inmate Sues Over Christian Programming”.1 The news article details how the inmate has taken legal action against multiple officials overseeing the administration of West Virginia’s correctional facilities. He claims that the state has infringed upon his constitutional…
Using Solitary Confinement as an Inmate Management Tool – Part II
An important discretionary tool in maintaining safety and security is solitary confinement. Solitary confinement is a highly effective tool needed and utilized by jail and prison administrators. This allows for the separation of inmates who have demonstrated,through their actions,that they pose a threat to the safety of inmates,staff and the public. Administrators have no option but to isolate inmates who continue to engage in criminal activities while being incarcerated.
The Implications of Brady-Giglio for Law Enforcement
Editor’s Note: Because the language in the Brady-Giglio policy references law enforcement agencies and police officers specifically,those terms have been used throughout this article for consistency. However,it is important to note that the Brady-Giglio policy encompasses those who work in all areas of law enforcement,and as such,is applicable to all corrections staff/officials working in jails and prisons as well.
Can Prisoners Stand Their Ground?
In a recent case,the District of Colorado dismissed murder charges against a prison inmate who claims he acted in defense of an intrusion into his dwelling.
Electronic Messaging in Jails
The resource that could actually aide Corrections in reducing contraband and criminal communication in jails and prisons. Many officials believe this to be an inmate E-Mail system; however,that assessment is incorrect.
Electronic Messaging as a Resource
A Standards Journey
It was forty years ago this summer that I began working in local corrections in Alabama. At that time,there was an emerging concern about lack of standards,guidelines,policies,etc.,to guide local jail officials. This concern,coupled with an absence of formal training,led to a search for solutions. Prompting that search was the growing amount of litigation against local jails.
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