Reducing the ad-seg population

I’ve mentioned before that Colorado probably overuses administrative segregation (otherwise known to most as solitary confinement). Currently the rate of prisoners in solitary confinement is Colorado is several times the national average. Segregation is certainly a useful tool for increasing prison security. Many of the more violent inmates will harm other inmates or guards if left out in the general population. That said, segregation also causes a number of problems. Because those in segregation don’t have access to rehabilitative programs, and are on their own all the time, they are less well adjusted when they are released. If they are released straight back into the community, they are more likely to commit violent acts and harm people or end up back in prison.

The other problem with segregation is that it is quite simply more expensive, and in a state as cash-strapped as Colorado that makes a big difference. Prisons and education are by far the biggest expenditures for the state. And it’s pretty evident that the relative poverty of the state, and not a farsighted view of correct prison policy is what’s driving the push to reduce the segregated population:

The reduction in administrative segregation also was called for following an independent analysis by the National Institute of Corrections, the U.S. Department of Justice and two national corrections experts.

“This is an excellent example of good government and how to tackle tough issues head-on,” Gov. John Hickenlooper said. “In these times of tight budgets, the department is doing a remarkable job of balancing costs with appropriate levels of security.”

Though it’s heartening to hear that prison administrators are being attentive to the recommendations of the national advisors, it’s not clear whether this stuff will matter when the budget pressure isn’t as acute. After all, most of the prisons are operated by contractors who are looking at them as a paycheck as opposed to a public service. As such, the more expensive segregated population is a profit center as opposed to a problem. Follow this sort of thing closely as the state’s budget cycles back into the black again and we shall see how serious DOC is about preventing recidivism.