Join Our Campaign to End Solitary Confinement in Maine’s Corrections System
Mainers are joining a nationwide campaign against the use of solitary confinement. We the undersigned support a ban on solitary confinement, which is any form of cell confinement for more than 20 hours a day. We also support setting standards for isolating a person alone in a cell for more than 17 hours a day. Solitary confinement does not make communities safer. Solitary confinement or long isolation in a cell is cruel, very damaging to both people and communities, and expensive.
The problems of solitary confinement or forms of isolation in a cell for many hours are well established:
It’s a form of torture, causing terrible suffering and physical harm
It’s unjust because it happens more to black, brown, the poor, and other minorities
It is unethical because it is used to control young people and people with mental illness
It increases violence when those harmed by the practice are released into the general population without treatment
Suicide and self injury occur more often for those held in isolation
Holding people in isolation costs taxpayers more
People who have been in solitary confinement or long isolation in a cell are more likely to return to jail or prison
Rosanna: Son died while in Solitary Confinement.
MPAC supports legislative actions that will take important steps toward a more human, healthier, and less costly carceral system, including:
Ban solitary confinement
Prohibit those under age 21, over age 55, who have disabilities, are pregnant, or have recently given birth fro being isolated in their cells for 17 or more hours a day
Limit the number of days a person can be isolated in a cell
Limit the use of isolation in a cell to reasons of safety, not punishment
Require timely health check-ups and care
Require that those placed in isolation move rapidly to a unite which while provide rehabilitation treatment and services
Provide for staff training
Ensure access to legal assistance
Make certain that basic needs are met, such as clothing, food, or bedding
Norman Kehling: 7 years in solitary confinement
Robert “Paco” Payzant: 18 months in solitary confinement.
Lori Swain: Son Zack in solitary confinement for 5 years
Isolation in a cell for more than 20 hours a day should never be used in Maine. Additionally, any form of isolation in a cell for more than 17 hours a day should only be used short term with the goal of returning a healthier person to the general jail or prison population as quickly as possible. Isolation in a cell must not be used as a punishment.
Joseph, Kevin, and Mikol: Experienced solitary confinement in Maine’s corrections system.
Thank you to all of those involved in the making of this campaign to end solitary confinement in Maine’s correctional system.