Civil rights violations such as shackling women during childbirth and unpaid forced labor within U.S. prisons have sparked national outrage. Incarcerated individuals continue to face unsafe conditions, unchecked correctional officer violence, and substandard health protocols. These issues compromise basic human rights and reveal systemic problems in the correctional system.
The system requires a comprehensive set of reforms, including updated facility standards, inmate protections, and oversight measures to ensure accountability. To improve justice and prevent abuse within prisons, let’s start with these reforms:
National Level Reform
Nationwide HVAC Standards
Federal legislation should establish nationwide HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) standards for all private and public prisons. Many U.S. prisons, particularly in southern states, lack proper air conditioning, leading to dangerous conditions for incarcerated individuals during extreme temperatures. According to the Prison Policy Initiative, over 65% of prisons in Texas lack A/C, with temperatures sometimes reaching life-threatening levels. Proper climate control is essential not only for humane living conditions but also for reducing risks of dehydration, heat stroke, and exacerbation of preexisting health conditions.
Affordable Nationwide Flat-Rate Phone Call Program
Incarcerated individuals often face exorbitant phone fees, with calls costing upwards of $10 for a brief conversation. A federally regulated, flat-rate phone call program would ensure that inmates can maintain affordable contact with family and support networks. Studies show that regular contact with loved ones improves inmate rehabilitation and mental health outcomes, helping reduce recidivism. Organizations such as The Marshall Project advocate for a flat-rate system that allows affordable, consistent communication as a step toward more humane and rehabilitative correctional practices.
Legislative Oversight and Accountability
Creating a dedicated federal oversight body to monitor prison abuse allegations could lead to improved accountability. An independent agency, similar to the Office of the Inspector General, would investigate allegations of abuse and misconduct by correctional officers and other staff. Amnesty International advocates for regular, unannounced inspections of correctional facilities to deter abuse, monitor conditions, and ensure that staff respect the civil rights of incarcerated individuals.
State Level Reforms
Abolition of Safety Chairs with Strict Limitations
Safety chairs, also known as restraint chairs, are intended to restrain violent inmates who may pose an immediate danger. However, reports of misuse and abuse abound, with some inmates kept in these chairs for hours or even days, causing physical and psychological trauma. Safety chairs should be banned nationwide, with strict exceptions for cases involving severe mental health crises or clear threats to physical safety. States such as California have already restricted their use due to excessive force allegations. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has reported numerous cases of abuse tied to these chairs, underscoring the urgent need for their abolition in most cases.
Enhanced Medical and Psychological Care
Providing accessible medical and psychological care within state prisons is critical. State-funded initiatives should support regular mental health screenings, access to psychological counseling, and appropriate treatment for physical health conditions. According to the National Institute of Justice, nearly half of all incarcerated individuals have a mental health diagnosis, yet access to consistent treatment remains limited. Ensuring that prisons meet basic medical and psychological care standards can prevent the dehumanization of individuals in custody and improve rehabilitation outcomes.
Improved Training for Correctional Officers
States must require correctional officers to undergo thorough training that includes de-escalation techniques, trauma-informed care, and cultural sensitivity. Human Rights Watch advocates for training that emphasizes non-violent management and respect for inmate rights, which can help reduce officer-on-prisoner violence and improve interactions between staff and inmates. By promoting trauma-informed practices, states can foster an environment that upholds the civil rights and dignity of incarcerated individuals.
Local Level Reforms: Change Happens at Home
Community Education
Local governments and correctional facilities should partner to educate communities about prisoners’ rights and the need for humane conditions. Misconceptions about prison life can contribute to apathy toward prisoners’ welfare. Community education campaigns can help dismantle stigma and encourage public support for prison reforms.
Local Oversight and Transparency
Counties should implement local oversight boards for prisons and jails to review inmate grievances and monitor compliance with state and national standards. These boards, composed of members from various sectors, can provide regular reports on prison conditions, offering a level of transparency that holds facilities accountable. Local oversight is particularly valuable for smaller, county-run jails where reporting is often limited.
Police and Correctional Officer Reforms
Trauma-Informed and De-escalation Training
Correctional officers should be required to undergo training focused on de-escalation tactics and trauma-informed care, similar to the programs recommended for police officers. Such training reduces the likelihood of excessive force and promotes an environment where officers treat inmates with dignity. The Vera Institute of Justice advocates for these training measures, noting that improved officer-inmate relationships contribute to safer environments for everyone in the facility.
Specialized Units for Inmate Protection
Establishing specialized units within correctional facilities to handle incidents involving vulnerable populations—such as those with mental illness or LGBTQ+ inmates—can prevent abuse and ensure targeted protections. These units can be staffed by officers trained to address the specific needs of high-risk inmates, minimizing conflicts and creating a safer environment.
Accountability Measures
Prisons must implement internal accountability protocols, such as body cameras for correctional officers and independent review boards for incidents involving alleged abuse. These measures can create transparency, deter abuse, and allow swift action when misconduct occurs. According to The Sentencing Project, accountability measures in correctional facilities lead to fewer incidents of abuse and improve conditions for inmates.
Judicial Reforms
Independent Review of Inmate Complaints
Judicial reforms could include the establishment of independent review processes for inmate complaints, allowing incarcerated individuals to report abuses without fear of retaliation. Courts should encourage and facilitate these reviews, ensuring fair consideration of grievances. Organizations such as Equal Justice Initiative advocate for such structures to give inmates a voice in the legal system.
Victim Advocacy Programs for Inmates
Victim advocacy programs should be extended to the prison system, offering inmates guidance and support in filing abuse claims. These advocates could help inmates navigate complaint processes and connect with resources for mental and physical recovery, if needed.
Comprehensive Sentencing Review
Incarcerated individuals with non-violent offenses should be eligible for comprehensive sentencing reviews, especially if they have demonstrated good behavior or significant rehabilitation progress. Excessively long sentences increase prison populations and strain resources, contributing to overcrowded and under-resourced facilities.
Societal Reforms
Cultural Change Around Inmate Rights
Society must address the pervasive stigmas that view incarcerated individuals as less deserving of basic rights. Public education campaigns can help shift perceptions, framing prison as a place for rehabilitation and emphasizing the importance of humane conditions for all.
Media Responsibility in Reporting on Prison Issues
Media outlets should report on prison abuses responsibly, avoiding sensationalism and focusing on systemic reform. Coverage that highlights both abuses and potential solutions can engage the public and put pressure on lawmakers to enact meaningful changes.
Educational Programs for Reintegration
Comprehensive educational programs within correctional facilities can reduce recidivism rates and help inmates reintegrate into society. These programs should cover basic life skills, career training, and mental health management to support successful reentry.
Improving justice and humane treatment for incarcerated individuals requires reform at every level—from national to local governments, within law enforcement, and throughout the judicial system.
Let’s hope these reforms get implemented, quickly. We can create a correctional system that upholds the civil rights and dignity of all individuals, ensuring that prisons serve as institutions of rehabilitation rather than sites of abuse.
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