In my research on solitary confinement, I found this video by the American Friends Service Committee that highlights what solitary confinement is like for inmates in America:
The experience described only reinforces my commitment to limiting the use of solitary confinement in
- A limit on the number of consecutive days an inmate can spend in solitary confinement to 45 days,
- Establishment of a panel, which includes a medical professional, to review on a case-by-case basis the placement of an inmate with mental illness in solitary confinement and determine whether the placement suits the inmate’s medical needs,
- A ban on corporal punishment of prisoners,
- A ban on the use of restraint, 4-point restraint, chemical agents, chains, leg shackles, and handcuffs as a punishment, and
- A requirement that inmates being transferred out-of-state be transferred to a facility that meets the standards in
Maine
We’re currently working to bring other organizations on board in this effort. If you or your organization are interested in participating in this work, email me at btwofoot at mclu.org. As the bill moves through the legislative process, we will send action alerts out to members letting them know when to take action. Sign up for our action alert list here: http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/1459/t/2668/signUp.jsp?key=1352. To take immediate action, call the members of the Criminal Justice Committee of the Maine State Legislature and let them know you support LR 2289 and hope that they will make every effort to limit the use of solitary confinement in
