Even as more and more solitary confinement practices come under increased scrutiny, the NYC Department of Correction (DOC) implemented a new form of isolation this past July – Separation Status – for incarcerated New Yorkers after contraband searches, The City reported this past week. Next month at a public hearing, the NYC Board of Correction will determine if the DOC can continue using this practice.

“Separation status is a clear end run around crucial protections designed to limit New Yorkers’ contact with solitary confinement. Especially in the wake of recent tragic deaths in custody, it is unconscionable that the city is adding new punitive policies,” said Kayla Simpson, Staff Attorney with the Prisoners’ Rights Project at The Legal Aid Society.

The Prisoners’ Rights Project has served as a leading advocate of humane and constitutional conditions in the New York City jails and State prisons for over 45 years. Learn more about their work.