Ending Isolation

In order to end prolonged isolation in the Connecticut Department of Correction, we will continue to fight for the following reforms:

● Time out of cell: No person will be involuntarily kept in their cell for more than sixteen hours per day.

● Communication: No person will be deprived of visits, phone calls, or mail privileges. All people, regardless of housing assignment, will have equal, protected access to visits, phone calls, and mail.

● Programming: A plan will be developed to provide all incarcerated people opportunities to participate in therapeutic, behavioral and educational programming.

● Restraints: Restraints are to be used only in the least restrictive form and for the least possible time necessary. They are never to be used for punishment, while the prisoner is showering, or while they are exercising.

● Data Reform: The DOC must report on the amount of time an individual spends in cell each day to get a better understanding of isolation in Connecticut’s prisons and jails.

● Correctional Officer Support: Corrections officers will be trained in recognizing and mitigating trauma among staff, and will be given access to worker’s compensation for mental health issues arising from their work.

● Oversight: A Corrections Advisory Council and Ombuds will oversee the implementation of these measures. The Ombuds will have authority to investigate CDOC, report on its findings, and make recommendations. The Ombuds will also have authority to respond to grievances from prisoners related both to these measures and other issues.