Shelby County moves to codify limits on solitary confinement after reforms

Shelby County officials asked committees on Oct. 22 to codify recent reforms that reduce the use of solitary (restrictive housing) and to require more programming and oversight for inmates held out of general population.

A county official summarized the evidence that prolonged isolation harms mental and physical health, cited United Nations guidance limiting continuous solitary to 15 days, and urged the county to set humane local rules that will survive administrative turnover. Director of Corrections Anthony Alexander described a tiered Behavioral Compliance Review Board (BCRB) that reviews placements weekly and includes mental-health professionals, counselors and correctional staff.

Alexander told commissioners the most restrictive tier (red) permits two hours out-of-cell per day and that stays in that highest tier are typically limited to 14 days; anything beyond that requires his explicit approval. The department said it has introduced tablets, virtual visitation, expanded programming (anger management, employment readiness, parenting classes) and increased phone and visitation access to mitigate harms and to reduce assaults and vandalism.

Officials also addressed recent media reports about juveniles; county staff said juvenile restrictive housing practices stopped immediately when the county assumed administration of the juvenile facility. Commissioners asked for continued reporting and for the department to return with data on incidents and program outcomes.

The committee added sponsors and gave the ordinance a favorable recommendation to advance the measure so the new rules can be codified and applied systemwide.