What Is the Difference in Supermax Prisons?

Supermax prisons house inmates considered to be the most violent and dangerous.

Supermax prisons, also called control unit prisons, were developed specifically for the correction system's most dangerous and violent inmates. These prisons offer maximum security, along with harsh standards of imprisonment, for these violent offenders.

Inmate Interaction

Unlike other types of prisons, supermax prisons minimize contact among inmates, with as much as 23 hours of confinement per day - the reason why they are considered permanent solitary-confinement prisons. Many limit the contact prisoners have with guards as well, using automated cell doors and locks that enable guards to have minimal interaction with prisoners.

Outside Contact

Many supermax prisons have no windows, which means no views in or out, limiting or completely eliminating access to the outside world. In other types of prisons, good behavior allows inmates access to the Internet and even visitation. In supermax prisons, good behavior only allows inmates more exercise time and possibly access to facilities like prison libraries.

Living Conditions

Inmates eat, sleep and use the toilet in their individual cells. Meals are slid through a slot in the wall, and inmates are shackled at all times when outside of their cells, including the one to two hours of daily exercise they may be allowed.

References

• Morton and Germany PLLC: Criminal Defence---Types of Jails and Prisons
• Third World Traveler: Return of the Madhouse
• All Business: A Critical Look at Supermax Prisons