Unveiling Colorado’s Covert Solitary Confinement: A Breach of Justice
In the shadows of Colorado’s Department of Corrections (CDOC), a clandestine solitary confinement unit operates, shrouded in a façade of compliance. Despite legislative strides to limit solitary confinement, CDOC persists in housing offenders with mental health disorders in isolation, raising questions about accountability.
Colorado’s legislative framework, epitomized by House Bill HB21-1211, unequivocally denounces long-term solitary confinement. Yet, within the walls of CDOC, a stark contradiction unfolds as the Management Control Custody (MCC) system becomes a veil for an illegal solitary confinement unit.
Understanding the Discrepancy: RH vs. MCC:
To comprehend the deception, one must distinguish between Restricted Housing (RH) and MCC. RH, commonly known as “The Hole,” confines offenders for a maximum of 15 days, providing 2 hours outside their cells each day. On the other hand, MCC, a purportedly maximum-security custody level, promises 4 hours of daily respite with meaningful human contact.
Debunking CDOC’s Narrative:
CDOC asserts that MCC functions as a rehabilitative tool post-RH, offering offenders a semblance of normalcy. The reality, however, starkly contrasts with this narrative. As an inhabitant of MCC for over 60 days, I attest that the promised 4 hours of daily relief and meaningful human contact are seldom realized. Access to indoor and outdoor recreational spaces remains severely restricted, and table time, meant for social interaction, often transforms into a torturous experience, as detailed in my blog post, “Solitary.”
A Breach of Legal and Ethical Standards:
Colorado has unequivocally defined the limits of acceptable solitary confinement practices. The attempts to rebrand and rename the MCC cannot mask the stark reality—offenders with mental health disorders endure isolation without the mandated respite. This blatant disregard for legal standards designates CDOC’s actions as an illegal solitary confinement unit, demanding scrutiny and accountability.
The covert operations within CDOC’s MCC expose a glaring breach of justice, challenging the very essence of Colorado’s commitment to humane and lawful incarceration. As advocates for justice, it is imperative to shed light on these obscured realities and hold the Department of Corrections accountable for the grave violation of legal and ethical standards.
If you wish to correspond:
Steve Ogden Jr. DC# 109636 Po Box 600 Canyon City, Colorado 81215
You can also reach me through www.Jpay.com
