New Report Finds State May Be Overusing Solitary Confinement

A new study by a prison reform group finds that North Carolina may be overusing solitary confinement. It suggests that the state made improvements in the last several years, but more work needs to be done.

Inmates in solitary can spend up to 23 hours of their day in cells smaller than a parking space. Some may stay for years, often after being placed there for minor offenses.

The advocacy group Vera Institute of Justice issued the 90-page report.

It shows there's a significant staff shortage at prisons, which may lead to solitary being used as a quick fix solution. Plus, some inmates are using solitary as a way to get out of the general population if they're feeling threatened. 

The study also finds that minority prisoners are confined more often than white ones.

The Raleigh News and Observer reports that state prison officials hope to use the research to reduce the number of people in solitary confinement.