The Humane Alternatives to Long-Term Solitary Confinement Act (HALT Act) has adversely affected the operations and security of the Orange County Corrections Division. We argue that this act was unnecessary, as existing state regulations were already addressing concerns over solitary confinement.
The HALT Act claims that prolonged solitary confinement can cause severe psychological and physical harm. However, prior regulations implemented through Chairman’s Memorandum No. 1-2019 already mandated a minimum of four hours of out-of-cell time for inmates in segregation, while allowing facility security measures to be maintained.
Following the HALT Act’s implementation, we have observed troubling trends in facility safety and inmate behavior. From 2018 to 2024, the average daily inmate population dropped from 712 to 354, yet this reduction did not correlate with improved safety. Albany bureaucrats who create bills as a one-size fits all remedy for inmate populations that vary from facility to facility are out of touch with the reality of what goes on inside county jails and state facilities.
Just in our jail, statistics reveal over a 200% increase in inmate-on-inmate assaults between 2018 to 2024 following the HALT Act. Similarly, the number of inmate fights, previously declining, surged after the act’s passage. The requests for protective custody have also spiked, indicating that inmates feel increasingly unsafe. Contrary to what TV or film portray, our jail does not have, and never had, solitary confinement or “hole” for inmates who violate policies and procedures. Many inmates simply want to remain alone to deal with their own situation without being confronted with other inmates who may want to inflict harm or force them to perform illegal or immoral activities.
Despite fewer inmates, the stability of use-of-force incidents demonstrates ongoing security challenges. Our data shows that incidents involving multiple inmates have increased significantly, highlighting a rise in volatility within the facility. This volatility jeopardizes the safety of our inmate population, our officers and civilian contractors, clergy and volunteers that are trying to provide services within the facility.
Last year to improve safety for the inmates and our officers, we purchased body scanners which identify contraband that is being slipped into our jail. While contraband incidents surged in the post-HALT Act, a reduction in 2024 is attributed to the introduction of these scanners that screen inmates upon entry. The Governor refused to sign legislation that would afford the ability to search visitors who come to county jails, thus creating gaps in security.
In conclusion, the HALT Act has led to rising violence and safety risks despite a reduction in inmate numbers. We advocate for reviewing and changing these policies to find a balance between rehabilitative efforts and the safety of all individuals within the corrections system.
