In a correctional facility, what is a Special Housing Unit (SHU)? In slang terms, sometimes the Special Housing Unit (SHU) is also known as “the hole” by the prisoners and guards. Well, here, let us talk about the Special Housing Unit (SHU) in a Correctional Facility.
What is a Special Housing Unit (SHU)?
A Special Housing Unit (SHU) is a high security area within a correctional facility, such as jail or prison, that is used for the inmates who can harm other inmates or potentially be at risk if left in the general population. Simply, A Special Housing Unit (SHU) is how the Federal Bureau of Prison segregates the prisoners. Inside the Special Housing Units (SHUs), conditions can vary. It depends on the correctional facility; prison or jail, and its policies. Usually, inmates spend most of their time in their cells. They have limited chances for recreation. Also, they have limited opportunities to contact other inmates and the outside world.
Generally, Special Housing Units (SHUs) have one, two, or three person cells, while other Special Housing Units (SHUs) only offer solitary cells. The facilities of the Special Housing Units (SHUs) are very basic. The inmates are not allowed to possess electronics and certain items authorized for the general population. Occasionally, the unit is used for disciplinary purposes. Inmates in the Special Housing Units (SHUs) for disciplinary reasons, they will remain in solitary cells to limit communication between others.
Within the unit, inmates stay in their cells. Usually, meals or letters are delivered directly to them. If an inmate needs medical attention, then doctors and nurses will come to the inmate’s cell for basic evaluations and treatment. If there is a more complex medical problem, prison officials may authorize a transfer. Usually, inmates are monitored using cameras and visual checks to identify any safety issues.
The inmate’s family and friends can assist alleviate such suffering by visiting their loved ones as much as possible. Also, Inmate’s family and friends can send their loved ones some books, magazines, or newspapers to fill out their time and mind while in the Special Housing Units (SHUs). Aside from that, letters are also very important. So, the inmate’s family and friends should send letters for their loved ones who are in the SHUs as often as possible. Surely, these all can help alleviate sadness and suffering of the inmates.
Categories of Inmates Who Are Housed in SHUs
Here are three categories of inmates who are housed in the Special Housing Units:
- Inmates who are on disciplinary segregation as a result of formal disciplinary findings.
- Inmates who are on administrative detention pending transfer or investigation of a disciplinary offense.
- Inmates who are in protective custody.
Basically, all three groups receive the same treatment, regardless of their status. Most units consist of a bunk bed, a toilet/sink combo, a frosted window (so the inmates inside cannot see out of it), and perhaps a desk and shower. Probably, this truly is the lowest existence in federal prison. Usually, most inmates have access to recreation for about one hour on weekdays. But some inmates choose to stay in their cells due to sometimes assaults in recreation cages.
Inmates who are in disciplinary segregation, they are allowed to buy stamps and hygiene items. While inmates who are on administrative detention, they can buy limited commissary products. On the other hand, those in the Special Housing Units (SHUs) who still retain their visitation and telephone privileges will be able to receive visitors and make phone calls, but both are very limited. In most Special Housing Units (SHUs), usually inmates can make up to three 15-minute calls a month. And, they have restricted visitation periods.
For inmates who are in the Special Housing Units (SHUs) for a disciplinary offense, they must wait until their disciplinary segregation sanction is completed. For inmates who are in the SHUs to wait for clearance to be placed in the general population or transfer to another prison, there is not much that can be done by them to speed up the process. However, inmates who are in the Special Housing Units (SHUs) for protective custody can request to be deprived of their status and released back into the general population.
Reasons Why Inmates End Up in SHUs
Apparently, there are some reasons why an inmate ends up in the Special Housing Unit (SHU).
- New inmates will be housed in the Special Housing Unit (SHU) first to give prison officials time in determining how they will respond to imprisonment so that they will be able to be assigned to suitable units.
- Inmates will be sent back to the Special Housing Unit (SHU) for disciplinary offense or when other inmates threaten them, indicating they need to be separated for safety.
- Prison officials have considerable leeway to make decisions about inmates’ transfers, especially in a situation where fast response is necessary.
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