First:

My first thought is a proactive approach to solving conflict. Inmate refuses to participate in plans or scheme by shot-caller. Goes to guard. Says: “I want no part of this.” Bang, shot-caller goes to ISO. End of story.

The problem with this that the problem is systemic (i.e. gangs in prisons). Where one gets isolated from inciting conflict, another takes this place. And the person who “snitched” is prone to retribution. Until animals get the point — this increases the need for SHU.

But, ISO is bad, so, at some point, you need to let them back out. (Longer stints; and stints increasing for recurring events make things worse.) And because they’re bitter about their own actions — revenge (more problems).

But ISO is not the initial cause of this problem. The initial cause is a power & control psychology. These (problem) people need to be identified and isolated from those who just want to serve their time with no problems.

The problem is systemic. I don’t know how to solve this problem. It’s a psychology thing beyond my grasp. I’m sorry for even bringing up this ambiguity.

Second:

Let me turn my ambiguity on it’s head.

What would be your suggestion for solving this problem?

(It is a problem that needs to be solved — you cannot let people roam free to cause problems. This will lead to bigger problems, such as the rape epidemic in prisons. How do you discipline people who are already in prison being disciplined — there have to be repercussions. The threat of more time via more charges being filed isn’t going to stop this. The same as ISO isn’t going to stop this; but just compounds the problem.)

The problem is pre-existing with lack of policing and indifference by the system itself. (Good luck solving that — I love what you wrote, but, the system ain’t changing.)

Third:

Some humor…

This is to say… put the worst-of-the-worst violent people who require power and control in a non-ISO unit on their own… and let them rape and kill each other off… does that sound good? (Since we can’t control them, they’re going to try to exert power and control over someone, and they’re going to act out whether we try to treat them like humans or stick them in smaller cages… we just throw them all in one big cage and play musical chairs with beds… does that sound good?)

… and we’ll have a balanced budget …

… but of course, eventually they’ll complain about being fenced-in to a whole state is somehow inhumane isolation. (Because, really, what is discipline when we let animals roam free… just like now!)

But just to be clear: Isolation doesn’t cause rape. While ISO may be inhumane and unproductive. Rape is promulgated by people seeking power and control over others, and if it’s not rape, then it’s manipulating other people into negative attitudes and behavior… the core psychology behind lost of self-control and lost executive control (being in prison in the first place).

Best I’ve got. Sorry my ideas aren’t any better. Probably wouldn’t matter anyway.