History of the Supermax prison model

The Supermax prison model (short for “super-maximum security”) is designed to house the most dangerous criminals, those deemed a severe…

By Staff , in Technology , at October 21, 2024 Tags: prisons

Find Cheap Textbooks - Save on New & Used Textbooks at AbeBooks.com

The Supermax prison model (short for “super-maximum security”) is designed to house the most dangerous criminals, those deemed a severe threat to national or institutional security. Its history traces back to the late 20th century, primarily in the United States, reflecting changes in penal philosophies and practices.

Early Penitentiary Systems
The roots of Supermax prisons can be found in early penitentiary systems from the 19th century, such as the Pennsylvania system, where prisoners were held in solitary confinement for most of the day. These early systems emphasized isolation as a way to rehabilitate prisoners through reflection and penitence. However, as the 20th century unfolded, this model was criticized for its mental health effects, and prisons shifted toward more communal incarceration approaches.

Growth of Violent Crime and Prison Riots
By the 1970s and 1980s, a spike in violent crime, increasing gang activities within prisons, and several high-profile prison riots in the U.S. (notably the Attica Prison riot of 1971) caused significant concern among prison administrators and the public. These events highlighted the difficulty of controlling violent inmates within traditional maximum-security facilities. As a response, the idea of creating facilities that were even more secure, with greater control over the movement and behavior of inmates, gained traction.

Marion and the First Supermax Prison
One of the pivotal moments in the history of the Supermax model was the transformation of the U.S. Penitentiary in Marion, Illinois, in 1983. Marion had been the most secure prison in the federal system since its opening in the 1960s, but after two correctional officers were murdered by inmates, the entire prison was locked down. It operated on a permanent lockdown status, where prisoners were kept in their cells for 23 hours a day, only allowed out for one hour of exercise. Marion’s lockdown became a prototype for Supermax prisons.

The Florence ADX Model
In 1994, the United States Penitentiary Administrative Maximum Facility (ADX) in Florence, Colorado, was opened and became the model for modern Supermax prisons. Often referred to as the “Alcatraz of the Rockies,” it is designed to house the “worst of the worst” criminals. Inmates at ADX are typically those who have committed violent acts within other prisons or are deemed too dangerous to be housed in general populations. Prisoners are held in near-complete isolation, with minimal human contact, very limited opportunities for social interaction, and heavy restrictions on their movements.
Global Spread and Criticism

After ADX Florence, many other U.S. states began building Supermax facilities, and the concept spread globally. Countries like the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada have developed their own versions of Supermax prisons, designed to manage highly dangerous or disruptive inmates.

However, the model has been highly controversial. Critics argue that long-term solitary confinement can cause severe psychological damage, sometimes referred to as “Supermax Syndrome,” which may include symptoms like paranoia, depression, and hallucinations. Studies have shown that prolonged isolation can have detrimental effects on mental health, which has led to widespread criticism from human rights organizations and legal scholars.

Key Criticisms
Psychological Harm: Isolation for 23 hours a day with little sensory stimulation has been linked to severe mental health issues, particularly in inmates who already suffer from psychological disorders.
Human Rights Concerns: Organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have condemned Supermax prisons as violating the basic human rights of prisoners.
Lack of Rehabilitation: Critics argue that Supermax prisons focus solely on containment rather than rehabilitation, making it difficult for prisoners to reintegrate into society after release.
Cost: Supermax facilities are often extremely expensive to build and maintain, with the average cost of housing a prisoner in a Supermax unit being several times higher than that of a regular prison.

Recent Developments
In recent years, there has been a growing movement to reduce reliance on solitary confinement and Supermax-style incarceration. Some states in the U.S., as well as other countries, have moved toward limiting the use of solitary confinement, especially for juveniles and mentally ill prisoners. However, Supermax prisons continue to operate, largely under the justification of maintaining control over the most violent and unmanageable prisoners.