What are super-maximum security prisons?
The most dangerous inmates are generally kept in super-maximum security prisons or “Control Unit Prisons.” In addition to federal super-maximum facilities, many states and counties have also constructed (or adapted existing facilities into) super-maximum jails. • Most super-maximum facilities require that prisoners in a control unit be kept in solitary confinement for between twenty-two and twenty-three hours per day. The inmates are not allowed to eat, exercise, work, or attend religious services together. The inmates are considered to be in permanent solitary confinement, as opposed to other less-secure prisons where inmates may be placed in solitary confinement for a period of time in order to punish misbehavior. The inmates are given access to medical and mental health care, books, clergy, and religious materials.
