New York City Council Votes to Ban Most Uses of Solitary Confinement in Jails

Despite Opposition from Mayor Eric Adams, the Bill Has Enough Support to Override a Potential Veto

New York City Council has voted in favor of banning most uses of solitary confinement in city jails, with a vote of 39 to 7. The measure allows for a four-hour 'de-escalation' period during emergencies and requires detainees to spend at least 14 hours outside of their cells each day.
The bill faces opposition from Mayor Eric Adams, who has expressed concerns about the safety of jails without the use of solitary confinement. However, the bill has enough support from the city's legislative body to override a potential veto.
The move follows scrutiny over deaths reported at the Rikers Island jail complex and in various facilities across the city, some of which were linked to prolonged use of solitary confinement.
Supporters of the ban, including New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, argue that solitary confinement is a form of psychological torture and that its end will improve conditions in the city's jails.
Opponents of the bill, including the Correction Officers' Benevolent Association, argue that the ban will jeopardize the safety of guards and inmates. They have been advocating for alternatives such as incentive- and program-based forms of separation for inmates rather than isolation.