Nelson Mandela, for whom the United Nations “Mandela Rules” for solitary confinement is named after, once said “The full contribution which our prisons can make toward a permanent reduction in the country’s crime rate lies also in the way in which they treat prisoners. We cannot emphasize enough the importance of both professionalism and respect for human rights.”

The Mandela Rules has often been raised since the issue of solitary confinement started taking center stage back at the Aug 10 Lehigh County Commissioners meeting.

The essence of the above quote and how it pertains to the issue of solitary confinement of inmates of the Lehigh County Jail was the main focus of the Sept. 7 Courts and Corrections meeting, chaired by Lehigh County Commissioner Zach Cole-Borghi.

Lehigh County Jail Director Janine Donate spent nearly two hours addressing concerns from both members of the public and commissioners about the treatment of the county’s inmates, specifically those who spend time in solitary confinement and the possible effects it might have on their mental health.

One of the participants described his experience in solitary confinement as torture, adding it “destroys people.” Someone else reminded the committee inmates are human beings.

Addressing these concerns, Donate started by explaining her department is focused on two key ideas in its policy-mission. The first idea is based on authority, meaning the right to take away liberties if the situation warrants it. The second idea is based on responsibilities, meaning to not only protect the community, but also ensure an inmate receive basic necessities, such as food, clothing and medical attention.

As for decisions pertaining to solitary confinement, Donate noted sometimes segregation of an inmate is based on factors concerning the safety for that individual such as a street issue which is brought into the jail community, placing a specific inmate in danger.

She said sometimes segregation is used as a form of disciplinary conduct. Report and documentation always take place in such a circumstance.

Donate also stressed the Lehigh County jail does everything possible to protect the mental health of all of its current 743 inmates, including those that find themselves in solitary confinement. Unlike a prison, a jail is seen as a short-term institute, defined by sentences of less than 23 months and 29 days. The hope is for reintegration into the community as a valuable member of society.

To reach that goal and to protect inmates’ mental health, the use of tablets and family visits are encouraged. Weekly medical checks are also conducted, all in the hope of fostering rehabilitation.

Donate concluded by making the point, “We need to figure out a way to get them to reintegrate into the population.”

On a final note, congratulations go out to Lehigh County Commissioner Dave Harrington and his wife on the birth of their first child. Harrington normally chairs this committee but asked Cole-Borghi to step in under the circumstances.

The next Courts and Corrections Committee meeting is scheduled Nov 2.