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Strategic Segregation in the Modern Prison

NCJ Number
235691
Journal
American Criminal Law Review Volume: 48 Issue: 1 Dated: Winter 2011 Pages: 1-110
Author(s)
Sharon Dolovich
Date Published
2011
Length
110 pages
Annotation
This article examines the use of strategic segregation by the Los Angeles County Jail to protect certain inmates from sexual victimization.
Abstract
This article begins with an in-depth analysis of K6G, the strategic segregation program employed by the Los Angeles County Jail aimed at protecting vulnerable inmates from sexual victimization. The program systematically separates gay men and transgendered women from the main jail population and houses them facilities wholly apart from the rest of the general population. The intent of the program is to house them in areas that are relatively free from sexual harassment and forced or coerced sexual conduct that can be the daily norm for sexual minorities housed in standard men's penal institutions. This article describes the mechanics of the K6G program and its implications for those inmates housed in these facilities. The article examines the classification system used to identify who is selected for the program, and whether the program actually works at keeping this segment of the inmate population safe from sexual victimization. The article also discusses the main problem with K6G is that it is a state-sponsored, identity-based segregation program that leaves other vulnerable inmates unprotected from unwanted sexual victimization. Appendixes