By Carrie Kahn
NPR
PELICAN BAY, Calif. — Faced with massive overcrowding, budget cuts and a weeks-long hunger strike by inmates, California is considering making changes to how it handles its toughest prisoners.
A state legislative panel will hear Tuesday about conditions at the state prison at Pelican Bay, where California’s most dangerous convicts are shipped. Located near the Oregon border, Pelican Bay is hundreds of miles from any major city. It’s the most isolated prison in the system: Think Alcatraz, but on land.
A violent prisoner or a member of a prison gang is sent to the half of the prison known as the Secure Housing Unit. Prison officials say it’s the only way to safely house the worst of the worst.
Inmates are in their cells 23 hours a day. They are allowed an hour of exercise, alone in a small concrete pen. Visitors are highly restricted. The eight cells in this section are small: 6 feet by 8 feet. Inside, there’s a bed, a metal toilet, a sink and a TV. Armed guards stand watch over the men 24/7
Full Story: Conditions At California Prison To Be Reviewed