There was also a 15.2 percent-reduction in the number of disciplinary offense report convictions that resulted in an individual’s management in restrictive housing between April 2015-March 2016 (pre-Pilot period) and calendar year 2017. Individuals released from restrictive housing during calendar year 2017-January- December 2017, following implementation of the pilot- spent a median of 13 days in restrictive housing. In the 12 months prior to implementation of the RHU pilot (April 2015 through March 2016), individuals who were released from restrictive housing at the four pilot locations spent a median of 14 days in restrictive housing. Significant results indicate that incarcerated individuals participating in the RHU pilot are spending, on average, seven fewer days in restrictive housing than they were under previous practices. In May 2018, VADOC field units, work centers, and security level 2 and 3 institutions transitioned into the piloted restrictive housing operations. The VADOC is continuing to expand the RHU pilot statewide. Operating procedures were modified to encourage the consideration of alternative housing prior to the placement of an individual into restrictive housing, eliminate disciplinary sanctions as a penalty for the violation of institutional infractions, and enhance time out of cell with recreational opportunities. Staff who work directly with individuals in restrictive housing on a regular basis were carefully selected based on their knowledge, skills, and abilities. Individuals who maintain proper behavioral goals and programming participation are reviewed by a multi-disciplinary team for the appropriate advancement into varying levels of Step Down 1 (SD-1), Step Down 2 (SD-2), or a mainstream general population. The RHU is operated under maximum-security regulations and procedures for the personal protection or custodial management of incarcerated people.
The RHU pilot utilizes various statuses associated with differing levels and incentives. The target population displayed behaviors posing a threat to public, staff, or another offender’s safety and could not be immediately managed in the general population without a threat to the orderly operation of the facility. The purpose of the RHU pilot was to develop and test a statewide approach to enhance the effectiveness of restrictive housing while utilizing evidence-based practices that decrease risk and increase the likelihood of an individual’s success upon return to the general population. Wardens conducted town hall meetings to provide a consistent message to staff, demonstrate support, and allow for voiced concerns. To engage staff level of readiness, learning plans were created and utilized in learning teams within each pilot facility. The Change Companies® certified select staff to effectively facilitate evidence-based Interactive Journaling®. All staff at the pilot sites received a Core Communications training refresher that enhanced effective communication skills. The task force began collaboration in 2014 to develop operations later applied to the pilot in April 2016. The institutions were selected based on their medium security level, diverse geographic location, and varying number of restrictive housing beds. Brides Correctional Center (Security Level 2, 20 beds). The reform was piloted for two years at four multiple-level facilities in the three regions: Greensville Correctional Center (Security Level 3, 192 beds), Buckingham Correctional Center (Security Level 3, 64 beds), Pocahontas State Correctional Center (Security Level 3, 20 beds), and St. VADOC established a 70 plus-member task force that included all levels of staff from institutions, regional office, and headquarters. The impetus for reform was initiated by the VADOC based upon evident success seen in the WRSP ROSP Segregation Reduction Step-Down Program.