Which option best describes administrative segregation?

• A. The act of confining an inmate to an individual cell/unit to physically separate the inmate from general population for specified reasons (other than penalty).
• B. A policy that reduces supervision.
• C. A form of release from custody.
• D. A method of evaluating an inmate's performance.

Answer: (A)

Administrative segregation is the practice of placing an inmate in a single cell or separate unit to physically separate them from the general population for specific safety, security, or administrative reasons. It’s not a punishment in itself, nor a release from custody, nor a way to assess an inmate’s performance. The emphasis is on separation and controlled conditions to manage risk and facility operations. Because it focuses on isolating an inmate for defined reasons rather than reducing supervision, releasing someone, or evaluating work performance, this definition best fits administrative segregation.