Final answer:
Administrative segregation is used in prisons to maintain security and order which may involve separating prisoners from the general population for reasons such as safety threats, protection needs, investigations, security risks, and involvement in gang activities.
Step-by-step explanation:
A prisoner may be placed in administrative segregation for various reasons, most of which revolve around the safety and order of the institution or the individual. These reasons can include:
- The prisoner poses a threat to the safety of other inmates or staff.
- The prisoner requires protection from other inmates due to threats or potential harm.
- The prisoner is under investigation for an incident within the institution.
- The prisoner's presence in the general population could jeopardize the security of the prison.
- The prisoner has been involved in prison gang activities.
In the context of total institutions, where individuals live in a state of segregation and must adhere to strict rules, prisons often use administrative segregation as a tool to maintain control and prevent disruptions. The controversial nature of this practice emphasizes the balance between the need for security and ethical concerns regarding the treatment of prisoners.