Which statement best distinguishes administrative segregation from disciplinary segregation?

• A. They are the same in purpose and effect.
• B. Disciplinary segregation is used for staff safety.
• C. Administrative segregation is for medical isolation.
• D. Administrative segregation isolates inmates for safety or security; disciplinary segregation is punitive isolation for rule violations.

Answer: (D)

The main distinction is the purpose behind the isolation. Administrative segregation aims to manage safety or security concerns without punishing a specific behavior; it’s used to protect individuals, separate inmates who might cause harm, or preserve an investigation. Disciplinary segregation is a punitive response to rule violations, isolating the inmate as punishment and usually with restricted privileges. So the statement that administrative segregation is for safety or security while disciplinary segregation is punitive isolation for rule violations best captures the difference. The other options either imply the same purpose or mix up who is being protected and the nature of the isolation.