The selection regarding what should not be given to inmates aligns with best practices in correctional facility management, particularly concerning maintaining security and order within the facility. Items that are considered "personal" can include a range of items that may not necessarily contribute to the inmate's welfare or rehabilitation but might instead pose a risk to safety, either to the individual inmate or to the overall prison environment.
Personal items can include belongings that have the potential to be used for self-harm or harm to others, tools for escape, or items that facilitate contraband activities. Managing the distribution of personal items is crucial for ensuring that inmates do not have access to items that might compromise their safety or the safety of the institution.
Offering food and water is fundamental to the health and wellbeing of inmates, while providing information about their case is essential to ensuring they have access to appropriate legal representation and understanding of their situation. Comfort items, if deemed safe and appropriate, can provide psychological support and contribute positively to an inmate's mental health. Thus, they are typically managed with more flexibility compared to personal items, which have a higher risk associated with them in a correctional setting.