A holding cell is a temporary detention area used by law enforcement officers when detaining someone who has been arrested. The term has been used in criminal justice and police systems around the world to refer to a room or area used to briefly detain individuals while their case is being processed.
Although the term “holding cell” has a range of meanings, most commonly it is understood to refer to an enclosed space to which individuals may be taken prior to prosecution, often for the purpose of booking and transfer to another facility. The individual may remain in the holding cell for an indefinite period of time, depending on the individual’s situation.
Modern Examples of Holding Cells
In recent years, holding cells have gained notoriety in the general public with stories of overcrowded facilities and unsafe conditions. 2016 saw numerous reports of overcrowded jails, wherein individuals were often held in holding cells with little to no oversight. In terms of the law, the conditions are often deemed to be inhumane and beyond what is necessary for the holding of individuals on temporary basis.
Balancing Safety and Human Rights
Holding cells can still be a necessary part of law enforcement proceedings, and it is important to balance public safety and civil liberties when considerting use of detention centers. While each case should be judged on its individual merits, holding cells can provide a measure of protection to both the public and those detained when used appropriately.