Language Shift in NYC Jails: A Move Towards Respect and Dignity In a significant step towards promoting respect and dignity for individuals behind bars, the New York City Board of Correction has announced a major change in the way it refers to those in its custody. Starting immediately, the term "inmate" will be replaced with "person in custody" in all jail regulations and policies. This move is part of a broader effort to adopt person-first language, a trend that aims to humanize individuals rather than stigmatize them with labels. By making this change, the Board of Correction hopes to create a more compassionate and inclusive environment within the city's correctional facilities.
The New York City Board of Correction is replacing "inmate" with "person in custody" across jail regulations as part of a person-first language effort.
