As a guilty pleasure, I have been watching the HBO documentary “Chimp Crazy.” It is a four-part series that documents chimpanzees in captivity. While watching, I noticed that the animal cages in one facility were pink. I asked myself, “Why pink?” And that started my research into this topic.
Past studies have shown that pink reduces aggression in people (not sure about chimps). Pink-colored cells have been used in correctional settings to promote calming effects on inmates. This topic is not without controversy, but it made me wonder if the holding cells in courthouses should be pink.
Why Pink?
Color can impact human psychology, influencing emotions, behavior, and perceptions. Warm colors like red and orange can evoke excitement or aggression, while cooler tones like blue and green promote calmness and relaxation. Color is often used in environments like hospitals, schools, and prisons to create specific emotional responses and enhance well-being.
It turns out that a key study on the use of pink in prisoner holding cells is the 1979 research by Dr. Alexander Schauss, which examined the effects of "Baker-Miller Pink" (a specific shade of pink) on aggression and emotional behavior. Schauss found that when subjects were exposed to this shade of pink for a short duration, it had a calming effect, reducing their heart rate, blood pressure, and aggressive tendencies. The study led to the implementation of pink in correctional settings, where it was believed to help de-escalate tensions, reduce violent outbursts, and promote a more tranquil environment among prisoners.
Holding Cells in Courthouses
Holding cells are generally located in two areas of a courthouse. The first is a central lockup that contains multiple cells. These could include group cells, individual cells, and isolation cells. The cells are typically divided into male, female, and juvenile cells with sight and sound separation. The second location is adjacent to courtrooms, where detainees are placed in cells prior to court proceedings. This also provides a place for the detainee if they need to leave the courtroom for any reason, such as a short recess.
Holding cells are typically very utilitarian. They must be secure, durable, and easy to clean. They are often made from concrete or cinder block walls, providing a strong, impact-resistant structure that is difficult to break or damage. The doors, bars, and frames are often made of reinforced steel to prevent tampering or breakouts. Specialized detention-grade fixtures used in the holding cells, such as seating, toilet, and sink are durable. I have seen many materials used, but mostly steel.
As a courthouse planner, I have never seen a pink holding cell. However, I have seen some interesting holding cells in courthouses like the one shown below.
This holding cell is certainly not ideal. It is not constructed of durable material, there is no toilet, and the furniture can be easily broken, thrown, or fashioned into weapons. Some courthouses do not have the proper space for holding cells and must make do with what is available.
However, this holding cell does have an attractive mural on one wall. I do not know the history behind this painting, but it would certainly be an appealing holding area with an interesting view of the mural and out the window.
It does make me wonder whether the features in this holding cell provide a calming effect on the detainees. The court did not report fights or broken furniture in the cell (though the court does not put high-risk detainees together in this area).
Reasons for Pink for Holding Cells
Using pink for prisoner holding cells should be considered based on psychological and environmental factors. Here are three key reasons why pink could be used in the courthouse:
Calming Effect
Pink, particularly shades like "Baker-Miller Pink" or “Cool Down Pink,” have been shown to reduce aggression and anxiety. It is thought to have a calming effect on individuals, making it useful in environments where controlling emotions is crucial, such as courthouse holding cells where detainees could be anxious about the proceedings or agitated based on sentencing results.
Psychological De-escalation
Pink has been used in prison and jail facilities to help de-escalate potentially violent or aggressive behavior. Studies have shown that exposure to pink for even a short period can lower heart rates, reduce confrontational behavior, and promote a more subdued atmosphere, which is important in high-stress environments.
Non-threatening Environment:
Unlike harsher or darker colors, pink tends to soften the environment, creating a space that feels less hostile. This can make individuals feel less defensive or stressed, helping reduce the tension that often arises in holding cells.
Though the effectiveness of pink in such settings is still debated, these reasons highlight why some institutions may choose this color for prisoners and detainees.
Switzerland is perhaps the leading user of “Cool Down Pink” in prisons and jails in an effort to reduce aggression. Other European countries that have experimented with using pink include Germany, Poland, and Austria.
Several facilities in the United States, such as the Baker County jail in Florida and the San Bernardino County jail in California have also experimented with pink walls and uniforms to manage inmate behavior.
Research Concerns
Critics of Dr. Alexander Schauss' 1976 study on Baker-Miller Pink argue that the findings lack consistent, long-term evidence. The initial results, often described as anecdotal, were based on short-term observations, and follow-up studies failed to replicate the same dramatic decreases in aggression or violent behavior.
Additionally, some researchers question whether the calming effect was due to the color itself or the novelty of the intervention, which may have worn off over time. Critics also point out the study's methodological limitations, such as small sample sizes and uncontrolled variables, reducing its overall scientific rigor.
Pink is not the only color used to reduce aggression in jails and prisons. Shades of light blue are aimed at creating a peaceful atmosphere. Soft green tones are used to promote a soothing environment. Beige, which can be seen in the photo above, is used as a neutral color because it is less stimulating with the goal of reducing emotional extremes.
Final Thoughts
Pink is not a color I typically associate with detainee-holding cells. However, it has been studied and shown to have a calming effect, even though the findings may have potential limitations. One point stands out in the studies: the short-term effects of pink versus the long-term.
Unlike in jails and prisons, detainees are only briefly housed in the courthouse. Perhaps using pink in the courthouse would have an even greater impact on aggression because of the short stays.
Many detainees behave relatively well in courthouses because of the new surroundings, controlled environment, and shorter stays. However, the courthouse is a high-stress environment. For that reason, I would recommend using pink in selected holding cells.
I would not recommend pink for the full central lockup and all courtroom holding cells. However, using pink in isolation cells could be a strategic move to calm detainees who are more likely to show aggression.
The choice of color does not guarantee calm behavior. (This was certainly evident in “Chimp Crazy.”) Detainee security in courthouse holding cells depends upon security personnel, physical design, technology, and policies and procedures.
I believe incorporating pink into select holding cells to reduce aggression is a strategic and cost-effective decision that could benefit security. Reducing detainee aggression directly translates into a more secure and safer courthouse.
