Indian Posse co-founder Richard Wolfe's 640 days in solitary confinement informs review of provincial system

Corrections officials say that the 640 days that Indian Posse co-founder Richard Daniel Wolfe spent in solitary confinement at the Regina jail is not typical.

Wolfe's experience is part of a larger review of how solitary confinement is used in the province's jail system.

"Part of this review, we will look at the facts as outlined in Mr. Wolfe's case, what happened at Regina Correctional Centre, how that applies going forward and whether some improvement is needed coming out of that specific case," said Corrections spokesperson Drew Wilby.

"I would say that's very atypical."

Wolfe died in hospital after being injured at Saskatchewan Penitentiary in May. Officials said foul play was not involved.

• Richard Daniel Wolfe, Indian Posse founder, dies a prisoner
• No foul play in death of Indian Posse co-founder Richard Daniel Wolfe

Solitary confinement, which is formally called administrative segregation, is a tool used to protect the institution and other inmates from certain offenders.

It's also used to protect high-profile inmates such as Wolfe.

"That was utilized for the protection of Mr. Wolfe himself. He did not appeal that," Wilby said.

Individuals are not placed in administrative segregation indefinitely. Their circumstances are routinely reviewed by law.

Wilby said the review now under way is a priority for the department and he expected it be completed in months.

An inmate in administrative segregation is kept isolated for 23 hours a day.