NYC jail watchdog stops using word ‘inmate’ because social justice group says it’s derogatory

The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision has decided to stop using the term "inmate" in favor of "incarcerated population" after a social justice group argued that the term "inmate" carries negative connotations and is dehumanizing. This shift reflects a broader movement to reframe language around criminal justice to be more respectful and considerate of individuals' dignity. The decision highlights the ongoing debate about the language used in criminal justice contexts and its impact on how people perceive those affected by the system.