HELP US END MASS INCARCERATION The Prison Policy Initiative uses research, advocacy, and organizing to dismantle mass incarceration. We’ve been in this movement for 23 years, thanks to individual donors like you.

Can you help us sustain this work?

Thank you,
Peter Wagner, Executive Director
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What’s New



Featured report

Arrest, Release, Repeat: How police and jails are used to respond to social problems

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How many people go to county jails every year, and how many times do they go? These basic data points — essential to understanding whether counties are using police and jails properly — weren't available until now. In our report, we break down the number of people booked in jail every year, including how many return multiple times. We go on to analyze the demographic characteristics of people who go to jail, including rates of poverty, access to health care, and race. Lastly, we present policy recommendations for counties hoping to change how their jails are used.



Mass incarceration, state by state

Learn about the national prison crisis and how we can begin to turn the tide on mass incarceration. Then, drill down to your state. Be sure to also check out our pages focused on D.C., and the incarceration of Native people.




If our work is new to you, you might want to check out our 2023-2024 annual report.





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