What’s New
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The federal system: A patchwork of agencies rapidly expanding federal surveillance and punishment
Because it is so fragmented, the federal system can be particularly hard to understand, which only makes it harder to change effectively through policy. We explain the agencies involved, the loophole that undermines ‘sanctuary’ policies, and overlooked problems with federal pretrial detention.
July 23: Briefings
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How states use — or don’t use — medical parole to release sick and dying people from prison
An updated table of state-by-state data shows that medical parole (also known as compassionate release) is used so sparingly that very few people are actually released this way.
July 22: Prison Policy Initiative Blog
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Critical Connections:
The Power of Free Communication in Prisons and Jails by Worth Rises
July 22: Research Library: Families
Featured report
Prisons of Poverty: Uncovering the pre-incarceration incomes of the imprisoned
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.
Select your state:
If our work is new to you, you might want to check out our 2024-2025 annual report.
Recommended Reading:
Advocacy Toolkit
Resources, tips, and best practices to help advocates working to end mass incarceration.
50 state incarceration profiles
All of our recent reports about prison/jail growth, racial disparities, and more, re-organized by state.
Mass Incarceration: The Whole Pie
The U.S. incarcerates nearly 2 million people. Where are they locked up and why? Read our report.
