What’s New
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The California Supreme Court puts on the record the best arguments against money bail
A recent case, In re Kowalczyk, affirms that money bonds are unfair, harmful, and make communities less safe.
May 27: Briefings
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Staying Too Long:
Michigan’s Stalled Sentencing Reform by Crime and Justice Institute
May 27: Research Library: Sentencing policy
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New “Key Statistics” on our website put the most requested numbers about mass incarceration at your fingertips
We’ve made it easier to access the topline statistics about the criminal legal system.
May 18: Prison Policy Initiative Blog
Featured report
Rigging the jury: How each state reduces jury diversity by excluding people with criminal records
Our first-of-its-kind report shows how all 50 states reduce jury diversity by excluding some people with criminal records from serving. Our report includes an easy-to-read map and detailed table describing each state’s policies, and explains how excluding people with criminal records makes juries less diverse — which in turn makes criminal trials even less fair.
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 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.
Events
- July 1, 2026:
On July 1, 2026 at 1 p.m. EST, join the Prison Policy Initiative and guests Jodi Hocking, Executive Director of Return Strong Nevada, and Taj Mahon-Haft PhD, Director of The Humanization Project, as they discuss the importance of family connections, highlight the ways they are under attack, and share strategies to help families fight back.
Register here
Not near you?
Invite us to your city, college or organization.