What’s New
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Resource spotlight: UCLA Law Behind Bars Data Project leads the way in prison mortality statistics
There is less transparency about prison deaths than ever before. A new central resource aims to bring carceral mortality data out of the shadows.
March 24: Prison Policy Initiative Blog
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Mass incarceration is on the ballot
by Prison Policy Initiative
March 24: Research Library: Public opinion
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Danger in the water: Report exposes widespread water contamination in Texas prisons
Thousands incarcerated in Texas’ prisons may have been exposed to lead, arsenic, and other dangerous contaminants.
March 14: Prison Policy Initiative Blog
Featured report
Mass Incarceration: The Whole Pie 2025
Be sure to check out our other Whole Pie reports that focus specifically on the incarceration of women and the incarceration of young people.
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.
Recommended Reading:
The unmet health needs of people in prison
States fall far short of their duty to meet the health needs of incarcerated people.
All profit, no risk
The bail industry exploits cracks and loopholes in the legal system to avoid accountability, while growing its profits.
Compare your state's use of the prison to the world at large
Criminal justice policy in every region of the United States is out of step with the rest of the world.
Prison Gerrymandering Project
We are leading the movement to protect our democracy from the Census Bureau's prison miscount.
Events
- April 15-17, 2025:
Sarah Staudt, our Director of Policy and Advocacy, will be attending the MacArthur Safety and Justice Challenge Network Meeting from April 15-17 in Chicago. Drop her a line if you’d like to meet up!
Not near you?
Invite us to your city, college or organization.