What’s New
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Federal Census policy harms Oklahoma’s democracy — but state lawmakers can end this “prison gerrymandering”
Oklahoma’s redistricting data once again skewed after the 2020 Census; the state needs to take action to fix the issue for 2030
April 29: Prisoners of the Census Blog
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Up the Creek Without a Paddle:
Consequences for Failing to Protect Prisoners During a Natural Disaster by Rachel Shaw
April 25: Research Library: Conditions of confinement
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President Trump said, “home-growns are next.” Here’s our response.
President Trump’s recent comments about sending Americans to a Salvadoran prison mark a new, dark turn in the fight to end mass incarceration.
April 17: Prison Policy Initiative Blog
Featured research
Collateral Consequences: Unemployment, homelessness, and educational opportunties among formerly incarcerated people
- Out of Prison & Out of Work: Unemployment among formerly incarcerated people
- Nowhere to Go: Homelessness among formerly incarcerated people
- Getting Back on Course: Educational exclusion and attainment among formerly incarcerated 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 30, 2025:
On Wednesday, April 30th, at noon Eastern, Communications Strategist Wanda Bertram will take part in a panel discussion with The Center for Just Journalism on the 100th day of the second Trump administration. They’ll discuss the impacts the administration has had on criminal legal policy and issues that have flown under the radar. Register here.
Not near you?
Invite us to your city, college or organization.