What’s New
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The Prison Policy Initiative submits testimony in opposition to HB 338, which would curtail higher education in prison in Ohio
HB 338 would end access to higher education for people in maximum security prisons in Ohio, making prisons less safe and worsening outcomes after release.
June 16: Prison Policy Initiative Blog
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Taking A Life
by Alabama Appleseed
June 12: Research Library: Sentencing policy
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New research: How past incarceration affects people later in life
Two recent studies authored by Professor Carmen Gutierrez and her colleagues show that prior incarceration is associated with various geriatric health conditions and reduced life expectancy later in life.
June 9: Briefings
Featured report
One size fits none: How ‘standard conditions’ of probation set people up to fail
Nearly 3 million people in the U.S. are on probation, and all are required to follow a set of "standard conditions" set at the state or local level — rules like restrictions on where they can go, expectations to "be good," and mandatory burdensome fees. Our report breaks down the rules set by 76 jurisdictions across all 50 states, showing how conditions are often in conflict with each other and make it impossible for those on probation to succeed.
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.