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
Shadow Budgets: How mass incarceration steals from the poor to give to the prison
Prisons and jails siphon money from incarcerated people by making them pay for communication services and basic essentials at the commissary, then put the revenue into so-called “Inmate Welfare Funds.” But how are these funds used? Our report Shadow Budgets finds that all too often, welfare funds go to pay for capital projects like prison construction, are spent on essential items for incarcerated people, or are left to accrue as slush funds. In detailed data tables, we uncover how welfare funds in 49 prison systems are accrued, overseen — and frequently misused.
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:
50 state incarceration profiles
All of our recent reports about prison/jail growth, racial disparities, and more, re-organized by state.
The rapid & unregulated growth of e-messaging in prisons
It can strengthen connections, but instead has been used to sap money from incarcerated people.
Incarceration and supervision by states
Probation and parole are the leading forms of mass punishment in America.
Prison Gerrymandering Project
We are leading the movement to protect our democracy from the Census Bureau's prison miscount.
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.