What’s New
-
Probation and parole trends by state: A look back at the data on ‘alternatives’ to incarceration
We compiled, corrected, and analyzed 45 years of state-level probation and parole data, and found that while most (but not all) states have reduced the number of people they’ve placed under supervision, many states have had more people on probation than previously reported.
June 2: Briefings
-
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
-
Staying Too Long:
Michigan’s Stalled Sentencing Reform by Crime and Justice Institute
May 27: Research Library: Sentencing policy
Featured report
SMH: The rapid & unregulated growth of e-messaging in prison
As work by advocates and family members have forced governments to crack down on price gouging for prison phone calls, the companies behind these services quietly turned their focus toward less regulated industries to continue to sap money from incarcerated people and their loved ones. One new service in particular — text-based electronic messaging or “e-messaging” — has experienced explosive and unregulated growth.
In this report we examined all 50 state prison systems, as well as the Federal Bureau of Prisons to see how common this technology has become, how much it costs, and what, if anything, is being done to protect incarcerated people and their families from exploitation.
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:
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
- 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.