HELP US END MASS INCARCERATION The Prison Policy Initiative uses research, advocacy, and organizing to dismantle mass incarceration. We’ve been in this movement for 23 years, thanks to individual donors like you.

Can you help us sustain this work?

Thank you,
Peter Wagner, Executive Director Donate


Featured report

Beyond the Count: A deep dive into state prison populations

beyond the count report cover thumbnail The walls and restrictions that keep incarcerated people out of public life also keep them out of the public eye, making it nearly impossible to fully understand them and their background.

In this report we take a deep dive into a large-scale survey of incarcerated people to gain a better understanding of how mass incarceration has been used to warehouse people with marginalized identities and those struggling with poverty, substance use disorder, housing insecurity, and more.



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.





Stay Informed


Get the latest updates:



Share on 𝕏 Donate