Short, timely investigations and issue explainers

Mack Finkel and Wanda Bertram | March 7, 2019

More states are signing harmful “free prison tablet” contracts

Tablet computers are delivering a captive audience to profit-seeking companies, while enabling prisons to cut essential services like law libraries. We investigate.

Peter Wagner and Alexi Jones | February 11, 2019

On kickbacks and commissions in the prison and jail phone market

Phone providers are so creative in their influence-peddling that the most viable reform strategies do not focus only on "commissions."

Wendy Sawyer | February 5, 2019

Why expensive phone calls can be life-altering for people in jail – and can derail the justice process

The cost of jail phone calls punishes people in the most desperate circumstances, most of whom have not been convicted of a crime.

Daiana Griffith | January 22, 2019

LGBTQ youth are at greater risk of homelessness and incarceration

Homelessness is the greatest predictor of involvement with the juvenile justice system. And since LGBTQ youth compose 40% of the homeless youth population, they are at an increased risk of incarceration.

Jorge Renaud | January 2, 2019

Red states, blue states: What do these mean for people on parole?

While preparing a report grading every state's parole release system, Jorge Renaud takes a deep dive into what makes a parole system fair and just.

Peter Wagner and Alexi Jones | December 17, 2018

Timeline: The 18-year battle for prison phone justice

The fight to make prison and jail phone calls affordable began in 2000. For those wondering "why is this taking so long?", here are the key dates.

Maddy Troilo | December 7, 2018

We know how to prevent opioid overdose deaths for people leaving prison. So why are prisons doing nothing?

Treatment programs offer promising results for recently incarcerated people, but prisons aren’t using them.

Jorge Renaud | December 6, 2018

Who’s really bringing contraband into jails? Our 2018 survey confirms it’s staff, not visitors

When jails cut family visits in the name of security, advocates should demand evidence.

Maddy Troilo | November 1, 2018

New York State’s elderly prison boom: An update

Despite recent positive reforms, New York's elderly prison population continues to grow.

Wanda Bertram | October 31, 2018

Criminal justice reform at the ballot box: Even County Auditors are worth your attention

In some counties - like Multnomah County, Oregon - auditors are joining the movement to hold jails accountable.

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Short, timely investigations and issue explainers

More states are signing harmful “free prison tablet” contracts

Tablet computers are delivering a captive audience to profit-seeking companies, while enabling prisons to cut essential services like law libraries. We investigate.

On kickbacks and commissions in the prison and jail phone market

Phone providers are so creative in their influence-peddling that the most viable reform strategies do not focus only on "commissions."

Why expensive phone calls can be life-altering for people in jail – and can derail the justice process

The cost of jail phone calls punishes people in the most desperate circumstances, most of whom have not been convicted of a crime.

LGBTQ youth are at greater risk of homelessness and incarceration

Homelessness is the greatest predictor of involvement with the juvenile justice system. And since LGBTQ youth compose 40% of the homeless youth population, they are at an increased risk of incarceration.

Red states, blue states: What do these mean for people on parole?

While preparing a report grading every state's parole release system, Jorge Renaud takes a deep dive into what makes a parole system fair and just.

Timeline: The 18-year battle for prison phone justice

The fight to make prison and jail phone calls affordable began in 2000. For those wondering "why is this taking so long?", here are the key dates.

We know how to prevent opioid overdose deaths for people leaving prison. So why are prisons doing nothing?

Treatment programs offer promising results for recently incarcerated people, but prisons aren’t using them.

Who’s really bringing contraband into jails? Our 2018 survey confirms it’s staff, not visitors

When jails cut family visits in the name of security, advocates should demand evidence.

New York State’s elderly prison boom: An update

Despite recent positive reforms, New York's elderly prison population continues to grow.

Criminal justice reform at the ballot box: Even County Auditors are worth your attention

In some counties - like Multnomah County, Oregon - auditors are joining the movement to hold jails accountable.

Stay Informed

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50 state incarceration profiles

Mass Incarceration: The Whole Pie

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