Prison Policy Initiative
@prisonpolicy.org
Challenging mass incarceration and over-criminalization through research, advocacy, and organizing. Get email updates: https://prisonpolicy.org/subscribe/
The U.S. has the highest incarceration rate of any independent democracy on Earth, making it a leader in mass incarceration.
Far too many people are locked up in the “land of the free.”
Far too many people are locked up in the “land of the free.”
November 29, 2025 at 8:15 PM
The U.S. has the highest incarceration rate of any independent democracy on Earth, making it a leader in mass incarceration.
Far too many people are locked up in the “land of the free.”
Far too many people are locked up in the “land of the free.”
Sanctuary cities, counties, and states are not immune from ICE's arrest & deportation agenda – but these policies DO make a difference in limiting the criminalization of immigration:
November 29, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Sanctuary cities, counties, and states are not immune from ICE's arrest & deportation agenda – but these policies DO make a difference in limiting the criminalization of immigration:
As millions of families struggle to get by this holiday season, the U.S. spends $13.6 billion of taxpayer money locking people up who haven't even been convicted of a crime.
November 28, 2025 at 8:15 PM
As millions of families struggle to get by this holiday season, the U.S. spends $13.6 billion of taxpayer money locking people up who haven't even been convicted of a crime.
One prison in Michigan has $19 MILLION in its fund, all while the people locked up there can't even afford basic necessities like toothpaste:
www.freep.com/story/news/l...
www.freep.com/story/news/l...
November 28, 2025 at 5:15 PM
One prison in Michigan has $19 MILLION in its fund, all while the people locked up there can't even afford basic necessities like toothpaste:
www.freep.com/story/news/l...
www.freep.com/story/news/l...
Another bad deal to highlight on #BlackFriday: Some jails & prisons are taking money from incarcerated people and their families to go on shopping sprees for gun range memberships and fitness trackers 🤔
November 28, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Another bad deal to highlight on #BlackFriday: Some jails & prisons are taking money from incarcerated people and their families to go on shopping sprees for gun range memberships and fitness trackers 🤔
Felony charges are a very big deal and can have consequences that last for life – long after leaving the prison gates.
Many of the 19 million people in the US who have ever been convicted of a felony are barred from certain jobs, government benefits, and voting.
Many of the 19 million people in the US who have ever been convicted of a felony are barred from certain jobs, government benefits, and voting.
November 28, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Felony charges are a very big deal and can have consequences that last for life – long after leaving the prison gates.
Many of the 19 million people in the US who have ever been convicted of a felony are barred from certain jobs, government benefits, and voting.
Many of the 19 million people in the US who have ever been convicted of a felony are barred from certain jobs, government benefits, and voting.
In New Jersey, for example, the felony threshold is $200. This was set in 1978!
To put this into perspective, according to a 1978 Sears catalog, one of the most expensive items listed is a luxurious washing machine for $259. Theft of it could land somebody with a felony charge.
To put this into perspective, according to a 1978 Sears catalog, one of the most expensive items listed is a luxurious washing machine for $259. Theft of it could land somebody with a felony charge.
November 28, 2025 at 2:15 PM
In New Jersey, for example, the felony threshold is $200. This was set in 1978!
To put this into perspective, according to a 1978 Sears catalog, one of the most expensive items listed is a luxurious washing machine for $259. Theft of it could land somebody with a felony charge.
To put this into perspective, according to a 1978 Sears catalog, one of the most expensive items listed is a luxurious washing machine for $259. Theft of it could land somebody with a felony charge.
This Black Friday, you'll probably notice the effects of inflation on price tags. What might not be so obvious, though, is its effect on the criminal legal system.
Each year, inflation makes the system more punitive – and that's not a good deal. 🧵
Each year, inflation makes the system more punitive – and that's not a good deal. 🧵
November 28, 2025 at 2:15 PM
This Black Friday, you'll probably notice the effects of inflation on price tags. What might not be so obvious, though, is its effect on the criminal legal system.
Each year, inflation makes the system more punitive – and that's not a good deal. 🧵
Each year, inflation makes the system more punitive – and that's not a good deal. 🧵
The national incarceration rate of Native Americans is more than 2x that of white Americans. For Native youth, the confinement rate is approximately 3x that of white youth.
This is the legacy of centuries of oppression & theft from Native people.
This is the legacy of centuries of oppression & theft from Native people.
November 28, 2025 at 1:55 AM
The national incarceration rate of Native Americans is more than 2x that of white Americans. For Native youth, the confinement rate is approximately 3x that of white youth.
This is the legacy of centuries of oppression & theft from Native people.
This is the legacy of centuries of oppression & theft from Native people.
Of course, an unhealthy diet can be bad for anyone – but for people behind bars, the stakes are even higher.
They have an increased risk of chronic disease (including diabetes and hypertension), while also only having access to a notoriously broken healthcare system.
They have an increased risk of chronic disease (including diabetes and hypertension), while also only having access to a notoriously broken healthcare system.
November 27, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Of course, an unhealthy diet can be bad for anyone – but for people behind bars, the stakes are even higher.
They have an increased risk of chronic disease (including diabetes and hypertension), while also only having access to a notoriously broken healthcare system.
They have an increased risk of chronic disease (including diabetes and hypertension), while also only having access to a notoriously broken healthcare system.
Yes, prison food looks gross, but there’s a larger issue: It’s extremely unhealthy.
Incarcerated people are usually fed ridiculously small, watered-down portions that are high in cholesterol, saturated fat, and sodium, and low on important nutrients.
www.prisonpolicy.org/blog/2017/03...
Incarcerated people are usually fed ridiculously small, watered-down portions that are high in cholesterol, saturated fat, and sodium, and low on important nutrients.
www.prisonpolicy.org/blog/2017/03...
November 27, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Yes, prison food looks gross, but there’s a larger issue: It’s extremely unhealthy.
Incarcerated people are usually fed ridiculously small, watered-down portions that are high in cholesterol, saturated fat, and sodium, and low on important nutrients.
www.prisonpolicy.org/blog/2017/03...
Incarcerated people are usually fed ridiculously small, watered-down portions that are high in cholesterol, saturated fat, and sodium, and low on important nutrients.
www.prisonpolicy.org/blog/2017/03...
Food for thought: As families across the U.S. sit down for Thanksgiving dinner, it's hard not to think about the nutritionally inadequate slop that incarcerated people are fed every single day (including holidays).
It doesn’t just taste bad – it’s a public health concern 🧵
It doesn’t just taste bad – it’s a public health concern 🧵
November 27, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Food for thought: As families across the U.S. sit down for Thanksgiving dinner, it's hard not to think about the nutritionally inadequate slop that incarcerated people are fed every single day (including holidays).
It doesn’t just taste bad – it’s a public health concern 🧵
It doesn’t just taste bad – it’s a public health concern 🧵
Claim #7: "If you were the victim of crime, you’d want to lock them up & throw away the key"
➡️ This is not true. Research shows that crime victims overwhelmingly support non-carceral alternatives over more arrests, longer sentences, and more incarceration.
➡️ This is not true. Research shows that crime victims overwhelmingly support non-carceral alternatives over more arrests, longer sentences, and more incarceration.
November 27, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Claim #7: "If you were the victim of crime, you’d want to lock them up & throw away the key"
➡️ This is not true. Research shows that crime victims overwhelmingly support non-carceral alternatives over more arrests, longer sentences, and more incarceration.
➡️ This is not true. Research shows that crime victims overwhelmingly support non-carceral alternatives over more arrests, longer sentences, and more incarceration.
It's also important to note that people convicted of violent offenses have among the lowest rates of recidivism.
An act of violence represents a single moment in someone’s life, and shouldn’t be the only factor that determines their freedom.
An act of violence represents a single moment in someone’s life, and shouldn’t be the only factor that determines their freedom.
November 27, 2025 at 2:15 PM
It's also important to note that people convicted of violent offenses have among the lowest rates of recidivism.
An act of violence represents a single moment in someone’s life, and shouldn’t be the only factor that determines their freedom.
An act of violence represents a single moment in someone’s life, and shouldn’t be the only factor that determines their freedom.
Claim #6: "Violent offenders should not benefit from reforms for public safety"
➡️ This is ineffective. Data shows that people convicted of violent offenses are not inherently violent. Violence is caused by a range of factors – and the main one is age.
➡️ This is ineffective. Data shows that people convicted of violent offenses are not inherently violent. Violence is caused by a range of factors – and the main one is age.
November 27, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Claim #6: "Violent offenders should not benefit from reforms for public safety"
➡️ This is ineffective. Data shows that people convicted of violent offenses are not inherently violent. Violence is caused by a range of factors – and the main one is age.
➡️ This is ineffective. Data shows that people convicted of violent offenses are not inherently violent. Violence is caused by a range of factors – and the main one is age.
Few places have even reformed bail – but in the places that have, most saw decreases or negligible increases in crime.
For example, Illinois eliminated cash bail in 2023. In year 1, crime was down across the state, and average jail populations fell:
pfa-1yr.loyolaccj.org
For example, Illinois eliminated cash bail in 2023. In year 1, crime was down across the state, and average jail populations fell:
pfa-1yr.loyolaccj.org
November 27, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Few places have even reformed bail – but in the places that have, most saw decreases or negligible increases in crime.
For example, Illinois eliminated cash bail in 2023. In year 1, crime was down across the state, and average jail populations fell:
pfa-1yr.loyolaccj.org
For example, Illinois eliminated cash bail in 2023. In year 1, crime was down across the state, and average jail populations fell:
pfa-1yr.loyolaccj.org
Claim #5: “Crime is up because of bail reform"
➡️ This is false. Bail doesn't make communities safe – it throws them deeper into poverty.
➡️ This is false. Bail doesn't make communities safe – it throws them deeper into poverty.
November 27, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Claim #5: “Crime is up because of bail reform"
➡️ This is false. Bail doesn't make communities safe – it throws them deeper into poverty.
➡️ This is false. Bail doesn't make communities safe – it throws them deeper into poverty.
For example, half of people in state prisons had a substance use disorder in the year before they went to prison, but only 1 in 10 has received treatment.
The shoddy “services” offered in jails and prisons are not a reason to keep people confined in harmful conditions.
The shoddy “services” offered in jails and prisons are not a reason to keep people confined in harmful conditions.
November 27, 2025 at 2:15 PM
For example, half of people in state prisons had a substance use disorder in the year before they went to prison, but only 1 in 10 has received treatment.
The shoddy “services” offered in jails and prisons are not a reason to keep people confined in harmful conditions.
The shoddy “services” offered in jails and prisons are not a reason to keep people confined in harmful conditions.
The reality is that homelessness, substance use disorder, mental illness, and incarceration are all deeply intertwined experiences.
Rather than cracking down on these challenges, communities should adopt policies that help people find housing – no strings attached.
Rather than cracking down on these challenges, communities should adopt policies that help people find housing – no strings attached.
November 27, 2025 at 2:15 PM
The reality is that homelessness, substance use disorder, mental illness, and incarceration are all deeply intertwined experiences.
Rather than cracking down on these challenges, communities should adopt policies that help people find housing – no strings attached.
Rather than cracking down on these challenges, communities should adopt policies that help people find housing – no strings attached.
Claim #3: "We need to crack down on homelessness"
➡️ This is ineffective. Formerly incarcerated people are 10x more likely to be homeless, and thanks to the criminalization of homelessness, they are even more likely to get arrested again – it's a vicious revolving door.
➡️ This is ineffective. Formerly incarcerated people are 10x more likely to be homeless, and thanks to the criminalization of homelessness, they are even more likely to get arrested again – it's a vicious revolving door.
November 27, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Claim #3: "We need to crack down on homelessness"
➡️ This is ineffective. Formerly incarcerated people are 10x more likely to be homeless, and thanks to the criminalization of homelessness, they are even more likely to get arrested again – it's a vicious revolving door.
➡️ This is ineffective. Formerly incarcerated people are 10x more likely to be homeless, and thanks to the criminalization of homelessness, they are even more likely to get arrested again – it's a vicious revolving door.
Claim #2: “Migrants are causing a crime surge”
➡️ This is false. For starters, as immigration has risen in the U.S., crime has actually fallen.
www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/wp-content/u...
➡️ This is false. For starters, as immigration has risen in the U.S., crime has actually fallen.
www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/wp-content/u...
November 27, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Claim #2: “Migrants are causing a crime surge”
➡️ This is false. For starters, as immigration has risen in the U.S., crime has actually fallen.
www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/wp-content/u...
➡️ This is false. For starters, as immigration has risen in the U.S., crime has actually fallen.
www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/wp-content/u...
Claim #1: "Crime is skyrocketing"
➡️ This is false. Contrary to what self-serving politicians would have you believe, crime remains at historically low levels.
In 2024, crime hit its lowest point since 1961:
➡️ This is false. Contrary to what self-serving politicians would have you believe, crime remains at historically low levels.
In 2024, crime hit its lowest point since 1961:
November 27, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Claim #1: "Crime is skyrocketing"
➡️ This is false. Contrary to what self-serving politicians would have you believe, crime remains at historically low levels.
In 2024, crime hit its lowest point since 1961:
➡️ This is false. Contrary to what self-serving politicians would have you believe, crime remains at historically low levels.
In 2024, crime hit its lowest point since 1961:
Don’t worry! If your Thanksgiving dinner conversation turns from pie to prisons, or from cranberries to crime, we’ve got you covered. 🧵
November 27, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Don’t worry! If your Thanksgiving dinner conversation turns from pie to prisons, or from cranberries to crime, we’ve got you covered. 🧵
67% of incarcerated parents have never received a visit from their child – mostly b/c they’re too far.
Remote connections like call/email can easily be exploited, making them less than ideal replacements.
Every child deserves the opportunity to visit their incarcerated parent.
Remote connections like call/email can easily be exploited, making them less than ideal replacements.
Every child deserves the opportunity to visit their incarcerated parent.
November 26, 2025 at 8:14 PM
67% of incarcerated parents have never received a visit from their child – mostly b/c they’re too far.
Remote connections like call/email can easily be exploited, making them less than ideal replacements.
Every child deserves the opportunity to visit their incarcerated parent.
Remote connections like call/email can easily be exploited, making them less than ideal replacements.
Every child deserves the opportunity to visit their incarcerated parent.
This Thanksgiving, countless families will sit down for dinner without their loved ones, as nearly 2 million people are confined behind bars, far away from home.
The harms of mass incarceration are felt by us all.
The harms of mass incarceration are felt by us all.
November 26, 2025 at 3:06 PM
This Thanksgiving, countless families will sit down for dinner without their loved ones, as nearly 2 million people are confined behind bars, far away from home.
The harms of mass incarceration are felt by us all.
The harms of mass incarceration are felt by us all.