Prison Policy Initiative
@prisonpolicy.org
Challenging mass incarceration and over-criminalization through research, advocacy, and organizing. Get email updates: https://prisonpolicy.org/subscribe/
Wasting money on luxury items for COs and sitting on millions while surrounded by such high levels of need is unconscionable.
As they exist, "inmate welfare funds" are just another way to force incarcerated people & their support networks to subsidize mass incarceration.
As they exist, "inmate welfare funds" are just another way to force incarcerated people & their support networks to subsidize mass incarceration.
November 28, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Wasting money on luxury items for COs and sitting on millions while surrounded by such high levels of need is unconscionable.
As they exist, "inmate welfare funds" are just another way to force incarcerated people & their support networks to subsidize mass incarceration.
As they exist, "inmate welfare funds" are just another way to force incarcerated people & their support networks to subsidize mass incarceration.
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...
And it doesn't stop at misuse. A lot of these funds are basically heeps of money, sometimes millions of dollars, just collecting dust simply because prisons & jails don't want to use them to better the lives of incarcerated people.
November 28, 2025 at 5:15 PM
And it doesn't stop at misuse. A lot of these funds are basically heeps of money, sometimes millions of dollars, just collecting dust simply because prisons & jails don't want to use them to better the lives of incarcerated people.
These accounts are supposed to be used for non-essential purchases that collectively benefit the incarcerated population.
In reality, poorly written policies and lax oversight make them an irresistible target for corruption in jails and prisons:
www.prisonpolicy.org/reports/shad...
In reality, poorly written policies and lax oversight make them an irresistible target for corruption in jails and prisons:
www.prisonpolicy.org/reports/shad...
November 28, 2025 at 5:15 PM
These accounts are supposed to be used for non-essential purchases that collectively benefit the incarcerated population.
In reality, poorly written policies and lax oversight make them an irresistible target for corruption in jails and prisons:
www.prisonpolicy.org/reports/shad...
In reality, poorly written policies and lax oversight make them an irresistible target for corruption in jails and prisons:
www.prisonpolicy.org/reports/shad...
This gross misuse of funds is happening in carceral facilities across the U.S. Each year, they get billions by charging steep prices for calls, e-messaging, money transfers, and commissary purchases.
A lot of that flows into special accounts called “Inmate Welfare Funds."
A lot of that flows into special accounts called “Inmate Welfare Funds."
November 28, 2025 at 5:15 PM
This gross misuse of funds is happening in carceral facilities across the U.S. Each year, they get billions by charging steep prices for calls, e-messaging, money transfers, and commissary purchases.
A lot of that flows into special accounts called “Inmate Welfare Funds."
A lot of that flows into special accounts called “Inmate Welfare Funds."
States should also tie their felony theft thresholds to inflation to prevent the system from getting more punitive going forward.
Learn more 👇
www.prisonpolicy.org/blog/2020/06...
Learn more 👇
www.prisonpolicy.org/blog/2020/06...
November 28, 2025 at 2:15 PM
States should also tie their felony theft thresholds to inflation to prevent the system from getting more punitive going forward.
Learn more 👇
www.prisonpolicy.org/blog/2020/06...
Learn more 👇
www.prisonpolicy.org/blog/2020/06...
Low-level offenses have high costs, as most people in the US criminal legal system are not accused of serious crimes.
If the US is serious about ending mass incarceration, updating felony theft statutes is one simple way to reduce the number of people serving time in prison.
If the US is serious about ending mass incarceration, updating felony theft statutes is one simple way to reduce the number of people serving time in prison.
November 28, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Low-level offenses have high costs, as most people in the US criminal legal system are not accused of serious crimes.
If the US is serious about ending mass incarceration, updating felony theft statutes is one simple way to reduce the number of people serving time in prison.
If the US is serious about ending mass incarceration, updating felony theft statutes is one simple way to reduce the number of people serving time in prison.
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.
But because of inflation, that $259 item in 1978 would roughly cost $1,290 in 2025 – but the felony threshold has not been increased to keep up, leaving people to face more severe punishments for outdated prices.
November 28, 2025 at 2:15 PM
But because of inflation, that $259 item in 1978 would roughly cost $1,290 in 2025 – but the felony threshold has not been increased to keep up, leaving people to face more severe punishments for outdated prices.
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.
Each state defines which thefts are felonies and which are misdemeanors.
But in many states, the dollar amount separating felony theft from misdemeanor theft has not been increased in YEARS, even though inflation makes the older laws more punitive.
www.prisonpolicy.org/blog/2020/06...
But in many states, the dollar amount separating felony theft from misdemeanor theft has not been increased in YEARS, even though inflation makes the older laws more punitive.
www.prisonpolicy.org/blog/2020/06...
November 28, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Each state defines which thefts are felonies and which are misdemeanors.
But in many states, the dollar amount separating felony theft from misdemeanor theft has not been increased in YEARS, even though inflation makes the older laws more punitive.
www.prisonpolicy.org/blog/2020/06...
But in many states, the dollar amount separating felony theft from misdemeanor theft has not been increased in YEARS, even though inflation makes the older laws more punitive.
www.prisonpolicy.org/blog/2020/06...
Remember, most incarcerated people will return home, and their health problems will be community health problems
If the carceral system really wants people to think it values “rehabilitation”, it should probably start with the basics: Food that doesn’t wreck health & self-worth
If the carceral system really wants people to think it values “rehabilitation”, it should probably start with the basics: Food that doesn’t wreck health & self-worth
November 27, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Remember, most incarcerated people will return home, and their health problems will be community health problems
If the carceral system really wants people to think it values “rehabilitation”, it should probably start with the basics: Food that doesn’t wreck health & self-worth
If the carceral system really wants people to think it values “rehabilitation”, it should probably start with the basics: Food that doesn’t wreck health & self-worth
Keep in mind that the harms don’t stop at physical health, either. Prison food is demoralizing to eat:
"The tray reflects how society views us, and when the food looks disgusting and inedible, it sends the message that that’s what we are.”
prismreports.org/2025/06/05/p...
"The tray reflects how society views us, and when the food looks disgusting and inedible, it sends the message that that’s what we are.”
prismreports.org/2025/06/05/p...
November 27, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Keep in mind that the harms don’t stop at physical health, either. Prison food is demoralizing to eat:
"The tray reflects how society views us, and when the food looks disgusting and inedible, it sends the message that that’s what we are.”
prismreports.org/2025/06/05/p...
"The tray reflects how society views us, and when the food looks disgusting and inedible, it sends the message that that’s what we are.”
prismreports.org/2025/06/05/p...
The typical prison sentence is more than enough time for a poor diet to cause long-term health effects.
And when half of the incarcerated population has a chronic illness, it's hard to understand why a nutritious, healthy diet wouldn't be the norm.
And when half of the incarcerated population has a chronic illness, it's hard to understand why a nutritious, healthy diet wouldn't be the norm.
November 27, 2025 at 5:15 PM
The typical prison sentence is more than enough time for a poor diet to cause long-term health effects.
And when half of the incarcerated population has a chronic illness, it's hard to understand why a nutritious, healthy diet wouldn't be the norm.
And when half of the incarcerated population has a chronic illness, it's hard to understand why a nutritious, healthy diet wouldn't be the norm.
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...
In a news cycle full of copaganda, it’s hard to keep the truth in perspective. We hope these data and facts help you rein in the conversation when it trends toward misinformation about incarceration and crime.
Happy #Thanksgiving!
Happy #Thanksgiving!
November 27, 2025 at 2:15 PM
In a news cycle full of copaganda, it’s hard to keep the truth in perspective. We hope these data and facts help you rein in the conversation when it trends toward misinformation about incarceration and crime.
Happy #Thanksgiving!
Happy #Thanksgiving!
Many victims also believe that incarceration can make people more likely to engage in crime.
Additionally, people convicted of crimes are often victims themselves, complicating the moral argument for harsh punishments as “justice.”
Additionally, people convicted of crimes are often victims themselves, complicating the moral argument for harsh punishments as “justice.”
November 27, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Many victims also believe that incarceration can make people more likely to engage in crime.
Additionally, people convicted of crimes are often victims themselves, complicating the moral argument for harsh punishments as “justice.”
Additionally, people convicted of crimes are often victims themselves, complicating the moral argument for harsh punishments as “justice.”
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.