GAO Report Criticizes BOP’s Use of Solitary Confinement
A recent GAO audit highlights the BOP’s limited progress on solitary confinement reform, leaving many recommendations unfulfilled.
BOP Staff Shortages Prompt Delays in Medical Care Nationwide
Staffing shortages in BOP facilities are delaying essential medical care, sparking lawsuits and calls for reform from lawmakers and advocates.
GAO Audit Criticizes BOP Use of Solitary Confinement
The Government Accountability Office criticized the Bureau of Prisons for inconsistent solitary confinement practices and failure to address long-term mental health effects.
BOP Begins Pilot for Tablet-Based Legal Library Access
The Bureau of Prisons is piloting tablet-based access to legal research tools across several institutions to enhance inmate legal access.
New Lawsuit Accuses BOP of Ignoring ADA Accommodations
A new class action lawsuit claims the BOP is systematically denying ADA accommodations to inmates with disabilities, sparking legal and advocacy group backlash.
Federal Inmates Benefit from Expanded Compassionate Release Under New BOP Guidelines
The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) has updated its compassionate release guidelines, broadening the criteria for inmates seeking early release due to age, health, or family circumstances. This move comes after years of advocacy from inmate families and legal organizations. Under the new rules, more inmates will be eligible for release, particularly those suffering from severe […]
Staff Shortages Plague BOP Facilities: Impact on Inmate Care and Security
Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) facilities are experiencing a staffing crisis, with critical shortages leading to deteriorating inmate care, healthcare delays, and safety risks. Many correctional officers are working overtime, and vital positions such as medical staff remain unfilled. The lack of personnel is impacting rehabilitation programs, creating tension among inmates, and leading to increased […]
Mental Health Services in Federal Prisons: A System in Crisis
The mental health services within federal prisons are in desperate need of reform. Underfunding and staff shortages have left many inmates without access to proper mental health care, exacerbating existing conditions and making rehabilitation more difficult. While the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) has acknowledged the issue, their efforts to address it have been slow and […]
BOP Implements New Rehabilitation Programs for Inmates: A Step Toward Reform
The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) has launched several new rehabilitation programs as part of its effort to reduce recidivism and help inmates reintegrate into society. These programs, which include vocational training, education, and therapy, are designed to address the underlying causes of criminal behavior and equip inmates with the skills they need to succeed after […]
New Sentencing Guidelines in Federal Courts: What Inmates and Families Need to Know
New federal sentencing guidelines have been implemented, which may alter the length of sentences for various offenses. These changes, designed to address overcrowding and reduce long-term incarceration for nonviolent offenders, could result in sentence reductions for many inmates. Families of federal inmates should stay informed about these new guidelines and consult legal experts to determine […]
Judge Carlton Reeves Seeks Public Input for Sentencing Reform
Judge Carlton Reeves, chairman of the US Sentencing Commission, invites public suggestions for federal sentencing reforms. This effort marks the 40th anniversary of the Commission and seeks to address broad sentencing policy issues.
Judge Condemns MDC Brooklyn: Inhumane Conditions Lead to Alternative Sentencing
US District Judge Gary Brown condemned the inhumane conditions at MDC Brooklyn, leading to alternative sentencing for 74-year-old tax fraudster Daniel Colucci. The facility’s issues include lockdowns, assaults, and inadequate medical care.
SCOTUS to Decide if Inaction Can Constitute a Crime of Violence
The Supreme Court will decide if failing to act, leading to injury or death, qualifies as a crime of violence under 18 USC 924(c). This ruling could affect numerous cases and create new precedents in federal law.
Bureau of Prisons Faces Scrutiny Over Health Care Failures
Federal prison health care continues to face criticism for inadequate medical care, particularly after several high-profile cases of delayed treatment. Calls for reform are growing louder as new legislation is being introduced to address inmate rights and health care needs.
Calls Grow for Greater Protections of Elderly Inmates
Advocates are calling for stronger legal protections for elderly inmates, citing the risks they face in prisons. The push for compassionate release and better health care highlights ongoing issues in the treatment of aging prisoners.
Candidates for office use jail and prison as “one size fits all” policy solutions. Here’s how to push back
Whether on the presidential debate stage or in races for governor, state legislatures, or city councils, candidates for elected office are falling back on an old tactic: Making spurious claims that “crime is up” and pitching more jail and prison time as solutions to social problems. Not only are claims of higher crime demonstrably untrue; […]
Prison Banned Books Week: Books give incarcerated people access to the world, but tablets are often used to wall them off
Books have long served as a bridge to the outside world for incarcerated people. They allow people cut off from their normal lives — and often from their families — to engage with thinking and ideas that can open their mind and stories that transport them anywhere on earth and beyond. But carceral authorities have […]
Mass Incarceration 101: Resources to help students and teachers understand the carceral system
Students and teachers are heading back to the classroom. In addition to math, science, and language arts, many will also focus on the criminal legal system and mass incarceration. Unfortunately for them, the carceral system operates like a black box, making it hard to study what’s happening inside the walls of prisons and jails. Fortunately, […]
Mass incarceration is on the ballot
Elected Offices Local Offices District Attorneys Sheriffs County Commissioners Mayors and City Commissioners City Auditors Local Judges Coroners City Clerks School Board Members State Offices Governors Attorneys General Secretaries of State State Legislators State Auditors Utility Commissioners Appellate Court Judges Supreme Court Justices Federal Offices President Members of Congress Election Day is right around the […]
New research links medical copays to reduced healthcare access in prisons
In most states, people incarcerated in prisons must pay medical copays1 and fees for physician visits, medications, dental treatment, and other health services. While these copays may be as little as two or five dollars, they still represent massive barriers to healthcare. This is because incarcerated people are disproportionately poor to start with, and those […]