All About US Prisons
The prison system in the United States is large, complex, and often misunderstood. Millions of lives are touched by it every year — from the people incarcerated, to the officers who work inside, to the families and communities waiting on the outside. Many of the challenges in our prisons come from a lack of clear information and a lack of public involvement. When people understand what is happening, they are better equipped to support change that leads to safer communities and better futures.
This page gives you a starting point. You can dive deeper into topics like the number of facilities across the country, the daily realities for correctional officers, the experience of incarcerated people, reentry, and the issues that hold the system back from becoming what it could be.
Budget Shortages in U.S. Prisons: The Hidden Cost of Incarceration
U.S. Prison SystemBudget Shortages in U.S. Prisons: The Hidden Cost of IncarcerationBudget constraints have long plagued prison systems across the country. Despite the United States spending over $80 billion annually on incarceration, many DOCs and the BOP operate...
Challenges of Correctional Leaders in the U.S. Prison System
U.S. Prison SystemChallenges of Correctional Leaders in the U.S. Prison SystemCorrectional leaders across the United States–whether at the federal level within the BOP or at the state level within DOCs–face extraordinary challenges. Balancing public safety, staff...
Correctional Officer Shortage and Labor Turnover in U.S. Prisons
U.S. Prison SystemCorrectional Officer Shortage and Labor Turnover in U.S. PrisonsLabor Turnover in Corrections: The Staffing Crisis in U.S. Prisons Labor turnover in the prison system has reached crisis levels. Across the United States, Department of Corrections...
Staff Shortages in U.S. Prisons: A Crisis in Corrections
U.S. Prison SystemStaff Shortages in U.S. Prisons: A Crisis in CorrectionsThe U.S. Department of Corrections (DOCs) and Bureau of Prisons (BOP) are facing an unprecedented staffing crisis. Prisons across the country are experiencing dangerous...
Prison Statistics and Trends in the United States
U.S. Prison SystemPrison Statistics and Trends in the United StatesThis page provides current, evidence-based statistics on people incarcerated across state prisons, federal facilities, and local jails in the United States. It includes demographic data by race,...
Understanding Prison & Jail Food
U.S. Prison SystemUnderstanding Prison & Jail Food“Prison food” (or “jail food,” “prison cuisine,” “prison meals,” “jail meals”) refers to the meals provided to incarcerated people in correctional facilities. These institutions, from local jails to state prisons...
Understanding the U.S. Prison System: Mental Health and Rehabilitation
U.S. Prison SystemUnderstanding the U.S. Prison System: Mental Health and RehabilitationIntroduction to the U.S. Prison SystemThe United States has the largest prison population in the world. With over 2 million people behind bars, the U.S. prison system has become a...
Working Conditions in the U.S. Prisons
U.S. Prison SystemWorking Conditions in the U.S. Prisons: A Closer look Inside Understanding Working Conditions in the U.S. PrisonsWorking in a prison is one fo the most demanding jobs in America. From correctional officers and healthcare workers to educators and...
Types of Careers in Corrections: Paths, Positions, & Purpose
U.S. Prison SystemTypes of Careers in Corrections: Paths, Positions, & PurposeCorrections is more than just one role– it’s an entire system that depends on a diverse team of professionals working together to create safe, secure, and rehabilitative environments....
Correctional Staff: Training, Duties, & Life Behind the Walls
U.S. Prison SystemCorrectional Staff: Training, Duties, & Life Behind the Walls Correctional officers are the backbone of our nation’s correctional system. Whether working in jails, prisons, or detention centers, these dedicated professionals play a vital role in...
