Safer Prisons. Safer Communities.
@saferprisonssafercommunities.org
Raising awareness and addressing the interconnected crises of understaffing, overcrowding, and poor conditions in our nation’s prisons. https://saferprisonssafercommunities.org/
North Carolina’s prisons are struggling to fill correctional officer positions due to burnout, low pay, and constant overtime. When prisons are short-staffed, incarcerated individuals also experience more frequent and longer lockdowns. Read more on @theassemblync.bsky.social. https://bit.ly/49zQeiK
The New Head of N.C.’s Prisons Tries to Unwind a Staffing Quagmire
Leslie Cooley Dismukes wants to prioritize reentry and reduce recidivism. But she has to solve a staffing crisis in the prison system first.
bit.ly
November 28, 2025 at 8:51 PM
North Carolina’s prisons are struggling to fill correctional officer positions due to burnout, low pay, and constant overtime. When prisons are short-staffed, incarcerated individuals also experience more frequent and longer lockdowns. Read more on @theassemblync.bsky.social. https://bit.ly/49zQeiK
Like many other states, Wisconsin’s men’s and women’s prisons are overcrowded and operating far beyond capacity. Overcrowding strains corrections professionals, keeps incarcerated people in the wrong security levels, and worsens conditions across the system. https://bit.ly/4ieXF0P
Review details problems with solitary confinement, overcrowding in Wisconsin prisons
Wisconsin's Department of Corrections paid the firm Falcon, Inc. to complete a year-long review of the prison system. The firm's report detailed issues with overcrowding and solitary confinement.
www.wpr.org
November 25, 2025 at 6:12 PM
Like many other states, Wisconsin’s men’s and women’s prisons are overcrowded and operating far beyond capacity. Overcrowding strains corrections professionals, keeps incarcerated people in the wrong security levels, and worsens conditions across the system. https://bit.ly/4ieXF0P
A new report finds that staffing in New York prisons has fallen over the past two decades while violence has risen. The recent firing of striking correctional officers and use of the National Guard this year have worsened an already serious staffing crisis. https://bit.ly/4r83Nw5
How much has prison staffing slumped across New York State?
A new report from the department overseeing the New York State prison system shows that as staffing has slumped over the past two decades, prison violence has been on the rise. The numbers illustra...
bit.ly
November 24, 2025 at 9:16 PM
A new report finds that staffing in New York prisons has fallen over the past two decades while violence has risen. The recent firing of striking correctional officers and use of the National Guard this year have worsened an already serious staffing crisis. https://bit.ly/4r83Nw5
NJ’s Office of the Corrections Ombudsperson on prison staffing: “Staffing shortages must be a top priority because they affect operations so profoundly.”
@jerseyvindicator.bsky.social reports on prisons going into lockdown when there aren’t enough staff to keep them running. https://bit.ly/4oE3XJI
@jerseyvindicator.bsky.social reports on prisons going into lockdown when there aren’t enough staff to keep them running. https://bit.ly/4oE3XJI
Watchdog: New Jersey prisons face deepening staffing crisis, growing humanitarian concerns • The Jersey Vindicator
It's extremely difficult for loved ones to visit prisoners.
jerseyvindicator.org
November 20, 2025 at 3:47 PM
NJ’s Office of the Corrections Ombudsperson on prison staffing: “Staffing shortages must be a top priority because they affect operations so profoundly.”
@jerseyvindicator.bsky.social reports on prisons going into lockdown when there aren’t enough staff to keep them running. https://bit.ly/4oE3XJI
@jerseyvindicator.bsky.social reports on prisons going into lockdown when there aren’t enough staff to keep them running. https://bit.ly/4oE3XJI
WI lawmakers recently announced a slate of bills aimed at improving conditions in prisons and jails. “Inhumane conditions in Wisconsin’s jails and prisons is state-sanctioned violence, and it’s being done in our name and disguised as justice.” - Rep. @darrinmadison.bsky.social https://bit.ly/4poOfT4
Bills aim to address ‘inhumane’ conditions in Wisconsin prisons and jails • Wisconsin Examiner
A package of bills to help improve certain conditions for people housed within prisons and jails statewide was introduced in Milwaukee.
bit.ly
November 19, 2025 at 8:55 PM
WI lawmakers recently announced a slate of bills aimed at improving conditions in prisons and jails. “Inhumane conditions in Wisconsin’s jails and prisons is state-sanctioned violence, and it’s being done in our name and disguised as justice.” - Rep. @darrinmadison.bsky.social https://bit.ly/4poOfT4
A bill that aims to address the corrections staffing shortage in PA has passed through the state Senate and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. The legislation will modernize hiring policies and expand recruitment opportunities. https://bit.ly/3JJJyDY
Argall bill to fight corrections officer shortage passes Senate
Legislation introduced by state Sen. Dave Argall, R-29, Rush Twp., at the request of the Pennsylvania State Corrections Officers Association was passed by the Senate with bipartisan support to add…
www.standardspeaker.com
November 11, 2025 at 6:11 PM
A bill that aims to address the corrections staffing shortage in PA has passed through the state Senate and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. The legislation will modernize hiring policies and expand recruitment opportunities. https://bit.ly/3JJJyDY
No one should suffer in 90-degree heat without air conditioning or cold water. Across Connecticut and the country, people in prison endured those exact conditions this summer. Without urgent upgrades and real heat mitigation plans, lives and public safety are on the line. https://bit.ly/4nwIjFW
Report: Summer heat threatens health at CT prisons
The report found high indoor temperatures is risking the health of incarcerated individuals and may violate their constitutional rights.
bit.ly
November 10, 2025 at 7:18 PM
No one should suffer in 90-degree heat without air conditioning or cold water. Across Connecticut and the country, people in prison endured those exact conditions this summer. Without urgent upgrades and real heat mitigation plans, lives and public safety are on the line. https://bit.ly/4nwIjFW
"What cannot be denied is that working in prisons is a traumatic experience because prisons are traumatic places. No one knows this better than incarcerated people who have even higher rates of trauma and mental distress." - Wanda Bertram of @prisonpolicy.org https://bit.ly/3LiLxQ2
An Unseen Epidemic: Correctional Officers Dying By Suicide - Law360
It's not news that there are problems in America's prisons, including mass incarceration and forced labor, but another crisis in those same prisons doesn't always garner the same attention: the number...
www.law360.com
November 6, 2025 at 3:49 PM
"What cannot be denied is that working in prisons is a traumatic experience because prisons are traumatic places. No one knows this better than incarcerated people who have even higher rates of trauma and mental distress." - Wanda Bertram of @prisonpolicy.org https://bit.ly/3LiLxQ2
"Recruiting people to work in jails and prisons is not easy. And when you have a situation where the pay does not equal what you have to go through, then you start to see a decline in the number of people that are on the job." - Brian Dawe, One Voice United, for @keranews.org https://bit.ly/3Wy3Xij
What we know about Tarrant County’s new strategy with a staffing company to fill vacant jail jobs
Earlier this month, there were about 180 vacant jobs in the Tarrant County Jail, according to the sheriff’s office. Understaffing can make the jail less safe for detention officers and the people inca...
bit.ly
November 5, 2025 at 4:22 PM
"Recruiting people to work in jails and prisons is not easy. And when you have a situation where the pay does not equal what you have to go through, then you start to see a decline in the number of people that are on the job." - Brian Dawe, One Voice United, for @keranews.org https://bit.ly/3Wy3Xij
Many prisons have little or no air conditioning leading to extreme temperatures in the summer. As temperatures rise every year, the conditions inside prisons grow more dangerous for everyone who lives and works there. It’s inhumane and unacceptable.
https://bit.ly/4qCOzyP
https://bit.ly/4qCOzyP
Inside Oregon’s oldest prison: 114-degree cells and $13M annual repairs
Oregon Department of Corrections this year floated the idea of replacing the state penitentiary, citing sweltering summer heat, an outdated design dating to the 1860s and the spiraling costs of maint...
bit.ly
November 4, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Many prisons have little or no air conditioning leading to extreme temperatures in the summer. As temperatures rise every year, the conditions inside prisons grow more dangerous for everyone who lives and works there. It’s inhumane and unacceptable.
https://bit.ly/4qCOzyP
https://bit.ly/4qCOzyP
Federal prison officers in SC are working without pay during the government shutdown. The freeze on pay comes as the department has struggled for years to fill vacancies. “We’re an agency in a staffing crisis.” - Brandy Moore White, Council of Prison Locals 33 president. https://bit.ly/48RnSA9
S.C. corrections union warns of ‘disaster upon disaster’ as BOP workers go unpaid during shutdown
Amid nearly 30 vacancies at FCI Edgefield alone, prison teachers, nurses and electricians are being pulled to cover CO shifts without compensation
bit.ly
November 3, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Federal prison officers in SC are working without pay during the government shutdown. The freeze on pay comes as the department has struggled for years to fill vacancies. “We’re an agency in a staffing crisis.” - Brandy Moore White, Council of Prison Locals 33 president. https://bit.ly/48RnSA9
Colorado prisons are nearly 98% full. “We don’t have enough staff to do all this. The stress that COs (correctional officers) go through sometimes — I don’t think management sees.” - James Carr, a corrections sergeant at Sterling Correctional Facility in Colorado. https://bit.ly/47k8J7S
Colorado’s prisons and jails are overflowing. What’s being done to address it?
Colorado activated its prison population management plan, which helps the state manage capacity when prisons are operating at more than 97% full for 30 straight days
coloradosun.com
October 31, 2025 at 9:14 PM
Colorado prisons are nearly 98% full. “We don’t have enough staff to do all this. The stress that COs (correctional officers) go through sometimes — I don’t think management sees.” - James Carr, a corrections sergeant at Sterling Correctional Facility in Colorado. https://bit.ly/47k8J7S
At Eastern Correctional Facility in NY, incarcerated people hear the same thing every day: “We don’t have enough staff.” Sadly, per One Voice United, many U.S. prisons operate with a ratio of 1 officer to 70+ prisoners, making rehabilitation efforts almost impossible. https://bit.ly/46M2c6Y
The New York Prison System Is Facing a Potential Disaster “Unprecedented Since Attica”
I'm serving my 16th year for manslaughter. I'm a credible witness to the ongoing understaffing issue.
bit.ly
October 29, 2025 at 4:30 PM
At Eastern Correctional Facility in NY, incarcerated people hear the same thing every day: “We don’t have enough staff.” Sadly, per One Voice United, many U.S. prisons operate with a ratio of 1 officer to 70+ prisoners, making rehabilitation efforts almost impossible. https://bit.ly/46M2c6Y
Nebraska's prisons are some of the most overcrowded in the country, per a new report from the state’s Inspector General of the Correctional System. ✍️ @erinbamer.bsky.social for @nebraskaexaminer.com https://bit.ly/476q5Gy
Nebraska ranks near top of U.S. in prison overcrowding, OIG of Corrections reports • Nebraska Examiner
Nebraska ranks near the top in prison overcrowding nationally, a state inspector general reports, but some say the numbers are more nuanced.
bit.ly
October 28, 2025 at 6:50 PM
Nebraska's prisons are some of the most overcrowded in the country, per a new report from the state’s Inspector General of the Correctional System. ✍️ @erinbamer.bsky.social for @nebraskaexaminer.com https://bit.ly/476q5Gy
Tennessee has reduced job vacancies in its correctional facilities, but staffing shortages remain high, with 460 positions still unfilled. It’s a challenge facing not just Tennessee, but states across the country. https://bit.ly/3VZcMBl
Safety concerns behind bars: Correctional staffing shortages remain high in Tennessee
An annual fiscal report reveals staffing shortages at Tennessee correctional facilities, although lower then before, remain high, despite recent pay raises and
newschannel9.com
October 27, 2025 at 7:17 PM
Tennessee has reduced job vacancies in its correctional facilities, but staffing shortages remain high, with 460 positions still unfilled. It’s a challenge facing not just Tennessee, but states across the country. https://bit.ly/3VZcMBl
Indiana's prison population is nearing capacity, and overcrowding creates unsafe environments for people who live and work in prisons. As prison populations have risen over the past 5 years, the number of corrections professionals employed in state prisons has fallen 20%. https://bit.ly/4ocOakI
Panel hears warnings on rising Indiana prison population, local corrections funding shortfalls • Indiana Capital Chronicle
Indiana lawmakers heard warnings that the state’s prison population is nearing capacity, but funding for local alternatives is shrinking.
bit.ly
October 21, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Indiana's prison population is nearing capacity, and overcrowding creates unsafe environments for people who live and work in prisons. As prison populations have risen over the past 5 years, the number of corrections professionals employed in state prisons has fallen 20%. https://bit.ly/4ocOakI
Alabama has struggled with prison overcrowding for decades, and it’s set to worsen. New laws could push the number of incarcerated people up by nearly a third by 2030, straining public budgets and exacerbating understaffing. https://bit.ly/4nA3mZb
Alabama state prison population could rise by a third by 2030 | Alabama Reflector
The number of split sentences issued by judges, parole and the people incarcerated affected by changes to good time rules are factors.
bit.ly
October 17, 2025 at 8:53 PM
Alabama has struggled with prison overcrowding for decades, and it’s set to worsen. New laws could push the number of incarcerated people up by nearly a third by 2030, straining public budgets and exacerbating understaffing. https://bit.ly/4nA3mZb
A new documentary focuses on correctional professionals and reveals how the work impacts their physical and mental health. Hear first-hand accounts that call for wellness programs dedicated to supporting corrections professionals. https://bit.ly/4nwACR6
'Behind the Wall' documentary highlights toll of prison work on correctional officers
The documentary gives voice to correctional officers, exposing the physical and mental toll of working behind prison walls and calling for wellness solutions
bit.ly
October 15, 2025 at 4:27 PM
A new documentary focuses on correctional professionals and reveals how the work impacts their physical and mental health. Hear first-hand accounts that call for wellness programs dedicated to supporting corrections professionals. https://bit.ly/4nwACR6
Six months after the prison strike in New York ended, staffing shortages at New York prisons have worsened and 3,000 National Guard members are still required to supplement officers. https://bit.ly/42bELkR
NY prison staffing and morale are low 6 months after strike
Prisoners say a lack of staff has resulted in fewer programs intended to help their rehabilitation.
bit.ly
October 14, 2025 at 7:05 PM
Six months after the prison strike in New York ended, staffing shortages at New York prisons have worsened and 3,000 National Guard members are still required to supplement officers. https://bit.ly/42bELkR
West Virginia’s jails and prisons remain dangerously understaffed and overcrowded. The crisis has consequences for everyone – staff, incarcerated people, and communities. https://bit.ly/46mlz6m
Staffing shortages still a challenge in West Virginia's crowded jails • West Virginia Watch
West Virginia is making progress in addressing staffing shortages in its jails and prisons, but hundreds of positions remain unfilled.
westvirginiawatch.com
October 13, 2025 at 6:51 PM
West Virginia’s jails and prisons remain dangerously understaffed and overcrowded. The crisis has consequences for everyone – staff, incarcerated people, and communities. https://bit.ly/46mlz6m
Corrections professionals die by suicide at rates significantly higher than the general public. “Improving access to mental health resources and destigmatizing the need for help are essential.” - AFGE District 7 VP Jason Anderson https://bit.ly/4pKrsC5
Correctional union’s suicide prevention push aims to reshape prison culture
AFGE Local 4070 is supporting peer programs and lobbying for the Corrections Officer Blake Schwarz Suicide Prevention Act
www.corrections1.com
October 9, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Corrections professionals die by suicide at rates significantly higher than the general public. “Improving access to mental health resources and destigmatizing the need for help are essential.” - AFGE District 7 VP Jason Anderson https://bit.ly/4pKrsC5
“Forcing federal correctional officers to show up for work during a government shutdown without pay isn’t just unfair – it is reckless, and it puts lives at risk.” - Jon Zumkehr, president of AFGE Local 4070 for @thehill.com https://bit.ly/48IQStC
Unjust, dangerous: Government shutdowns make correctional officers work without pay
Federal correctional officers are being forced to work without pay during a government shutdown, putting lives at risk and causing financial hardship for their families.
bit.ly
October 8, 2025 at 4:07 PM
“Forcing federal correctional officers to show up for work during a government shutdown without pay isn’t just unfair – it is reckless, and it puts lives at risk.” - Jon Zumkehr, president of AFGE Local 4070 for @thehill.com https://bit.ly/48IQStC
Corrections leaders are sounding the alarm: VT’s prisons are dangerously understaffed. Corrections professionals are working exhausting hours, and incarcerated people are losing recreation time and visits. The staffing shortage is creating a crisis that puts everyone at risk. https://bit.ly/4mIMCO7
Union officials say Vermont prisons facing a staffing crisis
Vermont union officials say the current shortage of staffing at the state’s prisons is creating an extremely dangerous situation.
bit.ly
October 7, 2025 at 6:47 PM
Corrections leaders are sounding the alarm: VT’s prisons are dangerously understaffed. Corrections professionals are working exhausting hours, and incarcerated people are losing recreation time and visits. The staffing shortage is creating a crisis that puts everyone at risk. https://bit.ly/4mIMCO7
Clarion County is paying the price for Pennsylvania’s prison staffing crisis. The county is spending $75 per person every day to house 23 people in another jail. Understaffing drains budgets, endangers correctional officers, and destabilizes families. https://tinyurl.com/358vye2b
Clarion County Transfers Inmates to Jefferson County Jail Amid Staffing 'Crisis' - exploreClarion
Warden Sherry Yates identified a potential crisis regarding staff levels and open shifts.
www.exploreclarion.com
October 6, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Clarion County is paying the price for Pennsylvania’s prison staffing crisis. The county is spending $75 per person every day to house 23 people in another jail. Understaffing drains budgets, endangers correctional officers, and destabilizes families. https://tinyurl.com/358vye2b
The same day a violent incident at Fishkill Correctional Facility left corrections professionals and incarcerated people injured, New York’s prison watchdog group reported that staffing levels statewide have dropped nearly a third. Fewer staff means more danger for everyone. https://bit.ly/4nV5Dhe
State prison watchdog group says security staffing is down in all correctional facilities - Mid Hudson News
NEW YORK – On the same day as a melee erupted at Fishkill Correctional Facility injuring nine corrections officers and five inmates, the Correctional Association of New York, the state-appointed priso...
bit.ly
October 3, 2025 at 8:54 PM
The same day a violent incident at Fishkill Correctional Facility left corrections professionals and incarcerated people injured, New York’s prison watchdog group reported that staffing levels statewide have dropped nearly a third. Fewer staff means more danger for everyone. https://bit.ly/4nV5Dhe