We are in the midst of a profound crisis in our nation’s correctional system.
Across the country, our nation’s prisons are dangerously understaffed and overcrowded.
Policymakers must act now to protect the health and safety of correctional staff, incarcerated people, and the public at large.
Prisons across the country are dangerously understaffed, overcrowded, and plagued by rapidly deteriorating conditions.
One Voice United (OVU) and FAMM, two leading organizations representing correctional staff (OVU) and incarcerated people and their families (FAMM), have joined together to form the Safer Prisons, Safer Communities campaign.
For too long, our constituencies have been pitted against one another while the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues, friends, and loved ones has suffered. While it may be surprising to some people that we would work together to draw attention to this crisis, we know our fates are intertwined and we have a shared goal of ensuring the health and safety of everyone who works and lives in prison.
EndorseFor too long, our constituencies have been pitted against one another while the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues, friends, and loved ones has suffered. While it may be surprising to some people that we would work together to draw attention to this crisis, we know our fates are intertwined and we have a shared goal of ensuring the health and safety of everyone who works and lives in prison.
SAFER PRISONS SAFER COMMUNITIES
In The News
April 18, 2025
Bipartisan ‘Larry’s Law’ could create independent prison oversight in Missouri
FAMM mention / Maria Goellner quoted - The Missouri legislature is considering a bipartisan measure called Larry’s Law that would create independent prison oversight in the state, aiming to help prevent violent tragedies.
The Senate Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 378 earlier this month, and the measure currently awaits a vote before the full Senate. If enacted, it would require that all state prisons be inspected at least once a year, with maximum-security facilities undergoing biannual reviews. Its primary sponsor is Sen. Angela Mosley, D-Florissant.
Maria Goellner, senior director of state policy for Families Against Mandatory Minimums, said the Department of Corrections employs over 10,000 people and incarcerates 23,000 across the 19-plus facilities in the state.
In a statement to the Senate Judiciary Committee in March, Goellner said the nonprofit routinely receives reports of violence, abuse, neglect and understaffing.
Read ArticleApril 13, 2025
Rep. Sorensen urges passage of suicide prevention act honoring Chadwick man
U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen, D-Rockford, is urging the U.S. House of Representatives to pass legislation honoring a Thomson prison corrections officer who died by suicide in March 2023.
“I rise today to honor the life of Blake Schwartz, a constituent of mine from Chadwick, Illinois, who lost his life to suicide two years ago, leaving behind a loving wife and a daughter that he never had a chance to meet,” Sorensen said Tuesday in his address to House leadership. “Blake spent the last three years of his life as a corrections officer at the Thomson Correctional Center. I don’t think most of us understand how hard these law enforcement officers work, and for Blake, he did not have the resources when he was struggling, and he did not survive.”
Read ArticleApril 10, 2025
Indiana Gov. Braun seeks to reduce turnover among prison guards
Gov. Mike Braun signed an executive order on Wednesday aimed at reducing turnover at the Indiana Department of Correction.
The Indiana Department of Correction hired and trained over 1,300 new employees in 2024, representing 25% of its workforce, which oversees more than 24,000 inmates in 21 facilities, and more than 7,000 parolees, according to Braun.
“Our corrections officers have a really tough job, and do it exceptionally well," said Braun in a news release.
To address the issue of turnover before it becomes a problem, Braun said, he is ordering the Indiana Department of Correction to partner with the director of the State Personnel Department to create a retention plan. A report is due June 30.
Read Article