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 6, 2026
Ohio youth prison staff fear for safety amid shortages, union says
Chronic staff shortages at a troubled Ohio youth prison mean employees are working in housing units by themselves and fearing for their safety, according to the union that represents them.
Ohio Civil Services Employees Association officials toured Indian River Juvenile Correctional Facility in Massillon on April 2. "Each unit within the facility is supposed to be staffed with two JCOs (juvenile corrections officers) but we found only one JCO in each unit," the union said. "We spoke to several JCOs who were working that day, some had been assaulted multiple times on the job and all expressed concerns about their safety."
Read ArticleApril 3, 2026
Troubled Ohio youth prison halts new admissions due to staff shortages
Facing chronic staff shortages, the state is pausing admissions to the Indian River Juvenile Correctional Facility, one of Ohio's three youth prisons.
Ohio Department of Youth Services Director Amy Ast sent a letter April 2 to juvenile court judges, announcing the one-month suspension in admissions.
Read ArticleMarch 30, 2026
Q&A: NC's prison system is struggling to pay its bills and keep a safe staffing level
The legislature’s budget stalemate has hit North Carolina’s prison system hard, making it difficult to pay bills and keep enough staff to safely operate its 55 facilities.
Starting pay for correctional officers is $37,000 a year, or about $18 an hour – the second lowest in the country. That’s made it hard to fill thousands of vacant positions and resulted in major safety concerns.
The agency hasn’t received an increase in its operating budget to keep pace with inflation (something that normally happens when the legislature passes a budget).
The prison system also has $1.4 billion in deferred maintenance needs, from unairconditioned buildings to dysfunctional fire alarms.
Read Article