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
September 16, 2025
State prison watchdog group says security staffing is down in all correctional facilities
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 prisons watchdog organization, issued a report showing that the level of prison personnel statewide is down considerably.
Read ArticleSeptember 16, 2025
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.
“We have a serious staffing emergency, and it is extremely dangerous,” said the Vermont State Employees’ Association’s Steve Howard.
Read ArticleSeptember 10, 2025
Staffing shortages still a challenge in West Virginia’s crowded jails
The Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation has made progress hiring correctional officers, ending a state of emergency over the problem, but there’s still hundreds of unfilled positions.
David Kelly, commissioner for the state’s Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation, told lawmakers that it continues to be one of the major problems in the division.
Read Article