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
March 23, 2026
Michigan launches ambitious plan to address prison violence and officer shortages
The Michigan Department of Corrections is taking measures to improve safety and security inside the state’s prisons and address the departments shortage of correctional officers.
The initiative identifies five key areas that impact prison safety: prisoner classification and bed space; contraband introduction and technology; prisoner programming; training and staff support; and recruitment and retention.
In addition, the department will be implementing new tactics to improve employee recruitment and retention such as emerging leader development, hiring process enhancements, and improved marketing strategies.
The staffing crisis in Michigan’s prisons has led to an explosion of overtime hours clocked by the state’s correctional officers.
Read ArticleMarch 23, 2026
New initiative launches to increase staffing, safety in state prisons
The Michigan Department of Corrections has launched a new initiative to improve security and increase safety in facilities across the state. This comes amid a years-long corrections officer staffing crisis in state prisons.
State data shows that 10 of Michigan's 26 corrections facilities have an officer vacancy rate of at least 20%. The average vacancy rate is 15.8%.
Read ArticleMarch 19, 2026
Philadelphia prisons pursue reforms as they rebuild staffing
The Philadelphia Department of Prisons has increased its correctional officer staffing by 27% since April 2024, marking a significant turnaround for a system that struggled with severe shortages following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read Article