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
February 3, 2026
Exclusive: State prisons grew deadlier and more violent amid guard shortage, review finds
State prisons in the United States became more violent and nearly 50% deadlier over the past five years as authorities struggled to keep enough guards on the job, according to a government-funded report to be released on Wednesday.
The United States locks away more people than any other nation, including about 1 million people in state-run prisons. The previously unreported evaluation, paid for by the U.S. Department of Justice and conducted by an initiative called Safe Inside, found that those systems are under increasing strain, even as many states sharply reduced the number of people they locked up.
Read ArticleJanuary 30, 2026
When Temps Plunge, Dilapidated Jails and Prisons Put Lives at Risk
As another round of extreme low temperatures sweeps parts of the U.S., people in dilapidated jails and prisons face an increased risk of illness and even death. The threat of losing power, poor heating systems and a general lack of medical attention can compound problems in frigid conditions. A government-commissioned study last year found that extreme cold weather over several days was associated with an 11% increased mortality rate in prisons, with a particularly sharp rise in suicides.
Read ArticleJanuary 29, 2026
Alabama prisons add record number of officers but still well short of court-ordered goal
Alabama Department of Corrections Commissioner John Hamm said Thursday the state is making progress toward fixing a long-time severe shortage of security staff.
Hamm said the ADOC has a security staff of about 2,300 employees. He said staffing has improved since substantial pay raises in 2023. The raises boosted starting pay to more than $50,000, with the potential to earn $15,000 to $20,000 more within a couple of years.
Read Article