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 25, 2026
N.Y. prison staffing remains 20% below pre-strike levels, senator says
Chemical exposures, forced overtime and debate over the HALT Act remain key concerns a year after the wildcat prison strike that led to the firing of 2,000 correction officers.
Daniel G. Stec, R – Queensbury, a state senator, said staff levels are approximately 20% below what they were before last year’s strike. “I think in December of 24 the number of COs was 14,000 and change, and December of last year was 11,000 and change, we are down about 3,000 just form the end of 24 to the end of 25,” Stec told the Telegram this week.
Read ArticleFebruary 25, 2026
How prison staffing shortages are driving away mental health staff
Correctional officers are leaving their jobs at federal prisons. And when these prisons are understaffed – psychologists and other staff are asked to act as guards. Recent reporting from The Marshall Project says it’s pushing mental health professionals out of prisons.
Read ArticleFebruary 23, 2026
Prison staff overtime costing Nevada taxpayers millions of dollars
The amount of overtime for prison staff continues to grow, which means more money is coming out of taxpayers' pockets. As for next steps, all of the union leaders agreed they hope they can reach a resolution with lawmakers to come up with more funding to cut down on the violence and risks for all involved.
"Working behind the walls and razor wire of a correctional institution, aka prison, is unlike any other law enforcement job. We leave our families, our loved ones, and in a world where I cannot even begin to explain the perils, risks and overall danger that we face on a daily basis," said correctional officer Larry Nava. "Violence is the biggest issue in correctional facilities, which is spawned by drug use and drug debt. Whether it's staff assault, inmate-on-inmate assaults, or deaths, the issue is out of control."
Read Article