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
May 19, 2025
NH corrections commissioner resigns amid staffing challenges and budget woes
Helen Hanks is stepping down from her role as New Hampshire Department of Corrections commissioner, Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s office announced Monday.
The announcement comes amid deep staffing shortages within the department, which have led to increased overtime pay as workers cover shifts left open by vacancies. Hanks told the Bulletin in June her department was facing a $3.44 million deficit caused in large part by these overtime payouts. The department said at the time that 46% of its positions were vacant.
Read ArticleMay 16, 2025
Texas House Approves Bill Mandating Air Conditioning in State Prisons to Address Health Risks
The Texas House has passed a significant piece of legislation that aims to bring respite to inmates suffering under extreme heat conditions in state prisons. House Bill 3006, which won preliminary approval last Thursday with an 89-43 vote, mandates the installation of climate control systems in Texas prisons by the end of 2032, ensuring temperatures are maintained between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit within key areas such as hospitals, housing units, and administrative spaces. As reported by CBS Austin, this comes as a response to a ruling by U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman stating that the lack of system-wide air conditioning violates the U.S. Constitution.
Read ArticleMay 16, 2025
‘Constant shenanigans‘: Corrections officers urge lawmakers to enact stalled pro-worker bills
Outrage simmering within the Michigan prison system boiled over onto the steps outside the Michigan State Capitol this week.
The Michigan Corrections Organization called on state lawmakers to transmit several stalled bills during a rally on Thursday, May 15 in Lansing.
The three bills directly impact retirement security and healthcare for corrections officers.
The legislation was introduced to help alleviate a decade-long staffing crisis, MCO president Byron Osborn said.
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