SJC Exchange Library

Originally posted by Wanda Bertram on 12/20/2024

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Hi friends,

To close out the year, the Prison Policy Initiative just published three new pieces that I wanted to share with you:

• On our blog, we reviewed the highlights of our work in 2024. From publishing a major report on exploitation in "inmate welfare funds" to helping get the landmark FCC order in July across the finish line, this was a big year for us, with some victories that were a long time coming.
• We published a briefing analyzing the latest (2022) BJS data on police encounters, pulling out the highlights and putting them into context. Overall, the number of police contacts has fallen, but the racist patterns in policing remain; and use-of-force incidents are increasing markedly among women and older people.
• We shared our "wish list" of criminal legal system data that don't exist - but should. From arrests for technical violations to the quality of healthcare behind bars, we highlight 22 significant gaps in public information and call on government agencies to fill them.

And in case you missed it, last week we released two other pieces, both geared toward journalists:

• A collection of the best state/local reporting on incarceration done in 2024 (with prompts for other journalists to emulate that work in their own states).
• A journalists' primer on fighting the "gag rules" in prisons and jails that prohibit staff from speaking with the media. These rules are extremely common, but as we explain, likely unconstitutional.

I hope that these resources are useful - please reach out if you have any questions. Have a safe and restful holiday.

Take care,

Wanda

Prison Policy Initiative