SJC Exchange Library

The Prison Policy Initiative released a new report, Punishment Beyond Prisons: Incarceration and Supervision by State, which examines each state's use of probation and parole. This analysis shows that the people ensnared in the criminal legal system often aren't behind bars but rather in our communities and saddled with extensive restrictions and requirements that come with the looming threat of reincarceration. In fact, while 1.9 million people are behind bars on any given day in this country, nearly twice as many people - 3.7 million - are on some form of community supervision.

In this report, PPI provides over 100 state-specific visuals to show just how far-reaching these systems of mass supervision are. In addition, we compare the numbers across the state lines to show how some of the so-called "progressive" states, with incarceration rates below the national average, appear much more punitive when you take this broader view. For example, Rhode Island, which has among the lowest incarceration rates in the country, has a total correctional control rate that rivals Louisiana, one of the most notoriously punitive states in the country (with the nation's highest incarceration rate).

PPI also makes the data behind our analysis publicly available so others can use it in their own campaigns, advocacy, or research. 

Finally, they end the report by explaining what states can do to do to ensure that probation and parole strengthen communities and support the success of participants rather than serving as a revolving door to prison.