The Appeal Archives

Imprisoned People Can Do More than ‘Scare’ Kids ‘Straight’

The article argues that “Scared Straight” programs, which involve prisoners intimidating at-risk youth, are ineffective and may actually increase recidivism rates according to multiple academic studies. Instead, the piece advocates for mentorship programs where

Trump DOJ Erases Trans People from Crime Data Surveys

The Justice Department has removed questions about gender identity from the National Crime Victimization Survey, the Survey on Sexual Victimization, and the Survey of Inmates in Local Jails. The post Trump DOJ Erases Trans People from Crime Data Surveys appeared first on The Appeal.

Texas Jail Staff Laughed as Army Vet Choked and Died, Lawsuit Says

According to a wrongful death lawsuit, staff at the Angelina County Jail stood by as 33-year-old Glenn Smallwood vomited and died in front of them. The post Texas Jail Staff Laughed as Army Vet Choked and Died, Lawsuit Says appeared first on The Appeal.

Louisiana Sent Kids to Adult Jail That Violated Scores of Regulations, Reports Say

Investigators found the Jackson Parish Jail violated state rules 83 times between July and February—almost 12 times more than the second-worst lockup. The post Louisiana Sent Kids to Adult Jail That Violated Scores of Regulations, Reports Say appeared first on The Appeal.

Trump DOJ Defunds National Prison Rape Resource Center

A letter obtained exclusively by The Appeal says Trump’s Department of Justice has cut all funding to the Prison Rape Elimination Act Resource Center. The post Trump DOJ Defunds National Prison Rape Resource Center appeared first on The Appeal.

They Served Their Time. But They May Still Die in State Custody.

In half the country, sex offense civil commitment incarcerates people after they complete their prison sentences. The post They Served Their Time. But They May Still Die in State Custody. appeared first on The Appeal.

After Self-Immolations at Red Onion Prison, Virginia Prisoners Allege Crackdown

At least six people at Red Onion intentionally lit themselves on fire last year. Now, prisoners say staff are forcing people to comply—or cutting their electricity. The post After Self-Immolations at Red Onion Prison, Virginia Prisoners Allege Crackdown appeared first on The Appeal.

How Prison Dog-Training Programs Transform Lives

“We are not just training dogs — we are training ourselves to be better humans.” The post How Prison Dog-Training Programs Transform Lives appeared first on The Appeal.

ICE Increasingly Relies on Vermont Prisons for Immigration Detention

People detained in Vermont’s prisons for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection struggle to call their families and have been exposed to physical violence. The post ICE Increasingly Relies on Vermont Prisons for Immigration Detention appeared first on The Appeal.

No Exit: Death and Despair in Texas’s “Double-Cell” Solitary Units

Texas state prisons incarcerate more than 4,500 people in two-person cells the size of a parking space for nearly 24 hours a day. The post No Exit: Death and Despair in Texas’s “Double-Cell” Solitary Units appeared first on The Appeal.