GPS RESEARCH LIBRARY: National Prison Reform Models & Georgia Comparison — Brennan Center 2026 Report ============================================================ Georgia Prisoners' Speak — gps.press Generated: 2026-03-22 19:44:00 EDT Research Date: 2026-03-21 Topic: Prison Reform / Comparative Analysis JSON: https://gps.press/research-data/national-prison-reform-models-georgia-comparison-brennan-center-2026-report/?format=json SUMMARY ---------------------------------------- The Brennan Center for Justice's March 2026 report profiles five categories of prison reform initiatives across more than a dozen states, documenting significant outcome improvements including 73% reductions in violence, near-zero violence in normalized housing units, and recidivism drops of nearly one-third. The report directly names Georgia as a state that continues to prohibit incarcerated students from accessing state financial aid, while identifying that Georgia lacks independent prison oversight mechanisms. National data on the staffing crisis ($2.2 billion in overtime across 26 states, 11% workforce loss 2020-2023), public opinion (90% bipartisan support for prison education), and cost of incarceration ($45,000/year federal, $4,200/year per affected family) provide critical benchmarks against which Georgia's worsening outcomes despite record spending can be measured. STATISTICS (58) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] Total U.S. state and federal prisons The United States operates 1,664 state and federal prisons. Value: 1664.0 prisons Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: facilities,demographics Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] Total U.S. incarcerated population Nearly 2 million people are incarcerated in the United States. Value: 2000000.0 people Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: demographics Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] Annual prison releases nationally Approximately 450,000 incarcerated people return home each year from U.S. prisons. Value: 450000.0 people per year Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: reentry,demographics Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] 95% of incarcerated people will be released 95% of incarcerated people will eventually be released, most having received almost no programming or support. Value: 95.0 percent Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: reentry,policy Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] Two-thirds rearrested within three years of release Close to two-thirds of people released from prison are rearrested within three years. Value: 66.0 percent Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: reentry Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] Nearly 60% of formerly incarcerated people unemployed after one year Nearly 60% of formerly incarcerated people remain unemployed a year after release. Value: 60.0 percent Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: reentry Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] DOJ had 43 open investigations into correctional facilities As of February 2026, the Department of Justice had 43 open investigations into jails, prisons, or entire state correctional systems for constitutional violations including physical and sexual violence, sanitation problems, staffing deficiencies, inadequate medical and psychiatric care, overuse of solitary confinement, and crowding. Value: 43.0 open investigations Date: 2026-02-01 Tags: investigations,conditions,violence,medical,staffing,solitary,legal Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] 80%+ of voters support second chances for formerly incarcerated More than 80% of likely voters believe formerly incarcerated people deserve a second chance. Value: 80.0 percent of likely voters Date: 2025-11-01 Tags: reentry,policy Sources: Prison Reform Survey — November 2025 - [reported] 80%+ believe rehabilitative programs can prepare people for reentry More than 80% of likely voters believe people can be prepared to reenter society through rehabilitative, educational, or vocational programs. Value: 80.0 percent of likely voters Date: 2025-11-01 Tags: reentry,policy Sources: Prison Reform Survey — November 2025 - [reported] 90% bipartisan support for prison education programs Approximately 90% of both Republicans and Democrats support requiring prisons to offer education programs. Value: 90.0 percent Date: 2025-11-01 Tags: policy Sources: Prison Reform Survey — November 2025 - [reported] State prisons lost 11% of workforce 2020-2023 State prisons lost 11% of their full-time workforce from 2020 to 2023. Value: 11.0 percent workforce loss Tags: staffing Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] Federal BOP 21% CO vacancy rate The Federal Bureau of Prisons had a 21% vacancy rate for correctional officers (4,293 unfilled positions) at end of September 2022. Value: 21.0 percent vacancy rate (vs. 4293 unfilled positions) Date: 2022-09-01 Tags: staffing Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] North Carolina 39% CO vacancy rate North Carolina had approximately 39% of correctional officer positions unfilled as of February 2024. Value: 39.0 percent vacancy rate Date: 2024-02-01 Tags: staffing Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] New Hampshire 48% entry-level CO vacancy rate New Hampshire had a 48% vacancy rate for entry-level correctional officer roles. Value: 48.0 percent vacancy rate Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: staffing Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] Nearly half of DOC administrators report 20-30% annual CO turnover Nearly half of state DOC administrators reported annual officer turnover rates of 20-30%. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: staffing Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] 38% of CO staff leave within one year 38% of correctional officer staff leave within one year; 48% leave within one to five years. Value: 38.0 percent leave within one year (vs. 48 percent leave within 1-5 years) Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: staffing Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] Texas CO turnover rate 30.9% in 2023 Texas had a 30.9% turnover rate for correctional officers in 2023 and 71.8% for juvenile COs. As of 2025, 63% of officers had been with the department three years or less. Value: 30.9 percent turnover rate (vs. 71.8 percent juvenile CO turnover) Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: staffing Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] Texas 63% of COs with 3 years or less experience As of 2025, 63% of Texas correctional officers had been with the department three years or less. Value: 63.0 percent Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: staffing Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] Mean CO hourly wage just over $28/hour in 2023 Mean hourly wage for correctional officers was just over $28/hour (2023 data). Twelve states paid $46,000 or less annually; nearly half of states paid less than $52,000. Value: 28.0 dollars per hour Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: staffing,budget Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] MIT living wage estimate for family of four MIT's living wage calculator estimates a family of four needs approximately $75,000 annually in the lowest-cost-of-living state, significantly above most CO salaries. Value: 75000.0 dollars annually Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: staffing,budget Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] $2.2 billion in corrections overtime across 26 states (2019-2024) From 2019 to 2024, 26 states with complete data spent $2.2 billion on overtime alone. Value: 2.2 billion dollars Tags: staffing,budget Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] CO suicide rate 39% higher than all other professions A 2017 study showed correctional officers' suicide rate was 39% higher than all other professions combined. Value: 39.0 percent higher suicide rate Date: 2017-01-01 Tags: staffing,mental_health,death Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] Nearly three-quarters of jobs will require postsecondary education by 2031 By 2031, nearly three-quarters of all jobs will expect some postsecondary education or training. Value: 75.0 percent of jobs Date: 2031-01-01 Tags: reentry Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] 40% of state prison population lacks high school credential 40% of people in state prisons haven't earned a high school credential; another 45% have only a GED or diploma. Value: 40.0 percent without high school credential (vs. 45 percent with only GED or diploma) Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: demographics Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] College-in-prison linked to 43% lower recidivism College-in-prison programs linked to 43% lower chance of returning to prison. Value: 43.0 percent lower recidivism Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: reentry Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [estimated] Postsecondary education could cut state prison spending by $365M annually Providing postsecondary education to incarcerated people could cut state prison spending by up to $365 million annually. Value: 365.0 million dollars annual savings Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: budget Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] Federal BOP cost per person per year: ~$45,000 The Federal Bureau of Prisons spends approximately $45,000 to incarcerate one person for one year. Value: 45000.0 dollars per person per year Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: budget Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] Michigan saves ~$49,000 per person per year with declining recidivism Michigan saves about $49,000 per person per year with its declining recidivism rate (under 23% in 2024, second lowest in state history). Value: 49000.0 dollars saved per person per year Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: budget,reentry Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] BOP programs yield 12-50%+ recidivism reduction Meta-analysis of BOP programs found least effective still yielded 12-22% recidivism reduction; most effective reduced recidivism by 50% or more. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: reentry Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] Incarceration costs families ~$4,200 annually; $350 billion nationally A loved one's incarceration costs a family approximately $4,200 annually — $350 billion nationally combined. That's a quarter of annual income for a family at the poverty line (2025 study). Value: 4200.0 dollars per family annually (vs. 350 billion dollars nationally) Date: 2025-01-01 Tags: budget Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [confirmed] Restoring Promise: 73% reduction in violence (South Carolina RCT) Restoring Promise randomized control trial in South Carolina showed a 73% reduction in odds of being written up for violence compared to control group. Value: 73.0 percent reduction in violence write-ups Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: violence,policy Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [confirmed] Restoring Promise: 83% reduction in restrictive housing stays Restoring Promise RCT in South Carolina showed an 83% reduction in restrictive housing stays during first year of participation. Value: 83.0 percent reduction in restrictive housing Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: solitary,policy Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] Restoring Promise survey: 94.6% of young adults felt safe Cross-site survey data (December 2024, seven Restoring Promise units): 94.6% of young adults felt safe, 92.5% said time was productive, 88.9% gaining life skills. Value: 94.6 percent felt safe Date: 2024-12-01 Tags: conditions,policy Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] Restoring Promise staff survey: 100% enjoyed working with residents Among staff at Restoring Promise units: 100% enjoyed working with residents; 97% felt safe; 80.5% liked their job (December 2024 survey). Value: 100.0 percent enjoyed working with residents Date: 2024-12-01 Tags: staffing,policy Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] Little Scandinavia: near-zero violence vs. 21.6% statewide increase The Scandinavian Prison Project ('Little Scandinavia') at SCI Chester in Pennsylvania achieved near-zero violence in the unit while facilities statewide experienced a 21.6% increase in violence in 2024 to the highest level in 30 years. Value: 0.0 near-zero violence (vs. 21.6 percent statewide violence increase) Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: violence,policy Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] Little Scandinavia renovation cost: $300,000 The physical renovation for the Scandinavian Prison Project unit at SCI Chester cost $300,000. Value: 300000.0 dollars Date: 2022-01-01 Tags: budget,facilities,policy Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] Amend at UCSF: 74% reduction in solitary confinement in North Dakota Amend at UCSF's partnership with North Dakota beginning in 2015 resulted in more than 74% reduction in solitary confinement use, with significant decreases in restrictive housing placements for people with serious mental illness. Value: 74.0 percent reduction in solitary confinement Tags: solitary,mental_health,policy Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] Amend Oregon: 55.7% reduction in disciplinary infractions Amend at UCSF's resource team at an Oregon behavioral health unit showed among participants with 3+ interactions: 55.7% reduction in mean disciplinary infraction rate and 73.9% decrease in assaults. Value: 55.7 percent reduction in disciplinary infractions (vs. 73.9 percent decrease in assaults) Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: violence,mental_health,policy Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] Michigan Vocational Villages: 15.6% recidivism vs. 22.1% statewide Michigan Vocational Village 2019 graduates had a 15.6% recidivism rate vs. 22.1% overall Michigan DOC rate (6.5 percentage point reduction). Value: 15.6 percent recidivism rate (vs. 22.1 percent overall Michigan DOC rate) Date: 2019-01-01 Tags: reentry,policy Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] Michigan Vocational Villages: 12.6% returned to prison 2016-2023 From 2016 to July 2023, 12.6% of Vocational Village participants returned to prison — approximately half the return rate for all 2020 releases. Value: 12.6 percent returned to prison Tags: reentry,policy Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] Michigan Vocational Villages: 64.2% employment rate Michigan Vocational Village employment rate in fall 2024 was 64.2%, above the national 60.1% rate for formerly incarcerated people. Value: 64.2 percent employment rate (vs. 60.1 percent national rate) Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: reentry,policy Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] Michigan DOC: 99% of releases issued valid ID or license Michigan DOC ensures 99% of releases are issued a valid ID or license, supporting reentry. The department controls both corrections and parole. Value: 99.0 percent Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: reentry,policy Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] Michigan recidivism rate under 23% in 2024 Michigan's recidivism rate was under 23% in 2024, the second lowest in state history. Value: 23.0 percent recidivism rate (under) Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: reentry Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] The Last Mile: 1,500+ participants, 75% employed within 6 months The Last Mile operates 18 classrooms across 8 states with 1,500+ participants since 2010. Nearly 75% of graduates are employed within six months of release. Value: 75.0 percent employed within 6 months Date: 2025-03-01 Tags: reentry,policy Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] The Last Mile: only 8% reincarcerated for new offense Only 8% of The Last Mile graduates were reincarcerated for a new offense as of March 2025. Value: 8.0 percent reincarcerated Date: 2025-03-01 Tags: reentry Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] Maine: 40% reduction in resident-on-resident assaults Maine's correctional reform resulted in a 40% reduction in resident-on-resident assaults. Value: 40.0 percent reduction Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: violence,policy Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] Maine: 36% reduction in resident assaults on staff Maine's correctional reform resulted in a 36% reduction in resident assaults on staff. Value: 36.0 percent reduction Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: violence,staffing,policy Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] Maine: 69% reduction in staff use-of-force incidents Maine's correctional reform resulted in a 69% reduction in staff use-of-force incidents. Value: 69.0 percent reduction Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: violence,staffing,policy Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] Maine: 84% decrease in self-inflicted injuries at Maine State Prison Maine's correctional reform resulted in an 84% decrease in self-inflicted injuries at Maine State Prison. Value: 84.0 percent decrease Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: mental_health,conditions,policy Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] Maine: disciplinary cases down 25% system-wide; 42% at Maine State Prison Disciplinary cases in Maine declined 25% system-wide; at Maine State Prison specifically, there was a 42% decline (1,121 fewer cases per year). Value: 25.0 percent reduction system-wide (vs. 42 percent reduction at Maine State Prison) Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: conditions,policy Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] Maine: 73% of staff and 65% of residents felt safe A Brennan Center survey found 73% of staff and 65% of residents felt safe in Maine's correctional facilities. Value: 73.0 percent of staff felt safe (vs. 65 percent of residents felt safe) Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: conditions,staffing,policy Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] Maine: nearly 50% of population receives MAT for opioid use disorder Nearly 50% of Maine's incarcerated population receives medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder, compared to less than 1% of the federal prison population in 2021. Value: 50.0 percent receiving MAT (vs. 1 percent of federal prison population receiving MAT (2021)) Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: drugs,medical,policy Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] Maine: 70+ trained recovery coaches in 2024 Maine had 70 or more trained recovery coaches operating in its correctional facilities as of 2024. Value: 70.0 recovery coaches Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: drugs,medical,policy Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] Maine: 166 people in work release including 12 working remotely In March 2025, 166 people were in work release in Maine, including 12 working remotely as paralegals, software designers, and college instructors. Value: 166.0 people in work release Date: 2025-03-01 Tags: reentry,policy Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] Maine Correctional Center renovation came in $7 million under budget The Maine Correctional Center renovation came in $7 million under budget as part of the state's facility improvement strategy. Value: 7.0 million dollars under budget Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: budget,facilities,policy Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] Maine: 77% of staff said insufficient personnel In Maine, 77% of staff reported insufficient personnel as a challenge, even as the state's reform model has produced significant outcome improvements. Value: 77.0 percent of staff Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: staffing Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] Maine incarcerates fewer than 2,000 people Maine incarcerates fewer than 2,000 people, making it a small system that has been able to implement system-wide reform. Value: 2000.0 people (fewer than) Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: demographics Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] Twelve states paid COs $46,000 or less annually Twelve states paid correctional officers $46,000 or less annually based on 2023 data; nearly half of states paid less than $52,000. Value: 12.0 states Date: 2023-01-01 Tags: staffing,budget Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes TRENDS (2) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] BLS projects 7% decline in corrections employment by 2034 The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 7% decline in corrections employment by 2034. Date: 2034-01-01 Tags: staffing Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] Maine recidivism: 30.5% (2017) to 21.4% (2022) Maine's three-year recidivism rate dropped from 30.5% (2017) to 21.4% (2022) — nearly a one-third reduction — following its system-wide correctional reform. Tags: reentry,policy Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes FINDINGS (7) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] Corrections workers suffer PTSD and depression above national average A 2013 study found corrections workers suffered from PTSD and depression at levels significantly higher than the national average. Date: 2013-01-01 Tags: staffing,mental_health Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] 19 states plus DC have prison oversight mechanisms; Georgia is not among them 19 states and D.C. have established prison oversight mechanisms (independent ombuds offices, inspectors general, bipartisan legislative committees). Georgia is NOT among them. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: policy,legal,operations Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] Georgia prohibits incarcerated students from accessing state financial aid Georgia and Pennsylvania continue to prohibit incarcerated students from accessing state financial aid programs, unlike states such as Michigan which are expanding postsecondary education in prisons. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: policy Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes; The Societal Benefits of Postsecondary Prison Education - [reported] Education gap between incarcerated and general population Outside prison, 50% of the U.S. population has at least an associate's degree; 40% have a bachelor's or higher. In contrast, 40% of state prisoners lack a high school credential. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: demographics Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] 60-70% of correctional staff hired during COVID lockdowns A common challenge to reform efforts is that 60-70% of current correctional staff were hired during COVID lockdowns and have limited exposure to normal prison operations or reform culture. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: staffing Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] Average correctional leader tenure approximately 3 years Leadership turnover is a major barrier to reform; the average tenure for correctional leaders is approximately 3 years. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: staffing,policy Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] Key oversight researchers identified Key prison oversight research institutions include the Prison and Jail Innovation Lab at UT Austin (led by Michelle Deitch), the COVID Behind Bars Data Project at UCLA (led by Sharon Dolovich), and Andrea Armstrong's in-custody death databases at Loyola. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: operations,policy Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes LEGAL FACTS (3) ---------------------------------------- - [confirmed] Federal Prison Oversight Act signed July 2024 The Federal Prison Oversight Act was signed July 25, 2024, requiring regular risk-based inspections of all 122 federal prisons, public reporting, and corrective action; it also created an independent ombudsman. Date: 2024-07-25 Tags: policy,legal,operations Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [confirmed] 1994 Violent Crime Control Act revoked Pell eligibility for incarcerated people The 1994 Violent Crime Control Act revoked Pell eligibility for incarcerated people, dismantling most prison postsecondary programs. Congress lifted the ban in December 2020. Date: 1994-01-01 Tags: policy,legal Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [confirmed] Pell Grant ban lifted December 2020 Congress lifted the ban on Pell Grant eligibility for incarcerated people in December 2020, after the 1994 Violent Crime Control Act had revoked it. Date: 2020-12-01 Tags: policy,legal Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes METHODOLOGY NOTES (2) ---------------------------------------- - [confirmed] Restoring Promise RCT ruled out self-selection bias Restoring Promise RCT findings controlled for custody level, education level, pre-treatment outcomes, length of time in study, race, and age. No significant difference between applicants who didn't get spots and non-applicants — meaning outcomes are attributable to the program itself, not self-selection. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: policy Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [confirmed] Brennan Center report based on original interviews The Brennan Center report is based on original interviews with correctional directors, operational staff, currently and formerly incarcerated people, nonprofit leaders, and program funders. Date: 2026-03-01 Tags: policy Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes CASE DETAILS (8) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] Restoring Promise operates nine units across six states Restoring Promise operates nine housing units across Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Massachusetts, North Dakota, and South Carolina for young adults aged 18-25. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: policy Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] North Dakota planning 260-bed women's facility with normalization North Dakota is planning a 260-bed women's facility with normalization built into the architecture (DLR Group design, planned for 2027) as part of the 'Designed for Dignity' initiative. Date: 2027-01-01 Tags: facilities,policy Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] Maine prison grows 28,000 lbs produce/year Maine State Prison grows 28,000 pounds of produce per year and donates 3,000 pounds to food pantries. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: conditions,policy Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] Maine education: GED through master's degrees; one PhD candidate Maine offers education from GED through master's degrees via the University of Maine. One resident was a PhD candidate as of July 2025. Date: 2025-07-01 Tags: policy Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] Prison Fellowship Warden Exchange: 820 wardens participating Prison Fellowship Warden Exchange has 820 wardens participating in a national learning community for correctional reform. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: policy Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] Scandinavian Prison Project opened May 2022 at SCI Chester The Scandinavian Prison Project ('Little Scandinavia') opened in May 2022 at SCI Chester in Pennsylvania with a capacity of 64 men. It was created through partnership between Drexel University, University of Oslo, PADOC, Norwegian Correctional Service, and Swedish Prison and Probation Service. Date: 2022-05-01 Tags: policy,facilities Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] Maine reform began 2022 with two decades of incremental change Maine reorganized its entire correctional system starting 2022 around normalization, humanization, and destigmatization. The state incarcerates fewer than 2,000 people. The effort grew from two decades of incremental reform including trauma-informed models (2002), restrictive housing reforms (2011), and progressive discipline and classification. Date: 2022-01-01 Tags: policy Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] Michigan Vocational Villages: 3 facilities, ~600 students, 13 trade programs Michigan's Vocational Villages operate in three facilities with a capacity of approximately 600 students across 13 trade programs, open to people within 12-24 months of release. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: policy,reentry Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes POLICYS (5) ---------------------------------------- - [reported] PADOC expanding Scandinavian model to three additional facilities In March 2025, the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections announced expansion of the Scandinavian Prison Project model to three additional facilities. Date: 2025-03-01 Tags: policy Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] Michigan employer tax credits $1,200-$9,600 per hire Michigan offers tax credits of $1,200 to $9,600 per hire for employers who hire formerly incarcerated people, along with a Fidelity Bonding Program that insures employers. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: reentry,policy,budget Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] Maine staff trained in mental health first aid and de-escalation All Maine correctional staff are trained in mental health first aid and CR2 de-escalation. A mandatory 40-hour 21st Century Leadership Academy course is required. Date: 2026-01-01 Tags: staffing,mental_health,policy Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] Contact officer model required revision of anti-fraternization policy The contact officer model adapted from Norway for the Scandinavian Prison Project required revision of PADOC's anti-fraternization policy, as frontline staff are assigned to specific residents and responsible for helping navigate prison time and prepare for release. Date: 2022-01-01 Tags: staffing,policy Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes - [reported] Vera published Restoring Promise Implementation Toolkit January 2024 The Vera Institute of Justice published the Restoring Promise Implementation Toolkit in January 2024 and launched a new 'Designed for Dignity' initiative to extend the model to entire correctional systems. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: policy Sources: Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes DATASETS (3) ---------------------------------------- # State Correctional Officer Vacancy Rates CO vacancy rates across states and federal system as reported in the Brennan Center report Jurisdiction Vacancy Rate Date ----------------------------------------------------------- Federal Bureau of Prisons 21 September 2022 North Carolina 39 February 2024 New Hampshire (entry-level) 48 circa 2024 # Maine Correctional Reform Outcome Metrics Key outcome improvements from Maine's system-wide correctional reform model Metric Reduction/Change Note ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Three-year recidivism rate -29.8 30.5% (2017) to 21.4% (2022) Resident-on-resident assaults -40 System-wide Resident assaults on staff -36 System-wide Staff use-of-force incidents -69 System-wide Self-inflicted injuries (Maine State Prison) -84 Maine State Prison Disciplinary cases (system-wide) -25 System-wide Disciplinary cases (Maine State Prison) -42 1,121 fewer cases/year # Reform Program Recidivism Outcomes Comparison Recidivism outcomes for profiled reform programs vs. comparison groups Program Program Recidivism Rate Comparison Rate Measurement Period ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Michigan Vocational Villages (2019 graduates) 15.6 22.1 Michigan DOC overall Michigan Vocational Villages (2016-2023) 12.6 ~half overall rate The Last Mile 8 New offense only, as of March 2025 Maine system-wide (2022) 21.4 30.5 vs. Maine 2017 College-in-prison (general) 43% lower chance of recidivism KEY ENTITIES (23) ---------------------------------------- - Amend at UCSF [organization]: Physician-led nonprofit at UCSF School of Medicine taking a public health approach to reducing health harms of incarceration. Active in California, Connecticut, North Dakota, Oregon, and Washington State. (aka: Amend) - Brennan Center for Justice [organization]: Research organization whose comprehensive 2015 analysis found increased incarceration accounted for approximately 5% of 1990s crime decline, dropping to essentially 0% post-2000. - Brookings Institution [organization]: Think tank that published the report on societal benefits of postsecondary prison education cited in the Brennan Center report. (aka: Brookings) - Bureau of Labor Statistics [organization]: U.S. federal agency that projects a 7% decline in corrections employment by 2034. (aka: BLS) - COVID Behind Bars Data Project [organization]: Research project at UCLA led by Sharon Dolovich tracking COVID and related data in carceral settings. - Drexel University [organization]: University partner in the Scandinavian Prison Project at SCI Chester, Pennsylvania. - Federal Bureau of Prisons [organization]: Federal agency responsible for operating federal prisons in the United States. (aka: BOP, Federal BOP) - Federal Prison Oversight Act [legislation]: 2024 federal law calling for independent prison oversight through an ombudsman and regular inspections by the Inspector General with 60-day corrective action requirements (aka: FPOA) - Georgia Department of Corrections [organization]: State agency responsible for operating Georgia's prison system. Subject of federal DOJ investigation in 2022-2023 for constitutional violations including food-related deaths. (aka: GDC) - Maine Department of Corrections [organization]: State corrections agency that reorganized its entire system starting 2022 around normalization, achieving nearly one-third reduction in recidivism and dramatic violence reductions. (aka: Maine DOC) - Maine State Prison [facility]: Maine's primary state prison where the Earned Living Unit replaced former solitary and disciplinary cases declined 42%. Grows 28,000 lbs of produce per year. - Michigan Department of Corrections [organization]: Michigan state corrections agency that contracted with Aramark (2013-2015) and Trinity Services Group (2015-2018) for food service before returning to in-house operations in 2018. (aka: MDOC) - Michigan Vocational Villages [program]: Michigan DOC program offering skilled trades training in specialized housing units across three facilities with ~600 student capacity and 13 trade programs. (aka: Vocational Village, Vocational Villages) - Pennsylvania Department of Corrections [organization]: Pennsylvania corrections agency; secretary testified as expert witness about overcrowding as 'biggest inhibiting factor' in California - Prison and Jail Innovation Lab [organization]: Research institution at UT Austin led by Michelle Deitch focused on prison oversight. - Prison Fellowship Warden Exchange [program]: National learning community for correctional leaders with 820 wardens participating. - Restoring Promise [program]: Vera Institute initiative transforming prison housing units for young adults aged 18-25, using normalization, dynamic security, restorative justice, and peer mentorship. Operates nine units across six states. - Scandinavian Prison Project [program]: Experimental housing unit at SCI Chester, Pennsylvania, created through partnership between Drexel University, University of Oslo, PADOC, and Scandinavian correctional services. Opened May 2022. (aka: Little Scandinavia) - SCI Chester [facility]: Pennsylvania state correctional institution hosting the Scandinavian Prison Project experimental housing unit. - The Last Mile [program]: Nonprofit providing tech-industry training (coding, web development, audio/video production) in 18 classrooms across 8 states. 1,500+ participants since 2010. - U.S. Department of Justice [organization]: Federal agency that published October 2024 findings report on unconstitutional conditions in Georgia prisons. (aka: DOJ) - Vera Institute of Justice [organization]: Research organization focused on criminal justice; published Health Care Behind Bars report (2025) (aka: Vera Institute, Vera) - Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 [legislation]: Federal legislation that created the VOI/TIS Incentive Grant Program under Title II, Subtitle A. Authorized $12.5 billion for states adopting truth-in-sentencing laws. (aka: P.L. 103-322, 1994 Crime Bill) SOURCES (4) ---------------------------------------- - GPS Research Assessment — Brennan Center Report Analysis, Georgia Prisoners' Speak (2026-03-01) [gps_original, tertiary] - Prison Reform in the United States: Efforts to Improve Conditions and Post-Release Outcomes, Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law by Ram Subramanian, Lauren-Brooke Eisen, Josephine Wonsun Hahn, Jinmook Kang, Ava Kaufman, and Brianna Seid (2026-03-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/prison-reform-united-states - Prison Reform Survey — November 2025, Brennan Center for Justice (2026-03-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/prison-reform-survey-november-2025 - The Societal Benefits of Postsecondary Prison Education, Brookings Institution by Alexandra Gibbons and Rashawn Ray (2021-08-20) [academic, secondary] URL: https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-societal-benefits-of-postsecondary-prison-education