Prison Reform / Comparative Analysis
National Prison Reform Models & Georgia Comparison — Brennan Center 2026 Report
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.
Pre-written explainers based on this research
All Data Points
85 verified data points extracted from primary sources.
Total U.S. state and federal prisons Statistic
The United States operates 1,664 state and federal prisons.
1,664 prisons
Total U.S. incarcerated population Statistic
Nearly 2 million people are incarcerated in the United States.
2,000,000 people
Annual prison releases nationally Statistic
Approximately 450,000 incarcerated people return home each year from U.S. prisons.
450,000 people per year
95% of incarcerated people will be released Statistic
95% of incarcerated people will eventually be released, most having received almost no programming or support.
95%
Two-thirds rearrested within three years of release Statistic
Close to two-thirds of people released from prison are rearrested within three years.
66%
Nearly 60% of formerly incarcerated people unemployed after one year Statistic
Nearly 60% of formerly incarcerated people remain unemployed a year after release.
60%
DOJ had 43 open investigations into correctional facilities Statistic
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, ina…
43 open investigations
80%+ of voters support second chances for formerly incarcerated Statistic
More than 80% of likely voters believe formerly incarcerated people deserve a second chance.
80%
80%+ believe rehabilitative programs can prepare people for reentry Statistic
More than 80% of likely voters believe people can be prepared to reenter society through rehabilitative, educational, or vocational programs.
80%
90% bipartisan support for prison education programs Statistic
Approximately 90% of both Republicans and Democrats support requiring prisons to offer education programs.
90%
State prisons lost 11% of workforce 2020-2023 Statistic
State prisons lost 11% of their full-time workforce from 2020 to 2023.
11%
Federal BOP 21% CO vacancy rate Statistic
The Federal Bureau of Prisons had a 21% vacancy rate for correctional officers (4,293 unfilled positions) at end of September 2022.
21% vs. unfilled positions
North Carolina 39% CO vacancy rate Statistic
North Carolina had approximately 39% of correctional officer positions unfilled as of February 2024.
39%
New Hampshire 48% entry-level CO vacancy rate Statistic
New Hampshire had a 48% vacancy rate for entry-level correctional officer roles.
48%
BLS projects 7% decline in corrections employment by 2034 Trend
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 7% decline in corrections employment by 2034.
Nearly half of DOC administrators report 20-30% annual CO turnover Statistic
Nearly half of state DOC administrators reported annual officer turnover rates of 20-30%.
38% of CO staff leave within one year Statistic
38% of correctional officer staff leave within one year; 48% leave within one to five years.
38% vs. percent leave within 1-5 years
Texas CO turnover rate 30.9% in 2023 Statistic
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.
30.9% vs. percent juvenile CO turnover
Texas 63% of COs with 3 years or less experience Statistic
As of 2025, 63% of Texas correctional officers had been with the department three years or less.
63%
Mean CO hourly wage just over $28/hour in 2023 Statistic
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.
$28.00
MIT living wage estimate for family of four Statistic
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.
$75,000
$2.2 billion in corrections overtime across 26 states (2019-2024) Statistic
From 2019 to 2024, 26 states with complete data spent $2.2 billion on overtime alone.
$2.2B
Corrections workers suffer PTSD and depression above national average Finding
A 2013 study found corrections workers suffered from PTSD and depression at levels significantly higher than the national average.
CO suicide rate 39% higher than all other professions Statistic
A 2017 study showed correctional officers' suicide rate was 39% higher than all other professions combined.
39%
19 states plus DC have prison oversight mechanisms; Georgia is not among them Finding
19 states and D.C. have established prison oversight mechanisms (independent ombuds offices, inspectors general, bipartisan legislative committees). Georgia is NOT among them.
Federal Prison Oversight Act signed July 2024 Legal fact
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.
Georgia prohibits incarcerated students from accessing state financial aid Finding
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.
Nearly three-quarters of jobs will require postsecondary education by 2031 Statistic
By 2031, nearly three-quarters of all jobs will expect some postsecondary education or training.
75%
40% of state prison population lacks high school credential Statistic
40% of people in state prisons haven't earned a high school credential; another 45% have only a GED or diploma.
40% vs. percent with only GED or diploma
Education gap between incarcerated and general population Finding
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.
1994 Violent Crime Control Act revoked Pell eligibility for incarcerated people Legal fact
The 1994 Violent Crime Control Act revoked Pell eligibility for incarcerated people, dismantling most prison postsecondary programs. Congress lifted the ban in December 2020.
College-in-prison linked to 43% lower recidivism Statistic
College-in-prison programs linked to 43% lower chance of returning to prison.
43%
Postsecondary education could cut state prison spending by $365M annually Statistic
Providing postsecondary education to incarcerated people could cut state prison spending by up to $365 million annually.
$365M
Federal BOP cost per person per year: ~$45,000 Statistic
The Federal Bureau of Prisons spends approximately $45,000 to incarcerate one person for one year.
$45,000
Michigan saves ~$49,000 per person per year with declining recidivism Statistic
Michigan saves about $49,000 per person per year with its declining recidivism rate (under 23% in 2024, second lowest in state history).
$49,000
BOP programs yield 12-50%+ recidivism reduction Statistic
Meta-analysis of BOP programs found least effective still yielded 12-22% recidivism reduction; most effective reduced recidivism by 50% or more.
Incarceration costs families ~$4,200 annually; $350 billion nationally Statistic
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).
$4,200 vs. billion dollars nationally
Restoring Promise: 73% reduction in violence (South Carolina RCT) Statistic
Restoring Promise randomized control trial in South Carolina showed a 73% reduction in odds of being written up for violence compared to control group.
73%
Restoring Promise: 83% reduction in restrictive housing stays Statistic
Restoring Promise RCT in South Carolina showed an 83% reduction in restrictive housing stays during first year of participation.
83%
Restoring Promise RCT ruled out self-selection bias Methodology note
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…
Restoring Promise survey: 94.6% of young adults felt safe Statistic
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.
94.6%
Restoring Promise staff survey: 100% enjoyed working with residents Statistic
Among staff at Restoring Promise units: 100% enjoyed working with residents; 97% felt safe; 80.5% liked their job (December 2024 survey).
100%
Restoring Promise operates nine units across six states Case detail
Restoring Promise operates nine housing units across Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Massachusetts, North Dakota, and South Carolina for young adults aged 18-25.
North Dakota planning 260-bed women's facility with normalization Case detail
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.
Little Scandinavia: near-zero violence vs. 21.6% statewide increase Statistic
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.
0 near-zero violence vs. percent statewide violence increase
Little Scandinavia renovation cost: $300,000 Statistic
The physical renovation for the Scandinavian Prison Project unit at SCI Chester cost $300,000.
$300,000
PADOC expanding Scandinavian model to three additional facilities Policy
In March 2025, the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections announced expansion of the Scandinavian Prison Project model to three additional facilities.
Amend at UCSF: 74% reduction in solitary confinement in North Dakota Statistic
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.
74%
Amend Oregon: 55.7% reduction in disciplinary infractions Statistic
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.
55.7% vs. percent decrease in assaults
Michigan Vocational Villages: 15.6% recidivism vs. 22.1% statewide Statistic
Michigan Vocational Village 2019 graduates had a 15.6% recidivism rate vs. 22.1% overall Michigan DOC rate (6.5 percentage point reduction).
15.6% vs. percent overall Michigan DOC rate
Michigan Vocational Villages: 12.6% returned to prison 2016-2023 Statistic
From 2016 to July 2023, 12.6% of Vocational Village participants returned to prison — approximately half the return rate for all 2020 releases.
12.6%
Michigan Vocational Villages: 64.2% employment rate Statistic
Michigan Vocational Village employment rate in fall 2024 was 64.2%, above the national 60.1% rate for formerly incarcerated people.
64.2% vs. percent national rate
Michigan DOC: 99% of releases issued valid ID or license Statistic
Michigan DOC ensures 99% of releases are issued a valid ID or license, supporting reentry. The department controls both corrections and parole.
99%
Michigan recidivism rate under 23% in 2024 Statistic
Michigan's recidivism rate was under 23% in 2024, the second lowest in state history.
23%
Michigan employer tax credits $1,200-$9,600 per hire Policy
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.
The Last Mile: 1,500+ participants, 75% employed within 6 months Statistic
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.
75%
The Last Mile: only 8% reincarcerated for new offense Statistic
Only 8% of The Last Mile graduates were reincarcerated for a new offense as of March 2025.
8%
Maine recidivism: 30.5% (2017) to 21.4% (2022) Trend
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.
Maine: 40% reduction in resident-on-resident assaults Statistic
Maine's correctional reform resulted in a 40% reduction in resident-on-resident assaults.
40%
Maine: 36% reduction in resident assaults on staff Statistic
Maine's correctional reform resulted in a 36% reduction in resident assaults on staff.
36%
Maine: 69% reduction in staff use-of-force incidents Statistic
Maine's correctional reform resulted in a 69% reduction in staff use-of-force incidents.
69%
Maine: 84% decrease in self-inflicted injuries at Maine State Prison Statistic
Maine's correctional reform resulted in an 84% decrease in self-inflicted injuries at Maine State Prison.
84%
Maine: disciplinary cases down 25% system-wide; 42% at Maine State Prison Statistic
Disciplinary cases in Maine declined 25% system-wide; at Maine State Prison specifically, there was a 42% decline (1,121 fewer cases per year).
25% vs. percent reduction at Maine State Prison
Maine: 73% of staff and 65% of residents felt safe Statistic
A Brennan Center survey found 73% of staff and 65% of residents felt safe in Maine's correctional facilities.
73% vs. percent of residents felt safe
Maine: nearly 50% of population receives MAT for opioid use disorder Statistic
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.
50% vs. percent of federal prison population receiving MAT (2021)
Maine: 70+ trained recovery coaches in 2024 Statistic
Maine had 70 or more trained recovery coaches operating in its correctional facilities as of 2024.
70 recovery coaches
Maine prison grows 28,000 lbs produce/year Case detail
Maine State Prison grows 28,000 pounds of produce per year and donates 3,000 pounds to food pantries.
Maine: 166 people in work release including 12 working remotely Statistic
In March 2025, 166 people were in work release in Maine, including 12 working remotely as paralegals, software designers, and college instructors.
166 people in work release
Maine education: GED through master's degrees; one PhD candidate Case detail
Maine offers education from GED through master's degrees via the University of Maine. One resident was a PhD candidate as of July 2025.
Maine Correctional Center renovation came in $7 million under budget Statistic
The Maine Correctional Center renovation came in $7 million under budget as part of the state's facility improvement strategy.
$7M
Maine staff trained in mental health first aid and de-escalation Policy
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.
60-70% of correctional staff hired during COVID lockdowns Finding
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.
Average correctional leader tenure approximately 3 years Finding
Leadership turnover is a major barrier to reform; the average tenure for correctional leaders is approximately 3 years.
Maine: 77% of staff said insufficient personnel Statistic
In Maine, 77% of staff reported insufficient personnel as a challenge, even as the state's reform model has produced significant outcome improvements.
77%
Prison Fellowship Warden Exchange: 820 wardens participating Case detail
Prison Fellowship Warden Exchange has 820 wardens participating in a national learning community for correctional reform.
Brennan Center report based on original interviews Methodology note
The Brennan Center report is based on original interviews with correctional directors, operational staff, currently and formerly incarcerated people, nonprofit leaders, and program funders.
Pell Grant ban lifted December 2020 Legal fact
Congress lifted the ban on Pell Grant eligibility for incarcerated people in December 2020, after the 1994 Violent Crime Control Act had revoked it.
Scandinavian Prison Project opened May 2022 at SCI Chester Case detail
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 Servi…
Contact officer model required revision of anti-fraternization policy 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 pre…
Maine reform began 2022 with two decades of incremental change Case detail
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…
Maine incarcerates fewer than 2,000 people Statistic
Maine incarcerates fewer than 2,000 people, making it a small system that has been able to implement system-wide reform.
2,000 people (fewer than)
Key oversight researchers identified Finding
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 Lo…
Twelve states paid COs $46,000 or less annually Statistic
Twelve states paid correctional officers $46,000 or less annually based on 2023 data; nearly half of states paid less than $52,000.
12 states
Vera published Restoring Promise Implementation Toolkit January 2024 Policy
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.
Michigan Vocational Villages: 3 facilities, ~600 students, 13 trade programs Case detail
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.
Sources
4 cited sources backing this research.
Tertiary
Gps original
GPS Research Assessment — Brennan Center Report Analysis
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Secondary
Academic
Key Entities
Organizations, people, facilities, and other named entities referenced in this research.
Amend at UCSF
[organization]
Brennan Center for Justice
[organization]
Brookings Institution
[organization]
Bureau of Labor Statistics
[organization]
COVID Behind Bars Data Project
[organization]
Drexel University
[organization]
Federal Bureau of Prisons
[organization]
Federal Prison Oversight Act
[legislation]
Georgia Department of Corrections
[organization]
Maine Department of Corrections
[organization]
Maine State Prison
[facility]
Michigan Department of Corrections
[organization]
Michigan Vocational Villages
[program]
Pennsylvania Department of Corrections
[organization]
Prison and Jail Innovation Lab
[organization]
Prison Fellowship Warden Exchange
[program]
Restoring Promise
[program]
Scandinavian Prison Project
[program]
SCI Chester
[facility]
The Last Mile
[program]
U.S. Department of Justice
[organization]
Vera Institute of Justice
[organization]
Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994
[legislation]