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John,
We invite you to read the Sentencing Project’s new report, “ America’s Incarceration Crossroads: Reversing Progress Amid Record-Low Crime Rates . [[link removed]] ” This analysis reveals a troubling reversal in U.S. criminal justice reform, reflecting a growing political backlash to reform and a resurgence of punitive policies that undermine public safety and harm communities of color.
Key findings:
* After a 25% decline in incarceration between 2009–2021, 39 states increased prison populations in 2023, despite violent and property crime rates hitting historic lows.


* States that reduced their incarceration witnessed greater declines in crime rates. From 1999-2023, New York cut its prison population by over 50% - and during that same period, violent crime dropped by 34%, outpacing the national decline of 28%.


* In contrast, Montana , South Dakota , Tennessee , and Texas increased prison populations by over 10% between 2021 and 2023 and approved or began construction of new prisons, ignoring evidence that mass incarceration fails to improve safety.
Mass incarceration is a policy failure, not a safety solution. Instead of repeating costly, ineffective strategies, lawmakers should respond to fluctuations in crime by adopting evidence-based alternatives that strengthen communities.
READ REPORT [[link removed]]
[[link removed]] Nazgol Ghandnoosh
Director of Research
[email protected]
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