Conditions in prisons across the country are worse than ever. Most prisons are overcrowded, understaffed, and unsafe for both incarcerated people and staff. Many prisons lack adequate medical and mental health care, rehabilitative programming, opportunities to visit with family, and even quality food. When problems arise, families can't get information about their loved ones or what is being done to solve the issue. This lack of information leaves families scared, frustrated, angry, and unable to help their incarcerated loved ones--and they face these problems every single day. Prisons are expensive and cost taxpayers billions, but there is no transparency or accountability in the way they operate.

Independent prison oversight would improve prison conditions by allowing for:

• Unannounced prison inspections by objective, professional oversight staff;
• Public reports and recommendations for improving prison conditions;
• A confidential place for families, staff, and incarcerated people to bring complaints;
• Resolution of reoccurring prison complaints;
• More transparency and accountability to taxpayers, incarcerated people, and their families.

Families, people in prison, lawmakers, and taxpayers need to know what is happening in our prisons, and prison officials need to be held accountable for making improvements when needed.

Help us make prisons more transparent and accountable by asking your lawmakers to create and support independent prison oversight.