Topic: Prison Reform

A radical reconfiguration of inmate experience at SCI Chester just got the greenlight to expand to other state prisons

As a young man, Spel was one of Philadelphia’s most-recognized graffiti writers. Since 1990, he’s been restricted to making art behind bars, incarcerated for a crime that he says he did not commit. The next in our Art for Change series

The Point Breeze native spent 26 years imprisoned for a murder he says he didn’t commit. His release comes after years of efforts by lawyers and high-profile activists, including sports reporter Michael Barkann and local business leader Jay Coen Gilbert

The Abolitionist Law Center’s executive director met with members of the Biden administration in D.C. this week. Here’s his advice for how the president can change his mass incarceration rep

The City’s new approach to the drug trade in Kensington could send increasing numbers of people to city jails. How will that square with the prison department’s ongoing staffing crisis?

West Philly non-profit Books Through Bars has provided the incarcerated with books for more than 30 years. Now, with growing inaccessibility, its work is needed more than ever

Despite high-profile efforts of advocates like sports reporter Michael Barkann, the Point Breeze native has spent 26 years imprisoned for a murder witnesses say he didn’t commit. That hasn’t stopped the citizen activist from serving others

More than 60 percent of people incarcerated in the U.S. suffer from addiction. Philadelphia jails could offer a model for helping them get — and stay — sober

In the U.S., defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. So, why are half a million Americans stuck in jail, awaiting their court date?

An ongoing research study at the state prison in Chester is looking at how Scandinavian-style changes could make prison safer, more productive and more effective — for inmates, workers and the community.