Righting the Wrongs of Injustice

Prison Overcrowding

Overcrowding in Califonria Prisons.

Photo: 

California Corrections

Copyright: 

California DOC

For decades, the American Friends Service Committee has worked with immigrants and prisoners in this nation, highlighting the often malicious treatment they face. In 2011, the private prison industry advocated for increasing detentions in many states. AFSC’s research has shown that private prisons have little accountability and poor safety conditions. We oppose profiting off human misery, and have worked to improve prison conditions and reduce the number of people detained.

Private prison in CO detains immigrants

Watch video from an AFSC vigil at immigrant the GEO detention center in Aurora, CO. The GEO detention center, a private prison in Aurora, CO makes $130 in tax payer money for every immigrant they incarcerate each day.

AFSC's Bonnie Kerness on Solitary Confinement

Bonnie Kerness, director of AFSC's Prison Watch Project discusses solitary confinement on New Jersey Network (NJN) during the spring of 2011.  Bonnie and other guests talk about the impact solitary confinement has inmates and the community.

Arizona Department of Corrections Lawsuit Resources

prison through gate

Materials to help the reader understand AFSC's lawsuit against the Arizona Department of Corrections.

Arizona is bidding out for contracts to construct and manage 5,000 new private prison beds.  We have filed a legal complaint requesting an injunction to prevent the State of Arizona from awarding these contracts. 

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Buried Alive: Long-Term Isolation in California Youth and Adult Prisons

Buried Alive cover

By Laura Magnani May 2008 AFSC publication, 22 pages.  Report on California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation over-use and misuse of isolation units, with six recommendations for change.

Buried Alive PMRO May08 .pdf