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Jails

A collage illustration with muted green and orange tones shows details of black mold on a bathroom floor, a closeup of a cockroach, a broken toilet bowl, trash, a closeup of a person covering their nose and mouth, a closeup of a person clenching their fist, and the obscured figure of a man.
Analysis October 9
No Showers, Black Mold and Clogged Toilets: America’s Jails Are Disgusting
Understaffing, outdated facilities and poor management have led to filthy conditions in jails in St. Louis, Cleveland and Hinds County, Mississippi.
By , and
A photo shows a black electronic device attached to the wrist of a person with medium skin tone.
Feature October 8
Can a Biometric Bracelet Stop People From Dying Behind Bars?
Jails across the country are trying a high-tech solution to keep prisoners safe. Will it work?
By Peter O’Dowd and Allison Hagan, Here & Now
A group of people are gathered at an outdoor press conference. Two hold signs reading "Justice for Sharday." One woman with tears streaming down her face holds a baby. News video cameras are in the foreground.
Cleveland October 7
Pressure Mounts on Cuyahoga Sheriff for Independent Probe of Tasha Grant’s Restraint Death
Community advocates and surviving family members also want the sheriff to step aside in two other death investigations involving deputies.
By , and
An illustration of a family at the start of a path looking toward their relative in the distance, at the end of the path. Panels of black-and-white photo collages, including family photos, surround the illustration.
Life Inside September 26
When Their Loved Ones Died Behind Bars, These Families Had to Sleuth for the Truth
After a family member passes away in prison or jail, people are often left with basic questions. To get answers, they have to get creative.
By , and
A Black medical ward assistant in a white uniform looks through an open door.
Closing Argument September 6
For People Mentally Unfit For Trial, Waits For Treatment Get Longer
U.S. defendants must be able to understand the charges against them — but many who can’t remain behind bars waiting for mental health treatment.
By
News and Awards August 20
The Marshall Project Wins Two National Murrow Awards
The criminal justice journalism outlet shines in hard news and podcast categories.
By The Marshall Project
An illustration shows a maze made up of teal blue lines, on a black background. Interspersed in the maze are nine simplified figures of people of different genders and ages. In the center of the maze is a white speech bubble.
Get Involved August 6
After a Death Behind Bars, Families Struggle for Answers. This Guide Can Help.
Learn what questions to ask prison or jail officials, how to request key records and what to consider if you’re thinking about legal action.
By
A Black woman in a blouse with ruffled sleeves stands with her back to the camera facing a gravestone that has a vase of flowers set upon it.
Feature August 6
Who Answers for a Death in Custody?
A Houston mother is one of many nationwide left with grief and unanswered questions when a loved one dies behind bars.
By , and
Two women and two children walk together outdoors with their backs facing the camera. Fencing is visible in front of them, along with some rectangular structures and power lines. The grass on the ground is dry.
Analysis August 1
How Trump Used the Criminal System to Massively Expand Immigration Detention
Through threats and incentives, the administration conscripted local jails, federal prisons and private companies to detain immigrants.
By , , and
A photo, taken from a low angle, shows the outside of a light brown tower with narrow, horizontal windows. The pale blue sky is visible above the building.
Cleveland July 3
‘I’m About to Die Here’: What a Power Outage and Heatwave Were Like in a Jail With No AC
Cuyahoga County officials say no one incarcerated in the jail needed treatment for heat illness. People inside say it was life-threatening.
By and
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