🚨NEW REPORT: Parole is one of the most powerful release mechanisms that could significantly reduce the number of people behind bars. But across the U.S., parole systems are dysfunctional, to say the least. We examine how parole boards work, and how parole decisions are made 🧵

Ultimately, every single stage of the criminal legal system is fraught with issues – and the U.S. is shamefully a leader in mass incarceration. If you’re serious about joining the fight to change that, we’re here.

➡️ Clemency can be a powerful tool, but it’s severely underused in the U.S. Pres. Trump’s use of clemency has mostly benefited his political allies. You can encourage him — and governors from across the country — to expand its use. https://t.co/mE4ZaNWzMR

Tons of data exists on the harms of solitary. It causes permanent brain damage and increases the risk of premature death even after release. If you’re serious about ending solitary, we encourage you to reach out to orgs like @solitarywatch to join the fight.

This year, New York, your home state, tried rolling back solitary confinement reforms. Thankfully, the move didn’t hold it – but its use is still a major issue across the country. https://t.co/dXN9Wq6e8U

➡️ As you pointed out, the U.S.’ use of solitary confinement is inhumane – and out of step with the rest of the world, which largely considers its use to be a form of torture.

Putting pressure on local lawmakers to support these common-sense reforms is one of the most powerful tools we have at ending mass incarceration. We put together a whole list of these reforms, and will have an updated one for 2026 soon 👀 https://t.co/tLfrEhc6Qp

That’s why it’s so important to focus on state & local policy. This looks like investing in communities and making it less likely for someone to come into contact with the criminal legal system in the first place.

Additionally, jails play an essential role in mass incarceration: They get little attention, but hold nearly 1 in 3 people who are behind bars – most of whom are legally innocent.

➡️ Start local! Mass incarceration is largely concentrated at the state & local level. On any given day, more than 1 million people are held in state prisons. In fact, your home state, New York, incarcerates people at a higher rate than almost any other country on Earth:

Hey @MrSantosNY, thrilled to hear you’re interested in prison reform. We have a few pointers on where to start 🧵 https://t.co/Q58nLavITC

Among the 35 jail births identified in the news over 10 years, jail staff ignored repeated cries for help or medical assistance in at least 24 cases. The carceral system is no place for pregnant people. https://t.co/Mwu2OX2xwZ

Data shows that more than two-thirds of confined youth meet criteria for neurodivergence. Kids need care – not cages.

Compared to the general population, unhoused people are held in jail for 3.5x as long, despite typically being charged with the lowest level crimes It’s safe to assume that unaffordable cash bail is to blame. No one should have to stay behind bars because they can't afford bail

Every single U.S. state incarcerates women at a higher rate than most of our closest international allies.

Some states appear eager to refill their prisons after the pandemic. The recent growth in incarceration is driven by a handful of states – just 9 states accounted for 77% of all state prison growth.

Over 4,000 children are confined for things that aren't even crimes for adults – like truancy, running away, violating curfew, or being otherwise “ungovernable.” Kids need care, not cages. https://t.co/k4ctzn7uui

Instead of focusing on how people have changed, far too many parole boards heavily base their decisions on static factors. This is not a system that rewards "reform."

The carceral system is not a de facto health care system. Instead, prisons are full of ill and neglected people. Paired with the fact that almost all of these individuals are eventually released, bad prison policy is an issue for all of us — not just those who are behind bars.

➡️ The U.S. severely lacks supervised injection sites, where access to clean needles can prevent spread of the virus These sites should exist in prisons too: They are safer for staff & incarcerated people, and do not increase drug consumption https://t.co/q4deenuemx

➡️ Health care behind bars is a nightmare. People are often denied the care they need until their condition worsens. See our report on the broken carceral health care system: https://t.co/NtAKZ2XgQ4