Learn About PRI
Researching the Systems Behind Incarceration
The Prisonism Research Institute (PRI) is the research division of the End Prisonism Organization. PRI examines the policies, institutional conditions, workforce pressures, deaths, transparency practices, and accountability systems that shape correctional institutions across the United States.
Why PRI Exists
State Corrections Database
Examining correctional systems state by state, beginning with Tennessee.
Deaths in Custody
Documenting deaths, identifying patterns, examining official reporting, and evaluating transparency and accountability.
Correctional Workforce
Researching staffing shortages, vacancies, turnover, working conditions, officer wellness, and institutional safety.
Public Records & Transparency
Using government records and public-information laws to examine what correctional agencies disclose—and what remains difficult for the public to see.
Reports & Publications
PRI's formal research reports, policy briefs, accountability profiles, data analyses, and special research projects.
Research Methodology
Explaining PRI's sources, standards of evidence, limitations, corrections process, and distinction between verified facts, analysis, allegations, and opinion.
Featured Research
Tennessee Corrections Accountability Database
PRI's first state-level corrections accountability project.
TDOC Research Report
A comprehensive examination of Tennessee's correctional system.
Damon Hininger & CoreCivic Leadership and Accountability Report
An examination of Hininger's leadership record and CoreCivic's correctional operations during his tenure.
How PRI Conducts Research
PRI relies on publicly verifiable evidence whenever possible, including government records, agency publications, audits, court documents, legislative materials, public-record requests, academic research, inspection reports, and credible investigative reporting.
PRI distinguishes documented facts from analysis, interpretation, allegations, and questions requiring further investigation. Sources and methodological limitations are identified so readers can evaluate the evidence for themselves.
Who PRI Serves
Research for the people responsible for understanding corrections.
Policymakers • Journalists • Researchers • Students • Correctional Professionals • Advocates • Families • The Public
Explore PRI
Reports & Publications
Read PRI research and accountability reports.
State Corrections Database
Explore state-level correctional data and analysis.
Correctional Workforce
Examine staffing and workforce conditions.
Deaths in Custody
Explore mortality, reporting, and accountability research.
Correctional systems cannot be improved if they cannot first be understood.