For years, the Pennsylvania Prison Society has been sounding the alarm about conditions inside Philadelphia’s jails. Through our quarterly walkthroughs of the Philadelphia Department of Prisons—observing conditions, speaking with staff, and interviewing hundreds of incarcerated people across all four facilities—we’ve consistently documented a troubling pattern of dysfunction, abuse, and neglect.
Now, Philadelphia residents have a rare opportunity to act. Here’s what you can do to learn more and get involved:
- Read - Get the facts on what’s at stake in the upcoming ballot initiative on prison oversight. Read our latest supporter update and visit the City of Philadelphia’s prison oversight resource page.
- Join Us In Person — Wednesday, May 7, 5:30–9:30 PM , Eastern State Penitentiary’s Civic Engagement Night. Eastern State launches its Wednesday night summer series with a timely panel discussion on prison oversight. Join Noah Barth, Director of Prison Monitoring at the Pennsylvania Prison Society, in conversation with Philadelphia City Councilmember Isaiah Thomas, Lauren Cristella, President & CEO of the Committee of Seventy, and Morgan Robinson, President of the League of Women Voters of Philadelphia. The discussion will be moderated by Dr. Kerry Sautner, President & CEO of Eastern State Penitentiary. More information and RSVP here.
- Join Us Online — Tuesday, May 13, 6:30–8:00 PM, Why Prison Oversight Matters Webinar. Hear from advocates and leaders on the urgent need for oversight, including Noah Barth, Director of Prison Monitoring at the Pennsylvania Prison Society, Philadelphia City Councilmember Isaiah Thomas, Keisha Hudson, Chief Defender at the Defender Association of Philadelphia, and Saleem Holbrook, Executive Director of the Abolitionist Law Center. The discussion will be moderated by Leigh Owens, Education & Advocacy Director at the Pennsylvania Prison Society. Join the Zoom webinar here.
- Vote YES on Ballot Measure 3, Tuesday, May 20. Support the creation an Office of Prison Oversight and a Philadelphia Prison Community Oversight Board.
Together, we can bring change to Philadelphia’s jails. Thank you for standing with us!