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With 78 TX Prison Staff Deaths, COVID Threat 'Far From Over'

Feb. 24, 2022
The National Criminal Justice Association announces the release of PJIL's latest publication, "Canary in the Coal Mine: A Profile of Staff COVID Deaths in the Texas Prison System."
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Advocates and jailers fear riot conditions as violence persists in Harris County

Feb. 2, 2022
Conditions in Texas' largest and most violent jail worsen as staff shortages, overcrowding and trial backlogs become increasingly dramatic, but Michele discusses the need for more data on jail conditions to determine the causes for violence.
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ON EDGE: Novel city program works to draw some criminal suspects into mental health treatment to keep them from coming back

Jan. 27, 2022
An Aurora, Colorado mental health program for jail populations aims to stop recidivism. Michele highlights the need for community health investment.
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New bill proposes civilian oversight for Massachusetts prisons

Jan. 19, 2022
In coverage on Massachusetts' new bill to establish independent civilian oversight of the state's correctional facilities and Michele comments on the increasing momentum of prison oversight bodies.
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Citizens’ review board probe finds misconduct by two deputies in San Diego jail death

Jan. 9, 2022
Investigators find misconduct relating to a death in custody after two San Diego sheriff's deputies failed to provide medical attention. Michele comments on the need for deputies to err on the side of caution when it comes to incarcerated persons needing medical services.
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New prison and jail research lab examines less punitive approaches to criminal justice

Dec. 13, 2021
The national daily news show of Texas features PJIL's launch and mission in a radio segment and news article.
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Correction Department cries out for oversight

Dec. 1, 2021
The Editorial Board discusses the need for correctional oversight, and quotes Michele on the increasing momentum across the country supporting the establishment of external correctional oversight bodies.
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Advocates, legal experts decry Gov. Greg Abbott diverting $4M in state prisons funding for election audits

Nov. 23, 2021
'Defunding a law enforcement agency like this has the potential to put a lot of incarcerated people and staff at risk,' writes University of Texas law professor Michele Deitch.
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Texas county jails near breaking point

Nov. 18, 2021
The pandemic has pushed Texas county jails to the brink. Incarcerated people there have been hit hard by COVID-19, and jails are struggling to keep staff and attract new employees.
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Weekly Roundup of News and Views on Solitary Confinement

Nov. 10, 2021
Independent Oversight Is Essential for a Safe and Healthy Prison System,” Michele’s essay published in the Brennan Center for Justice’s series on punitive excess, was featured in Solitary Watch’s Weekly Roundup of News and Views on Solitary Confinement.