Bail bonds, predatory telecoms, and unpaid labor

Following the money of mass incarceration

Pamela,    The United States spends billions of dollars annually on mass incarceration—and for the thousands of private companies that profit from this cruel and dehumanizing system, mass incarceration is big business.   For example, commissary vendors profit from steeply inflated prices on basic goods like food and personal hygiene items behind bars.   And because incarcerated people are paid mere pennies an hour for their labor, private profits often come at the expense of families and communities from whom they are separated. In fact, the costs of supporting incarcerated loved ones drives many families into debt.   So let's be extra clear: mass incarceration is a big business where every year: Bail bond companies keep as much as $1.4 billion in nonrefundable fees. Prison and jail commissary sales amount to an estimated $1.6 billion. An estimated $14 billion in wages is extracted from the labor of incarcerated people. Pamela, are you ok with a criminal legal system that takes advantage of people and turns a profit on their backs?   Across the carceral system, profiteering creates a powerful financial incentive to perpetuate mass incarceration—all while passing on the costs to families, communities, and incarcerated people themselves. At Vera, we have made it our goal to uncover the realities of the criminal legal system and, in turn, expose the dirty business of mass incarceration. We gather advocates, partners, and supporters like you who are ready to fight for a better system and brighter future for us all.   Our justice system is criminally low on justice because it values profits and punishment over people. It needs to change NOW.   Are you with us, Pamela?   Thank you, Vera Institute of Justice © 2024 Vera Institute of Justice. All Rights Reserved.   Vera Institute of Justice 34 35th Street | Suite 4-2A | Brooklyn, NY 11232 (212) 334-1300   Privacy Statement | unsubscribe