Commission on Safety and Abuse in America's Prisons

In 2005, the Vera Institute of Justice established the Commission on Safety and Abuse in America’s Prisons to identify the most serious problems inside America’s jails and prisons and to recommend solutions. Co-chaired by former United States Attorney General Nicholas de B. Katzenbach and the Honorable John Gibbons, the Commission held four public hearings.

In June 2006, the Commission’s 20 members published Confronting Confinement, a comprehensive report of the Commission's findings along with 30 practical recommendations for operating safe and effective correctional facilities. Based on several of the report’s recommendations, Vera has launched a new project, Improving Oversight and Accountability for Jails and Prisons.

For more information about the Commission, please visit www.prisoncommission.org