“We’re not violent offenders. We’re individuals who committed violent crimes. But we’re different people now.”
— Robert Barton

“We’re not violent offenders. We’re individuals who committed violent crimes. But we’re different people now.”

— Robert Barton

Everyone
deserves
a second
chance.

Everyone
deserves a
second chance.

Middle aged Black man wearing a baseball cap looking at camera with neutral expression.
Middle aged Black man with beard and baseball cap looking into distance with neutral expression.
Middle aged Black man wearing a baseball cap looking at camera with neutral expression.
Middle aged Black man with beard and baseball cap looking into distance with neutral expression.

More Than Our Crimes amplifies the voices of the nearly 200,000 Americans in federal prison — many of them people of color. While they were once convicted of serious crimes, our members are ready for a second chance to live freely and contribute to their families and society. Meanwhile, we advocate for a humane prison environment that is centered on rehabilitation.

Podcast

Voices Unlocked

We share unvarnished stories from inside America’s federal prison system to touch hearts and change minds.

Real Talk

Prison Pulse

On-the-ground reports by incarcerated people provide family members, advocates, public defenders and others with short, specific reports on what’s going on in federal prisons.

  • Collective punishment when contraband found at Thomson

    We just came off a 30-day disciplinary lockdown for contraband they found in a “random” cell search..They then placed us all on a 30-day restriction, including two five-minute calls a day,150 outgoing e-mails and a $50 commissary limit..Group punishment for...

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Explore Our Voices

Prisons are erected not only to confine, but to prevent those on the outside from seeing in. Few people other than those inside have a full view of how they operate. We’re out to change that.
yellow duotone photo of prison cell from outside

Walk in Our Shoes

Personal stories from incarcerated residents from across the United States