“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

Restoring
voice.
Reclaiming
power.

Restoring
voice.
Reclaiming
power.

Middle aged Black man wearing a baseball cap looking at camera with neutral expression.
Smiling Black man with black knit cap and More Than Our Crimes sweatshirt
Smiling Black man with black knit cap and More Than Our Crimes sweatshirt

More Than Our Crimes seeks to give a voice to the thousands of Americans, many people of color, who are incarcerated in federal prison. A special focus is the residents of DC, who are sent into the federal system since the District does not have a prison of its own. Our goals: to promote rehabilitation, reduce recidivism, restore civic power, and create pathways to community leadership after release.  

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.

  • Meds denied at McKean

    I’ve been here about two years, after being at USP Atwater. I liked it way better there. I was taken off my med, which was 150 mg trazadone. I’d been on it for years. I have depression, anxiety and ADHD,...

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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 of chain link fence, surveillance camera and barbed wire fence

Dispatches from Inside

Personal narratives on life “behind the wall”

close-up of dark-skinned hands with fingers on chain link fence

Reform Debate

Perspectives on social reform

close-up of dark-skinned hands with fingers on chain link fence
yellow duotone photo of prison cell from outside

Walk in Our Shoes

Personal stories from incarcerated residents across the United States