America Incarcerated
How America Became the Most Imprisoned Nation in the World
Over the past 50 years, an era of mass incarceration took shape in the US as politicians raced to erect a sprawling detention system. Today, the country locks up more people than any other on the planet.
Why Solitary Confinement in America Needs to Finally End
Now that solitary is on the national radar, systemic problems with "the hole" are being laid bare for all to see.
Prison Yoga Is Helping Inmates Transcend Their Cells
The Prison Yoga Project is bringing mindfulness, meditation and physical release to hundreds of prisoners.
Heroin, Murder, and the New Front in the War on Drugs
When heroin users die from an overdose, some US prosecutors pursue full-fledged murder charges against the dealers or friends who provided the drugs. Possible sentences include life without parole.
How One Man from the St. Louis Projects Got Out of Prison and Went Back Again
Larry walked out of Missouri state prison with some money and a job, but like most former inmates, he got dragged back in.
"It’s Like Hell": Ty Dolla $ign Discusses His Brother’s Incarceration and Its Role on His Album 'Free TC'
We talk to Ty Dolla $ign about dedicating his new album to his brother TC, who's a talented singer in his own right.
My Struggle to Work as a Journalist Inside Prison
It was common practice for the Email Police, as we called them, to reject my incoming and outgoing messages. I once had all of my emails rejected for 72 hours straight – emails that said things like, "I love you mum," and "I'm going outside for a walk."
How I Held Onto Hope After Being Sentenced to Prison for Cocaine Trafficking
During my 26 years in federal lockups of all kinds, I earned a bachelor's and master's degree, published several books, and found the love of my life.
Watch the Moment President Obama First Meets Federal Inmates
In the first clip to go live from our VICE on HBO special report Fixing the System, watch President Obama tour El Reno Federal Correctional Institution in Oklahoma—the first time in history that a sitting president has visited a federal prison.