Prisoners Face Challenges Pursuing Mistreatment Complaints

Why it matters locally: The findings of this investigation are relevant to Pennsylvania due to its significant incarcerated population across state correctional institutions and county jails. Retaliation against prisoners for filing mistreatment complaints could impact the integrity of the grievance systems within facilities overseen by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections and individual county prison boards.

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Prisoners who file complaints about mistreatment often experience retaliation, according to an investigation conducted by NPR and The Marshall Project. The investigation found that the process of reporting abuse frequently presents considerable challenges for inmates. Prisoners are permitted to submit grievances regarding perceived mistreatment. However, the investigation concluded that individuals who do so often face negative repercussions.