Know Your DOC
How many institutions does the Department of Corrections manage across Massachusetts?
What is 13 institutions?
Before becoming a prominent civil rights leader, this man spent time in jail multiple times for protesting racial injustice.
Who is Martin Luther King Jr.?
After the hearing, this group decides whether the inmate can be released early.
What is the Massachusetts Parole Board?
In Massachusetts, once you're released from prison, you can do this civic duty again—many people don’t realize it
What is immediately upon release from prison (even if on parole/probation)?
This 1994 film, starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, is one of the most iconic prison dramas of all time.
What is The Shawshank Redemption?
Inside prison, CPOs cannot restrict your access to this legal resource, which helps you prepare your defense or parole application.
What is access to legal counsel or legal materials?
After serving time, this rapper and activist became a powerful voice against mass incarceration and co-founded the campaign #Cut50.
Who is Meek Mill?
This formal request must be submitted to the Parole Board asking for a chance at early release.
What is a parole application?
This constitutional amendment protects you from being tried twice for the same crime after reentry.
What is the Fifth Amendment?
This TV show follows Michael Scofield as he designs an elaborate plan to free his brother from death row.
What is Prison Break?
In Massachusetts, this program helps reduce homelessness among formerly incarcerated people by providing transitional housing and support.
What is the Massachusetts Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program?
This Chicago rapper launched "Swervin’ Through Stress," a nonprofit providing free therapy sessions to Black youth aged 18–25, aiming to destigmatize mental health discussions in underserved communities.
Who is G Herbo?
At this event, the inmate can present their case directly to the Parole Board.
What is the parole hearing?
This hiring practice rule delays questions about criminal history until later in the hiring process.
What is “Ban the Box”?
This 2018 Childish Gambino song’s video uses powerful imagery to highlight gun violence, racism, and mass incarceration in the U.S.
What is “This is America”?
Around this decade, many criminal justice organizations began adopting “incarcerated individuals” instead of “prisoners” to promote respectful, person-first language.
What is the 2010s?
This actress and entrepreneur founded the ThreeSixty program, offering mentorship, legal assistance, and job training to young men incarcerated at Rikers Island, aiming to provide them with real rehabilitation and opportunities for a better future.
Who is La La Anthony?
To be considered for parole, you usually must serve this portion of your sentence first.
What is the minimum sentence or mandatory time served?
You have the right to apply for this state-issued document, which is often required to get a job, housing, or benefits.
What is a state ID or driver's license?
These five teens were wrongfully convicted in the 1989 Central Park jogger case but were exonerated years later after DNA evidence and a confession cleared them.
Who are the Central Park Five?
How many incarcerated individuals does the DOC of Massachusetts care for across the state?
What is 6000 people?
This celebrity helped free over 17 people from prison, including Alice Marie Johnson, who was serving life for a nonviolent drug offense.
Who is Kim Kardashian?
If a parolee breaks their parole terms, this type of hearing is held to decide if parole should be revoked.
What is a parole violation hearing?
If someone refuses to rent to you just because you were incarcerated, you can file a complaint with this agency.
What is the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD)?
This 2015 documentary series by Ava DuVernay explores the link between slavery and mass incarceration.
What is "13th"?