Our Commitment to Truth, Fairness, Transparency, and Responsible Advocacy

Prisoners Behind Broken Bars (Px3B) exists to document, preserve, and responsibly report information concerning correctional institutions, incarceration, and the people affected by the criminal justice system. Every report we publish, every investigation we conduct, and every resource we provide is guided by principles of integrity, accountability, compassion, and public responsibility.

Our mission is not simply to expose problems—it is to document facts responsibly, encourage meaningful dialogue, and help create safer, healthier communities through transparency and informed public awareness.

Independence

Px3B operates as an independent advocacy and investigative reporting organization.

Our work is conducted free from the influence of correctional agencies, political parties, government officials, private correctional interests, corporations, advocacy organizations, or outside entities seeking to influence our reporting.

Editorial decisions are based solely on available information, documented evidence, corroborated reporting, and our established review procedures.

Accuracy & Verification

Accuracy is the foundation of our work.

Before information is published, Px3B follows a structured review process that may include:

• Multiple-source verification whenever possible
• Supporting documentation and records
• Corroborating witness statements
• Timeline analysis
• Facility history and contextual review
• Internal quality assurance procedures

When information cannot be independently verified, we clearly distinguish between documented facts, firsthand accounts, allegations, observations, and opinions.

We believe transparency about uncertainty is as important as certainty itself.

Fairness & Right to Respond

Every individual and institution deserves the opportunity to be heard.

When appropriate, Px3B provides institutions, agencies, and individuals identified in reports with the opportunity to respond through our Right to Response (R2R) process before publication whenever practical and consistent with public safety.

Responses received through this process are documented and, when appropriate, published alongside or incorporated into the final report so readers can evaluate all available information.

Fairness does not require false balance, but it does require giving all parties a meaningful opportunity to provide relevant information.

Protection of Sources

Many individuals who contact Px3B face significant personal risks.

We recognize that incarcerated individuals, family members, staff members, whistleblowers, volunteers, and witnesses may fear retaliation for sharing information.

Whenever appropriate, Px3B protects confidential identities and removes or limits identifying information to reduce unnecessary risk while preserving the integrity of the information provided.

We will never intentionally disclose confidential source information without permission unless legally required to do so.

Harm Reduction

Transparency must be balanced with responsibility.

Px3B carefully evaluates whether publishing specific information could create unnecessary risks for incarcerated individuals, their families, witnesses, staff members, volunteers, or ongoing investigations.

Information may be delayed, summarized, anonymized, or withheld when publication would create an unreasonable risk of retaliation, violence, interference with investigations, or unnecessary harm.

Our objective is to inform—not endanger.

Transparency

We believe accountability begins with openness.

Whenever practical, Px3B publicly explains:

• Our reporting methodology
• Review procedures
• Source classifications
• Editorial standards
• Funding model
• Organizational structure
• Corrections and updates

Readers deserve to understand how information was gathered, evaluated, and published.

Accountability & Corrections

No organization is infallible.

If Px3B discovers that published information is inaccurate, incomplete, misleading, or outdated, we will investigate promptly and make corrections when warranted.

Corrections are documented publicly through our Corrections Log to preserve the historical integrity of our reporting while ensuring readers receive the most accurate information available.

Transparency about mistakes strengthens trust.

Impartial Review

Px3B evaluates reports based on evidence—not popularity, personal relationships, political ideology, institutional affiliation, race, religion, gender, or socioeconomic status.

Every submission receives the same objective review process regardless of who submits it or who is involved.

Responsible Advocacy

Px3B advocates for transparency, accountability, lawful treatment, and humane conditions within correctional institutions.

However, advocacy does not replace objectivity.

Our responsibility is to document what can be reasonably supported by available information while clearly distinguishing verified findings from allegations, opinions, or unresolved claims.

We believe credible advocacy depends upon credible reporting.

Ethical Use of Technology & Artificial Intelligence

Px3B may utilize technology, automation, and artificial intelligence to assist with organization, drafting, pattern recognition, document management, and operational efficiency.

AI-generated material is intended to support—not replace—human review.

Significant findings, publications, and investigative materials are reviewed by Px3B personnel before public release.

Organizational Integrity

Px3B is an independent advocacy and public-awareness organization.

We are not a government agency, law enforcement organization, correctional institution, or law firm, and our staff are not acting as attorneys unless separately licensed and explicitly identified as such.

Information provided through Px3B is intended for educational, informational, documentation, and advocacy purposes and should not be interpreted as legal advice.

Our Guiding Principles

Every decision we make is guided by five core values: