Carceral Research Policy Repository

The Center for Health and Justice Transformation (CHJT), a project of the Brown University Health Community Health Institute, has created this carceral research policy repository as a centralized resource for researchers interested in conducting health-related studies with or about incarcerated individuals. Our goal is to make it easier to understand the policies and processes that govern research throughout the nation’s prisons and jails.

For Researchers

The CHJT has gathered all publicly available research policies from state prison systems and the largest jail in each state by county population. This information is intended for researchers planning studies in prisons or jails and carceral systems that are developing or updating research policies.

Research Improves Accessible Healthcare

People who are incarcerated are often excluded from health research and from most nationally representative health data sets. Increasing access to research participation can help improve evidence-based care for this population, while ensuring strong protection for those who take part.

Regulatory Framework

Federal regulations (45 CFR 46 Subpart C) provide the foundation for research involving incarcerated individuals. In addition, many prisons and jails have their own policies that operationalize federal guidance, add facility-specific restrictions, and/or outline approval processes for researchers.

Help Us Stay Current

If you find broken links or have recommendations for updates, please email:
Helen Jack, MD, or Justin Berk, MD.