Prison population problems

Submitted by Ieva Butrimavičiūtė PNVbd6-01

Content

1. Statistics of incarceration;

2. Reasons for prisons population growth;

3. Why do higher prison populations matter?

4. Ways of reducing the prison population.

Statistics of incarceration

The US – 2.1 million people (2006); England and Wales:

2002 – 70.860;

2003 – 72.144;

2004 – 73.640;

2005 – 75.815;

2006 – 87.000.

In October 2006, there were only 125 places left.

Reasons for prisons population growth

1. Deterministic explanation:

• changes in the crime rate;

• demographic changes;

• social and economic factors:

child poverty;

the breakdown of the family;

poor education and unemployment.

2. Policy-driven explanation:

• decisions taken by government ministers, legislators and criminal justice agencies (especially the courts):

greater use of prison sentences;

longer and harsher sentences;

restrictive conditions concerning early release.

Why do higher prison populations matter?

High prison populations invariably lead to overcrowding. It brings other major problems:

1. restricted living space;

2. poorer conditions of hygiene;

3. poorer sanitation arrangements;

4. insufficient bedding and clothing;

5. food is less satisfactory in terms of quality and quantity;

6. health care is more difficult to administer effectively;

7. diseases spread more easily;

8. more violence between prisoners and against staff;

9. risk of self-injury and suicide.

The ratio between staff and prisoner falls:

less effective supervision;

treatment programs, including pre-release courses, are likely to be negatively affected;

harmful effects on staff in terms of increased stress and sickness levels.

Restricted living space

Poor conditions of hygiene and poor sanitation arrangements

Insufficient bedding and clothing

Food is less satisfactory in terms of quality and quantity

Health care is more difficult to administer effectively

More violence between prisoners and against staff

Risk of self-injury and suicide

Ways of reducing the prison population

making less use of pre-trial detention;

making pre-trial detention shorter;

increasing the availability of alternatives to imprisonment;

making prison sentences as short as possible;

amnesties.

Thank you for your attention