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Prison Overcrowding: Recent Developments

NCJ Number
154593
Date Published
1994
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This report examines recent developments in prison overcrowding in Great Britain and the consequences that flow from the observed trend.
Abstract
Following the implementation of the Criminal Justice Act 1991, with its tight statutory restrictions on the use of imprisonment, on October 1, 1992, there was a sharp decline in the use of custody. In the 2 months after the act's implementation, the prison population decreased from 45,835 at the end of September 1992 to 43,064 at the end of November. This decline is particularly significant since the prison population is usually increasing at that time of year to a peak at the end of November. The prison population continued to decrease to 40,606 at the end of December 1992. This trend, however, has not endured. In 1993 and so far in 1994, the prison population has risen sharply in the wake of strong media and political pressure for harsher policies toward offenders, including a greater use of imprisonment. As of February 28, 1993, the total prison population was 42,882. The impact of overcrowding varies from one prison to another, but it often results in cramped and unpleasant conditions, along with restricted regimes that do not have the space or resources for a full range of inmate training, work, and educational opportunities. Overcrowding can also increase the risk of inmate disturbance. In an effort to reduce overcrowding in particular facilities, inmates may be transferred to other facilities far from their homes, such that the maintenance of contact with family becomes more difficult. 3 tables