Administration Responses to Prison Overcrowding - A Survey of Prison Administrators

• NCJ Number: 99555
• Author(s): A Sapp
• Date Published: Unknown
• Length: 10 pages
• Corporate Author: Central Missouri State University
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

To review the extent of overcrowding in the State adult correctional system and to examine administrative responses to overcrowding, a self-administered questionnaire about capacity and utilization was mailed to the directors of 50 State correctional systems.

Abstract

Responses, after the initial mailing and a followup, were received from 48 States. Data indicated that inmate populations exceeded design capacity in 40 States, and in States not exceeding design capacity, inmate populations ranged from 95- to 100-percent capacity. Total population was at 131.6-percent capacity. New construction of prisons and cell blocks was the predominant administrative response to overcrowding, reported by 83.3 percent, while increased use of community-based facilities was reported by 68.8 percent. Data are detailed for conversion of existing prison space, other administrative responses, and new construction. Responses to overcrowding that reduce the number of inmates sentenced to prison appear to be most economical and promising.