NCJ Number
102077
Journal
Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science Volume: 478 Dated: (March 1985) Pages: 15-30
Date Published
1985
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This summary and interpretation of current data on imprisonment in the United States examines historical trends in imprisonment, the use of imprisonment compared to other punishments, factors affecting incarceration rates, and the relationship between criminal justice policies and prison overcrowding.
Abstract
The U.S. prison population has reached its historic peak, producing overcrowded prisons and deteriorating confinement conditions that are increasingly being found unconstitutional by the courts. Efforts to expand prison capacity and institute more liberal release practices have not eliminated overcrowding. Crime, demographic, and economic variables exert complex, indirect effects on the prison population, and criminal justice policy exerts a direct effect. Recent sentencing reforms designed to lengthen prison terms will drive up prison populations despite reductions in prison admissions. The Nation's inmate population will continue to grow, albeit more slowly, over the next decade. Using analytic tools of the new prison population simulation models, policymakers can forecast the impact of proposed policies on the prison population. Public officials can thus control prison populations in a manner consistent with the goals of public protection, constitutional confinement conditions, and fiscal responsibility. 9 tables and 1 graph.