NCJ Number
163741
Journal
Corrections Compendium Volume: 21 Issue: 4 Dated: (April 1996) Pages: 10-22
Date Published
1996
Length
13 pages
Annotation
Respondents to the Corrections Compendium survey on inmate population projections forecast continued growth in the U.S. inmate population through 2002, with 47 jurisdictions reporting a total population increase of approximately 43 percent over current levels by that time.
Abstract
Official population projections reported by respondents estimate that by 1998 there will be 1,215,532 inmates; this will increase to 1,341,832 in 2000 and then to 1,429,995 in 2002. Most respondents reported that past inmate population projections have been accurate; 23 percent, however, reported that past predictions have been too low. Fifty-two percent of respondents rent cell space at local facilities to house State or Federal inmates. Excluding interstate compacts, 40 percent of respondents are currently renting cell space out of the State. Twenty-three respondents reported that recent legislation in their jurisdictions has had the effect of rendering population projections too low. Seven respondents mentioned broadened felony classes; 11 mentioned truth-in-sentencing; nine mentioned sentencing guidelines; and seven cited "three strikes" provisions. A table on populations and capacities provides the following information for each system: current adult population, capacity and current percentage of capacity, populations projected, prison population projections (men, women, and total), past prediction accuracy, and whether construction plans are adequate for predictions (1998, 2000, 2002). Another table provides information on construction alternatives and cell rental; this includes alternatives to construction, rented cell space (number of inmates, annual cost per inmate, facility type), out-of-state cell rental (States and number of inmates), and the seriousness of facility crowding. A supplemental table addresses recent legislation that has increased populations beyond projected levels.