NCJ Number
113434
Journal
Home Office Research and Planning Unit Research Bulletin Issue: 23 Dated: (1987) Pages: 48-54
Date Published
1987
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Following a discussion of methodological issues in international comparisons of prison populations (e.g., differences in definitions, recording, and executive policies), this paper presents comparative data on the total, remand, and young inmate prison populations for 24 Western countries.
Abstract
Data also are presented on prison population per 100,000 inhabitants. Data indicate that, as of September 1986, the United Kingdom had a prison population of 95 per 100,000 inhabitants, making it the third highest user of prisons among the member States of the Council of Europe. United Kingdom per capita rates were higher than Luxembourg (89), Germany (88), France (84), Portugal (82), Italy (76), and Switzerland (67). Rates were lowest in the Netherlands and Iceland (34 each) and Cyprus (41). The United States had the highest per capita imprisonment rate of all countries (300). Canada had a rate higher than the United Kingdoms', but not higher than rates in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Rates in Australia, Finland, Japan, and New Zealand all were lower than in the United Kingdom and were comparable to those in other European countries. 3 tables and 10 references.