NCJ Number
238964
Date Published
January 2012
Length
110 pages
Annotation
This report from the Human Rights Watch examines the problem of the aging prison population in the United States.
Abstract
Major findings from this report include the following: between 2007 and 2010, the number of sentenced State and Federal prisoners age 65 or older increased by 63 percent, while the overall prison population grew by just 0.7 percent during the time period; in 2010, 8 percent of sentenced State and Federal prisoners were age 55 or older, compared to just 3 percent in 1995; and 11 percent of Federal prisoners age 51 or older are serving sentences ranging from 30 years to life behind bars. This report from Human Rights Watch examines the problem of the aging of the U.S. prison population. Data for the report were obtained from the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics. Information in this report includes data on the number of aging men and women in prison, the cost of confining them, and ways that certain State prison systems have responded to this growing population. The report notes that as the prison population ages, the costs to States of caring for this population will also increase, especially costs associated with their medical and mental health care. Since Federal health insurance programs do not cover the costs of men and women who are in prison, State criminal justice systems bear the entire financial burden of providing health care services for prisoners, which will only continue to increase as the prison population ages. The report also examines the need for keeping older prisoners in prison, especially when they may no longer pose a threat to society due to their advanced age and/or deteriorating health condition. The report also includes a list of recommendations for State and Federal Governments, and State and Federal corrections officials to use in addressing the needs of the aging prison population. Tables, figures, photographs, and appendix