NCJ Number
116930
Date Published
1988
Length
27 pages
Annotation
The trends in inmate populations in Britain and The Netherlands are compared, with emphasis on the origins, character, and consequences of the divergence in trends and their implications for penal policy in the future.
Abstract
The Netherlands used imprisonment more than Britain did in the years immediately after World War II. However, its prison population has fallen since then, while that in England has increased. This change is often thought to be the result of reductions in sentence lengths in The Netherlands and increases in England. However, these changes have contributed little to the trend. In addition, crime trends in the two societies between 1950 and 1985 were broadly parallel. The decline in the inmate population in The Netherlands is the result of sentencing practices. The proportion of cases waived has increased, the proportion sent to prison has decreased, and shorter sentences have been imposed on those imprisoned. The Dutch also pardon numerous offenders. This device is not available in England. Other offenders are placed in institutions like mental hospitals rather than in prison. Application of data on trends in England to the Dutch system shows that an array of approaches are needed if the prison population is to be stabilized or reduced. Tables and appended tables.