NCJ Number
175888
Date Published
1995
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This report presents the baseline projection of correctional populations in Texas for fiscal years 1996 to 2000 and supersedes the projection of May 15, 1995.
Abstract
This projection accounts for the impact of policies adopted during the 74th Texas Legislature. The projection takes into account information regarding State jail sentencing patterns that was not available for prior projections. The current projection introduces two new terms to describe the population in county jails awaiting transfer to prison: "duty-to-accept population" and "transitional population." Both of these populations are projected. The projection shows that approximately 20,246 correctional beds will become operational between September 1995 and March 1998, increasing the State correctional capacity from 131,568 in August 1995 to 151,814 in August 1998. No "duty-to- accept" population is projected between September 1995 and July 1996. A "duty-to-accept" population of 864 inmates is projected starting in August 1996, increasing to 12,920 inmates by August 1997. The State jail population serving time in state jails is projected to increase steadily as this system is fully implemented. by August 1996 the State jail population serving time in State jails is projected to be 5,890, with this number increasing to 15,300 by August 1998. As more State jail felons are housed in State jail facilities, less space will be available in State jails to house transfer inmates. Three major factors can affect this projection and will be monitored during the interim: parole approval rates, the correctional construction schedule, and "pent-up" demand for State jail or prison capacity. The next projection will be issued by September 1996, as now required by State law. Extensive tables