State Prison Numbers Dip for First Time Since 1972

Bob McCarty Writes ^ | 3-17-10 | Bob McCarty

[BobMcCartyWrites]

For the first time in 38 years, the number of state prisoners in the United States has declined, according to a new survey by the Pew Center on the States.

[BobMcCartyWrites]

For the first time in nearly 40 years, the number of state prisoners in the United States has declined, according to Prison Count 2010, a new survey by the Pew Center on the States.

The decline is not due solely to budget shortfalls at the state level which prompt early release of inmates, the survey shows. Admissions to state prisons declined as well. As of Jan. 1, there were 1,403,091 persons under the jurisdiction of state prison authorities, 5,739 (0.4 percent) less than on Dec. 31, 2008. This marks the first year-to-year drop in the nation's state prison population since 1972.

Notable in the survey was the finding that, in the 23 states where the state prison population grew, more than half of the increase occurred in just five states: Pennsylvania (2,122), Florida (1,527), Indiana (1,496), Louisiana (1,399) and Alabama (1,053).

Not surprisingly, the number of prisoners at federal facilities continues to rise. The survey found that the federal prison population continued to grow, rising by 6,838 prisoners, or 3.4 percent, to an all-time high of 208,118.

To read the entire survey, click here or on either of the graphics shown.

[pnh102]

A lot of states simply released prisoners because they did not want to spend the money to keep them incarcerated. I wonder how this plays into all of this.

[Brad from Tennessee]

The big question now is whether crime rates will rise. There is generally a correlation between prison populations and crime, with crime decreasing as the number of prison inmates increases. But there can be other factors that change the equation.

[The Comedian]

That's because they're all working for the Obama administration now.

Frowning takes 68 muscles.
Smiling takes 6.
Pulling this trigger takes 2.
I'm lazy.

[equalitybeforethelaw]

Isn’t Congress in session?

[twistedwrench]

You can see by the map, California moved almost all of their inmates to Arizona.
The CDCR buses are running 24/7.

[Let's Roll]

Another good example is Indiana with the greatest increase while all their neighbors had decreases - especially Michigan.

[GailA]

HELL YES, one third of most crimes are committed by some one on probation or parole.

[marajade]

maybe because states can’t afford to keep them locked up

[marajade]

az can’t afford to house them either