The overcrowding of prisons remains a major challenge and concern in USA. As a result, the safety of inmates and staff alike is threatened and, ultimately, that of the public (Morash, Schram, 2002). The American Criminal Justice Association is calling on all jurisdictions and the public to address these issues with a view to bringing about necessary and pressing changes, and to defusing a potentially explosive situation (Neubauer, 2001).
This paper identifies some of the more apparent factors that contribute to overcrowding and some of the possible avenues for solving the problem, with a special emphasis on the development of effective community-based options. I acknowledge that some efforts are being deployed, but this paper, because of its very nature, focuses on problems that require attention and the identification of promising opportunities. There are some clear reasons why Canadian prisons are overcrowded: (Schmalleger, 2003)
- Incarceration is perceived as the norm, as opposed to one of a series of options available to courts.
- Incarceration is presented as the best means of ensuring public protection.
- The number of inmates increased dramatically over the past decade.
- Aboriginal offenders continue to be over-represented in prisons.
- Rates of parole are declining.
- The prison population includes greater numbers of inmates serving long and life sentences.
- A greater number of inmates are designated as dangerous.
- The public has become very intolerant and punitive
- Social and mental health services have suffered major cutbacks.
Last Year, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of US adopted a recommendation on prison overcrowding and prison population inflation in various States (Morash, Schram, 2002). The text states that "The extension of the prison estate should rather be an exceptional measure, as it is generally unlikely to offer a lasting solution to the problem of......
