Chap 18 IncarTrends PPT Notes Flashcards
What is the U.S. incarceration rate per 100,000 of the general population?
About 639 per 100,000, which is more than any other country in the world.
What was the U.S. prison population in December 2019?
1.43 million in state and federal institutions, a 2% decrease from the prior year.
What are the two main ways to reduce the U.S. prison population?
Send fewer people to prison and/or reduce the length of sentences.
What was the incarceration rate in the U.S. in 1980?
139 per 100,000.
What is the average incarceration rate in the Southern U.S.?
551 per 100,000.
What percentage of prisoners are in overcrowded conditions?
Estimated 19 states and the USBOP are operating above capacity.
What is a significant factor contributing to increased incarceration rates?
Increased arrests and more likely incarceration.
What has been the average time served for violent offenses?
8 years.
How many prisons were built in the U.S. from 1990 to 2005?
More than 500 prisons, an increase of 42%.
What was the impact of the War on Drugs on incarceration rates?
Increased drug offenders in prison from 6% of state prisoners in 1980 to 18% today.
What is the ‘Null Strategy’ in dealing with prison overcrowding?
Do nothing and let the prison become congested, believing the situation will relieve itself.
What is the estimated cost for building a new prison cell?
Estimated at $75,000 per cell.
What are intermediate sanctions?
Punishments short of incarceration, such as community service or home confinement.
What are some strategies to reduce prison populations?
Decrease prison admissions, increase prison releases, and implement earned time provisions.
What did the Supreme Court rule regarding California’s prison population?
Ordered the release of 34,000 inmates due to violations of the 8th amendment against cruel and unusual punishment.
What is a potential tipping point in prison funding?
Further increases in spending may not result in further crime reductions.
What are some recommendations for intelligent reductions in incarceration?
Send fewer people to prison for drug crimes and allow judges greater discretion over sentencing.
What is the conclusion regarding the effectiveness of mass incarceration?
Difficult to determine if acceptable returns are being achieved for all this incarceration.
