The Prison Crisis

THE NUMBERS:
• With only 5% of the world’s population, the U.S. has 25% of the world’s prison population – that makes us the world’s largest jailer.
• Since 1970, our prison population has risen 700%.
• One in 99 adults are living behind bars in the U.S. This marks the highest rate of imprisonment in American history.
• One in 31 adults are under some form of correctional control, counting prison, jail, parole and probation populations.

 

In America, our criminal justice system should keep communities safe and treat people fairly, regardless of the color of their skin or the size of their bank account. in order for our system to do a good job, it must be cost-effective by using our taxpayer dollars and public resources wisely, in an evidence-based rather than fear-based manner.

But our criminal justice system is not doing a good job. It has failed on every count: public safety, fairness and cost-effectiveness.

Problems With Mass Incarceration: Learn More »