Prison over Population

Controlling Prison Population

Currently in the United States there are over 2.3 million adults incarcerated. In addition to those 2.3 million adults incarcerated, there are over 70,000 Juveniles incarcerated, and over five million people on probation, parole, or currently under some type of correctional supervision. Prison overpopulation is likely an issue that you are unaware of; however, it is an issue that you should be concerned with. Millions of our state and federal tax dollars are being directed towards the corrections system. In some instances, more money is being funded towards prisons than towards educating our children. Not only are prisons affecting our state’s economy, but they are also effecting the health of all Americans. The likely hood for disease to spread is much higher in prison and with the majority of prisoners serving less than 3 months; they will be released back into the population with potentially deadly diseases they may have contracted. Prison overpopulation is a serious problem that should be attended to immediately for the sake of our nations health and economic stability. Peter H. Shuck states in his article “Deportation before Incarceration” that “The politics surrounding efforts to reduce prison overcrowding and reduce prison costs are fierce. Taxpayers want relief from prison costs, of course, but they also fear more crime if criminals are released prematurely”(Shuck 80). I have devised a multiple step process that I believe will help control the population of prisoners being incarcerated and alleviate some of the problems that come with prison overpopulation and fear of recidivism.

As stated above, prison overpopulation is a serious threat not only to the inmates themselves, but to the general population as well. Prison overpopulation has even been seen as unconstitutional in some people’s opinion. The tight quarters and the unsanitary living conditions are often thought to be cruel and unusual punishment, which violates...