17/02/2004
Prison population hits record high
The prison population in England and Wales has leapt to a new record high, after more than 2,000 people were jailed over the past month.
According to the Prison Service, 2,167 people were locked up in January which has seen the prison population swell to 74,543.
Despite a series of measures drafted in by the Home Office, such as electronic tagging and care in the community orders, the strain of Britain's prisons is acute. It has been reported that there are now only 600 prison places left – but in its busiest week last month, the prison service took 597 into its cells.
A prison service spokesperson said that the situation was being monitored and that police cells could be called upon if needed.
(gmcg)
According to the Prison Service, 2,167 people were locked up in January which has seen the prison population swell to 74,543.
Despite a series of measures drafted in by the Home Office, such as electronic tagging and care in the community orders, the strain of Britain's prisons is acute. It has been reported that there are now only 600 prison places left – but in its busiest week last month, the prison service took 597 into its cells.
A prison service spokesperson said that the situation was being monitored and that police cells could be called upon if needed.
(gmcg)
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Prisons face overcrowding crisis
Prisons in England and Wales are under "enormous pressure" and are facing a "looming overcrowding crisis", according to a charity report. The Prison Reform Trust reported that prison numbers have crept up again since Christmas rising to over 77,000 again.
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Most Prisons Are Overcrowded Statistics Show
Overcrowding and high reoffending rates are a fact of life in today’s prison system according to an analysis of recent prison population statistics by the Prison Reform Trust. Despite opening two new prisons this year with a capacity of 2,500 places, 59% of prisons in England and Wales are operating at an overcrowded level.
Most Prisons Are Overcrowded Statistics Show
Overcrowding and high reoffending rates are a fact of life in today’s prison system according to an analysis of recent prison population statistics by the Prison Reform Trust. Despite opening two new prisons this year with a capacity of 2,500 places, 59% of prisons in England and Wales are operating at an overcrowded level.
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Prison officers suspended over corruption claims
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