NCJ Number
86420
Date Published
1981
Length
9 pages
Annotation
Further prison building will be self-defeating and will increase problems now facing England's prison system. Available evidence suggests that any policy of reducing the prison population size would be best served by a moratorium on all new prison construction.
Abstract
Prison policy should include limitations on prison population capacities as the population tends to grow along with capacity. Funds geared toward building additional prisons should be funnelled into upgrading physical conditions and inmate staff services. Prison capacity should be reduced through a phased program of prison closures. Tables illustrate the number of prisons opened in England between 1945-78. Two reference notes and a description of the Howard League for Penal Reform are included.