NCJ Number
191149
Journal
Corrections Compendium Volume: 26 Issue: 8 Dated: August 2001 Pages: 4-5,22
Date Published
August 2001
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This study reviews data collected by the United Nations Asia and Far East Institute (UNAFEI) regarding prison populations and trends in Asian countries and approaches used to reduce prison crowding.
Abstract
Prison growth in Asia was significant between mid-1996 and mid-2000. Japan maintained a relatively low incarceration rate of about 45 per 100,000 people. China, Korea, and Malaysia maintained relatively stable incarceration rates. Singapore and Thailand recorded large increases in their imprisonment rates. Most Asian countries had relatively high percentages of pretrial inmates, especially among developing countries. India and Pakistan exceeded 70 percent, whereas Japan had only 18 percent pretrial inmates. Factors that may explain Japan’s lack of prison crowding include rapid case processing, the use of bail, effective use of noncustodial pretrial and sentencing approaches, and effective use of parole. Reasons for Thailand’s acute crowding problems may include its tough policy on crime, modest use of early release, and lack of resources. Representatives of Asian countries also noted that actions at the pretrial, court, and corrections/rehabilitation stages reduced crowding. However, education of the public will be necessary prior to serious consideration of legal and operational changes. Tables