Allen J. Beck, Ph.D., Paige M. Harrison

July 27, 2003    NCJ 200248

Reports the number of persons in State and Federal prisons at yearend, compares the increase in the prison population during 2002 with that of the previous year, and gives the prison growth rates since 1995. The report also provides the number of male and female prisoners on December 31, 2002. It includes incarceration rates for the States and the 5 highest and 5 lowest jurisdictions for selected characteristics, such as the growth rate, number of prisoners held, and incarceration rates. Tables present data on prison capacities and the use of local jails and privately operated prisons. Estimates are provided on the number of sentenced prisoners by offense, gender, race, and Hispanic origin.

Highlights include the following:

• Between December 31, 2001, and December 31, 2002, the number of inmates under State jurisdiction increased by 30,088.
• On December 31, 2002 State prisons were operating between 1% and 17% above capacity, while Federal prisons were operating at 33% above capacity.
• At yearend 2001, 49% of State prisoners were serving time for violent offenses, up from 47% in 1995.

Part of the Prisoners Series

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