Facts About the Incarceration Rate in California
According to the Prison Policy Initiative, there is an incarceration rate of 549 per 100,000 people in the state. Imprisonment in the state has increased significantly over the past several decades.
Data from the Prison Policy Initiative shows that there are:
- 131,000 in state prison
- 82,000 in local jails
- 16,000 in federal prisons
- 6,700 youth confined
- 3,6000 involuntary commitment
Both the jail and prison populations saw a huge increase during the early 90s. The jail population, unlike the prison population, declined significantly after reaching a peak. The number of people incarcerated in state prisons continued to rise throughout the early to mid- 2000s before finally decreasing from previous highs.
Prison Population by Gender and Race
Data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics shows that in 2015 there were 5,731 women incarcerated compared to 123,474 men.
People of color were more likely to be incarcerated in California. As noted by the Prison Policy Initiative a 2010 snapshot indicated that white people were incarcerated at a rate of 453 per 100,000, Hispanic individuals were incarcerated at a rate of 757 per 100,000, black individuals were incarcerated at a rate of 3,036 per 100,000, and American Indian/Alaska Natives were incarcerated at a rate of 996 per 100,000.
Overcrowding in Jails and Prisons
The Coronavirus pandemic spotlighted the overcrowding in California’s jails and prisons. As noted by the Prison Policy Initiative, the state prison system was at “107% of their design capacity.”
You can see all of the data on the Prison Policy Initiative’s “California profile.”
Relieving Overcrowding in California’s Jails and Prisons
One way to alleviate overcrowding in the state’s jails and prisons is to promote diversion programs. Pre-trial diversion programs particularly for individuals who suffer from mental health and substance use disorders can help ensure that people receive the treatment they need.