United Kingdom prison population
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The United Kingdom has three distinct legal systems with a separate prison system in each—one for both England and Wales, one for Scotland, and one for Northern Ireland. England and Wales has one of the highest rates of incarceration in Western Europe, with Scotland close behind: In 2006 an average of 148 people in every 100,000 were in prison, just ahead of Scotland with 139 per 100,000.[1]
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[edit] Prison population
As of August 2009 the total prison population of the UK stood at 93,574.
[edit] Size
[edit] Prison population of England and Wales
There are 139 prisons in England and Wales, and as of February 2008, the number of prisoners was just over 82,000 which exceeded "operational capacity".[2]
[edit] Prison population in Scotland
There are 15 prisons in Scotland with most being run by the Scottish Prison Service. As of 14 July 2006 the Scottish prison population was 7,076.[3] This had risen to 7,609 by February 14, 2008.[4]
[edit] Prison population in Northern Ireland
There are 3 prisons in Northern Ireland. As of 26 June 2006, the Northern Ireland Prison Service reported a prison population of 1,447, including 3 immigration detainees not convicted or charged with any offence. This represents an incarceration rate of 81 per 100,000 population, significantly lower than that in England and Wales.[5]
[edit] Violence
A growing number of British prisoners have served in the armed forces. According to one recent study reported in the Guardian, there are now 8,500 former servicemen in prison, making up almost 10% of the prison population.[6]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ World Prison Population List (seventh edition). 2006.
- ^ UK prisons now 'over-capacity' BBC News February 22nd 2008
- ^ "Scottish Prison Population". http://www.sps.gov.uk/Default.asp?menuid=219.
- ^ Women prison numbers 'shameful' BBC News
- ^ "Northern Ireland Weekly Prison Population". http://www.niprisonservice.gov.uk/facts_updated.cfm. Retrieved December 12, 2005.
