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To construct good policy and evaluate its efficacy, we must first understand the populations who are most affected by it. This is especially true of the criminal justice system regarding prison policy and programming. Understanding the demographics of the incarcerated population aids in the construction of effective policy improvements and the creation of programs that improve lives and reduce recidivism.

The prison population is 93 percent biological males and 7 percent biological females. Additionally, prisoners in the U.S. are 57 percent white, 38 percent Black, and 30 percent Hispanic. These statistics give us insight into how justice is distributed in America. We may then work backward through the court system, police encounters, and societal interactions to discern why the prison population holds its current composition. Understanding these traits will assist in creating better prison policy and program solutions.

Figure 6.1

Imprisonment Rate per 100,000 U.S. Residents, by Age, 2010-2020





From 2019 to 2020, prison populations saw a sharp decrease. What is considered to be a primary factor for this?
a. People are committing fewer crimes.
b. Courts have become more lenient.
c. COVID-19
d. Police are not arresting as many people.

Answer 1

c. COVID-19

Explanation: The pandemic led to reduced admissions (fewer arrests and delayed court processing) and accelerated releases (compassionate/early releases to reduce spread), causing a sharp drop in prison populations between 2019 and 2020.