The prison population in Illinois is projected to increase from over 28,000 to nearly 45,400 by the year 2000. It will cost $1.2 billion for construction just to maintain prison crowding at 68% double and multicelling. This article examines the factors driving this growth, provides a projection of the future prison population levels, and simulates a variety of policy options that could lower the projections. This approach illustrates the usefulness of simulation models in showing decision makers the futures they may create.
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References
1.
Austin, James
. 1984. Using Early Release to Relieve Prison Crowding: A Dilemma in Public Policy. San Francisco: National Council on Crime and Delinquency.
2.
Langan, Patrick
. 1991. “America's Soaring Prison Population.”Science251:1568-1573.
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State of Illinois, Criminal Justice Information Authority
. 1990, May. Trends and Issues 90: Criminal and Juvenile Justice in Illinois. Springfield: State of Illinois.
