Prison population grows 10.5% in a year

That upward trend will continue, increasing to 9,368 prisoners in July 1997, officials predict. As many as 19,500 people will be imprisoned in Oregon by July 2005, a 158 percent increase from the July 1995 count.

The statistics were released by the Office of Economic Analysis.

Most of the current increase results from Measure 11, which took effect in April 1995 and which gives mandatory minimum sentences for any of 16 crimes. Measure 11 is expected to add nearly 919 prisoners by July 1997.

Another new sentencing law, which takes effect in July 1997, imposes tougher sentences for repeat property-crime offenders. It is expected to add about 700 inmates to the prison the prison system by 2005.

The 1995 Legislature allocated $5 million in planning money for additional prisons, including a proposed 1,500-bed, minimum-security facility and a second women's prison.

[End]

to the All Politics Is Local page.

This URL: http://www.pdxnorml.org/prison_pop_grows96a.html