4 ms·

Once they reduce the jail population, what's next? Likely, cuts in the number of jail cells. Seems like a good thing, but will this make it less likely for po

• pjc50 9y ago
  That situation in the UK is simply due to under-funding. The article points out that the current US situation uses economic status as a reason for keeping people in jail, more so than actual risk to the public. Resulting in huge over-use and (as pointed out) going to jail even briefly increases re-offending risk.
• GVIrish 9y ago
  If a series of stupid policy decisions are made that constricts jail cell supply so much that even dangerous suspects are not detained, then yeah. But there is a lot of social benefit to not having people sit in jail awaiting trial if they don't need to. People on limited income can't afford to miss work or not be around to take care of their kids or other love ones. People who turn out to be innocent still end up experiencing difficult life consequences as a result of unnecessary jail time. I think the public interest is served by reducing the number of people in jail in a more fair and transparent manner. It will take sensible policy-making to make sure that it doesn't result in unintended consequences (as some others have pointed out) down the road, but it's worth starting down the road in the first place.