Last month, the Bureau of Justice Statistics reported that the total population of incarcerated persons in the United States had decreased for the fourth consecutive year. The decline, however, came entirely at the state level. The federal system continued to gain prisoners, and in fact, from 2010 to 2011, the number of prisoners increased by about 7,800. The Federal Bureau of Prisons would be wise to take a look at the amazing success of the states — and to emulate the strategies that reduce incarceration while still protecting public safety.

Total U.S. Correctional Population Declines for the Third Straight Year

U.S. Adults Supervised by Adult Correctional Systems

U.S. Adults Held in Custody of Local Jails

U.S. Adults Held in Custody State Prisoners

U.S. Adults Held in Custody: Total Inmates Nationwide