Last week, the Bureau of Justice Statistics released a national update on the number of state and federal prisoners in 2013. While the federal prison population declined for the first time since 1980, the number of people incarcerated in state facilities increased by 6,300 – causing an overall increase in the number of people incarcerated in the United States.

As discussed in previous posts, the United States has the dubious honor of being the number one incarcerator in the world. With 5% of the world’s population, we have 25% of its prisoners.  Here in Maine we have one of the lowest incarceration rates in the country, but, given the above, that’s not saying a lot. When looking at incarceration rates across the globe, Maine has a higher imprisonment rate than most countries, including Canada, Brazil, China and most of Europe (with the exception of the Russian Federation and Belarus). In fact, Maine’s incarceration rate is just slightly lower than that of Iran – a country notorious for its numerous human rights violations and brutal repression of free speech and expression. 

Research has shown that there is very little correlation with incarceration rates and crime rates and that by reducing the number of people imprisoned we can actually reduce crime rates. (For more information check out this ACLU infographic).

While we have seen an immense amount of momentum towards reform, this report is yet another grave reminder of the immense amount of work yet to be done. With over 10,000 people under some form of correctional control, we know that we can do better in Maine.  While ending mass incarceration and confronting our culture of punishment is a daunting task, this report reminds us that the place to start is right here, in our great state.