WHEREAS:

One of the most urgent concerns confronting the criminal justice system in the United States is prison overcrowding. During 1982, the prison population in the U.S. increased by approximately 43,000 inmates; this 11.6% increase was the highest annual increase since such data first became available in 1925; and

WHEREAS:

Most of this growth — 41,000 inmates — occurred at the state level. Forty seven states and the District of Columbia experienced increases in their prison populations; and

WHEREAS:

By the end of 1982, courts had ordered states to remedy their overcrowded prison conditions while 9 additional states were involved in litigation concerning overcrowding; and

WHEREAS:

In 1982, the incarceration rate in the United States was 170 adults/100,000 members of the population, the highest incarceration rate in the western world; and

WHEREAS:

Such overcrowded conditions create potentially explosive environments which could be harmful to corrections employees, inmates, and entire communities. In addition, such overcrowded conditions seriously hinder the rehabilitative efforts of the criminal justice system.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME continue to urge federal, state, and local governments to confront this growing crisis of prison overcrowding by increasing the use of parole and probation, and by developing long-term plans for new prison construction and design alterations which will increase the capacity of state and local correctional facilities; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME continue to support federal legislation that would provide financial assistance to state and local governments for the construction of new facilities and for the implementation of new programs as alternatives to incarceration.

SUBMITTED BY:

Donald, G. McKee, President
Dick Palmer, Secretary-Treasurer
Iowa Council 61
Des Moines, Iowa