WHEREAS:

As a result of policies that emphasize incarceration, the United States imprisons a larger share of its population than any other nation, surpassing tx.)th South Africa and the former Soviet Union. These policies, which range from mandatory minimum sentences to stricter eligibility criteria for parole, have resulted in the incarceration of 426 out of every 100,000 residents in the United States; and

WHEREAS:

The effect of this emphasis on incarceration has been to overcrowd state prison systems and jails. Eighty-five percent of the states have inmate populations which exceed their capacity. The inmate population in 60 percent of these states exceeded 120 percent of capacity. Projections are for an overall increase of 15 percent in the number of inmates by 1993. Furthermore, estimates are for an increase of 30 percent over the current prison population by 1995; and

WHEREAS:

Overcrowding not only threatens the security of correctional institutions, but also creates a more dangerous work environment for corrections officers by reducing their ability to control the inmate population. Practices such as double bunking, which represent an effort by corrections officials to respond to the lack of space, and an inmate population which tends to be younger, more violent, and less afraid of punishment only exacerbate overcrowded conditions.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That the International Union, councils, and locals support increased staffing of correctional institutions to ensure that staffing levels will keep pace with the growing prison population and assure the safety and security of both staff and the public; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That the International Union, councils, and locals urge more federal, state, and local government commitment to the building of new facilities and the renovation or replacement of outmoded and overcrowded facilities; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That the International Union, councils and locals support, where appropriate, alternatives to incarceration as a way of relieving overcrowding in prisons.

SUBMITTED BY:

Steve Culen, IVP and President
AFSCME Council 31
Illinois

William Bradley, President and Delegate
Brenda Rolle, Delegate
AFSCME Local 1565, Council 4
Connecticut