How many people are in prison?
On 3rd August 2007, there were 80,319 people in jail in England and Wales. Our rate is far higher then our European neighbours - in fact, it is now the highest imprisonment rate in Western Europe. It outstrips Saudi Arabia, Rwanda, China and Myanmar (Burma).

Why should that concern me?
Because, although when they are locked up they can’t commit crime, most prisoners come out of jail and re-offend. Crime committed by ex-prisoners costs the taxpayer £11 billion. Nearly 3⁄4 of all young offenders and 2/3 of adults come out of jail and are re-convicted within two years. For certain crimes the rate is even higher - nearly 90 per cent of young male shoplifters are re-convicted within two years of release. It costs the country £40,992 to send each prisoner to jail for one year.

Why isn’t prison stopping re-offending?
Prisoners go into jail with complex problems including drug addiction, unemployment and homelessness which may have contributed to their offending. Nearly 3⁄4 have two or more mental disorders and most have no qualifications.

While there are some excellent schemes in prison which tackle these problems overcrowding means that prisons are less able to provide education, training and rehabilitation work which stops prisoners re-offending when they are released. Two-thirds of prisons are overcrowded.

If overcrowding is a problem, why don’t we just build more prisons?
Building new prisons has not solved overcrowding. In the last ten years 13 new prisons have been opened. By the end of May 2003, nine of these were overcrowded.

Is it true to say that people go in to prison bad and come out worse?
In many cases - yes - especially for those serving short-custodial sentences. Prison does not generally make people take responsibility for themselves or face up to what they have done, but gives them the chance to swap criminal contacts and skills with other convicts. It can also mean them losing their job, home and family ties meaning they are more likely to re-offend when they get out.

OK – prison isn’t stopping crime. So what is?
It’s been proved that programmes that punish non-violent offenders in the community can cut re-offending rates by up to 53 per cent. These programmes are not a soft option. They work because they instil a sense of discipline and responsibility in offenders, making them face up to the damage they have caused, and in some cases compensating their victims. They also tackle the causes of crime such as drug addiction, unemployment and lack of education.

Isn’t it better to stop crime before it starts?
Yes – and crime diversion schemes which stop young people becoming criminals in the first place are having a dramatic effect in reducing crime rates.

If community punishments are so great why aren’t they used more often?
Contrary to popular belief, sentencers have become much harsher over the last few years. Offenders who would have received a community penalty ten years ago are now more likely to receive a prison sentence. A first-time burglar is nearly twice as likely to go to jail today as eight years ago. Probation services are also over stretched and under-funded.

Where can I find out more?
You can find out more by visiting the SmartJustice website.