- On 30 June 2009 just under 27% of the prison population, 22,292 prisoners, was from a minority ethnic group. This is the same proportion as in the previous year (2008), but represents an increase on that recorded for 2005 (25%). This compares to one in 11 of the general population.

 - Out of the British national prison population, 10% are black and 4% are Asian.315 For black Britons this is significantly higher than the 2% of the general population they represent.

 - Black people constituted 15% of those who were stopped by the police in 2008-09; other ethnic minority groups were also over-represented.

 - Overall black prisoners account for the largest number of minority ethnic prisoners (54%). Between 1999 and 2002 the total prison population grew by just over 12% but the number of black prisoners increased by 51%.

- At the end of June 2009, 33% of minority ethnic prisoners were foreign nationals.

latest news and publications

Dec14 14/12/2011 00:01:00 by alex
Those responsible for the justice system know only too well that one dreadful event, or a high profile court case, can have a devastating impact on prison numbers. The latest edition of the Bromley Briefings Prison Factfile reveals how the August riots, as well as causing harm and distress in communities, propelled an extra 846 people into our already overcrowded jails. This hit the prison service hard when it was already trying to cope with severe budget cuts and overcrowding largely driven by inflation in sentencing. read more...
Jun29 29/06/2011 00:01:00 by alex

Community penalties are now outperforming short prison sentences, according to statistics released today from the latest edition of the Prison Reform Trust’s Bromley Briefings Prison Factfile. If government succeeds in reforming the justice system, building on the success of community measures including diversion into health treatment where appropriate, and holding prison numbers to an unavoidable minimum, it could deliver on its promise of a “rehabilitation revolution”.

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Dec14 14/12/2010 13:45:00 by sarah

This report by Clinks and Prison Reform Trust sets out the findings of research into the resettlement needs and experiences of black, Asian and minority ethnic prisoners and ex-prisoners.

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Dec6 06/12/2010 12:26:00 by tony
Prison has a poor record for reducing reoffending – 49% of adults are reconvicted within one year of release – for those serving sentences of less than 12 months this increases to 61%. The average cost of each prison place is now £45,000.

The newly announced green paper should use all available evidence to create a fairer, more effective, more efficient criminal justice system. read more...
Jun8 08/06/2010 14:58:00 by sarah

"The Prison Reform Trust welcomes this timely report and its recognition of the important work conducted in prisons by Muslim chaplains. Too often Muslim prisoners are seen as potential extremists in the making instead of a diverse population in need of a safe environment, individual supervision and support and proper preparation for release."

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