Jail Crowding: Understanding Jail Population Dynamics

Steps involved in developing an understanding of jail population dynamics and factors behind jail crowding are delineated. Sections of this report include: executive summary; how can factors behind jail crowding be identified?; key questions to ask in order to understand jail population dynamics; trends that are driving jail population growth; how to forecast future needs; benefits and elements of an effective analytic process; and elements of the analytic process. Appendixes include: "Preventing Jail Crowding: A Practical Guide" by Robert C. Cushman; jail survey form; data sources; proposed work plan for criminal justice analysts; and items to be included in the agency database.