An annual report out this week projects Iowa’s prison population will grow by 30-percent over the next decade if current offender behaviors and justice system policies remain in place. Steve Michael is administrator for the Iowa Department of Human Rights’ Division of Criminal and Juvenile Justice Planning.

 

Nearly 250 more inmates were admitted to Iowa prisons in fiscal year 2016 compared to 2015. While the forecast suggests Iowa’s prison population could grow to 10,648 inmates by 2026, Michael notes there are “major changes” in Iowa’s criminal justice system that were NOT considered with this projection.

 

The report shows Iowa’s prison population has dropped since 2011. Iowa’s prisons held a record high 9,009 inmates in April of 2011. On Tuesday, the Iowa Department of Corrections reported 8,312 inmates were being housed in nine prisons around the state.