International Journal of Prisoner Health (IJPH) is a publication that has explored jail overcrowding and the impact it has on the health of inmates and on overall conditions in detention facilities. The results of various studies indicate that jail overcrowding exacerbates health issues, especially infectious diseases, and mental health issues among prisoners.

An analysis of overcrowded prisons throughout the world shows that overcrowded prisons and jails can become unsanitary. Also, conditions in overcrowded jails tend to become violent and harmful to the mental and physical well-being of inmates. The IJPH stresses that the prevention of jail overcrowding should be a key initiative on behalf of inmates.

Like information from the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition (TCJC), which was previously cited in this series, IJPH makes recommendations to prevent overcrowding from occurring. For example, in a European initiative that has been adopted in Norway and the Netherlands, the admission of convicted individuals into prison is delayed until there is adequate space for them.

In general, however, prison and jail administrators face rising populations. Ensuring humane conditions for inmates is an increasing struggle. Properly addressing control and security concerns tends to cause increasing conflict and violence in the environment. One study of overcrowded prisons in England and Wales found that overcrowding was connected with increased violence committed by prisoners and shocking rates of self-harm.

See Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, and Part 9 of this continuing series.

Inmates incarcerated in municipal and county jails can find potentially helpful information on this website. Accusing institutions or individuals of wrongdoing is never intended on this site.

–Guest Contributor