why are so many behind bars?, page-5

Interesting read, thankyou KB_Joe.

Perhaps those involved with the system of imprisonment ought to be asking the Netherlands what they did that has resulted in the closing of prisons in recent times due to a lack of inmates.

"While the early 1990’s saw an increase in crimes occurring in the Netherlands; in 2009 the crime level had dropped to a record low that the Dutch justice ministry has decided to close 8 prisons, cutting off 1,200 jobs within the prison. Low crime rates have led to an overcapacity in the country’s jails; with them now housing 12,000 detainees, although the capacity is for 14,000."

The population of the Netherlands is 16.8 million, so you can see that their rate is much, much lower than here.

www.therichest.com/expensive-lifestyle/location/netherlands-shuts-down-prisons-due-to-lack-of-criminals/