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Prisoner numbers at record high Prisoner numbers at record high
(10 minutes later)
The number of prison inmates in England and Wales has reached a record 82,319.The number of prison inmates in England and Wales has reached a record 82,319.
The Prison Service announced the latest figure, up from the previous all-time high of 82,068, which was set in February 2008.The Prison Service announced the latest figure, up from the previous all-time high of 82,068, which was set in February 2008.
The prison population has risen dramatically since Christmas 2007, outstripping the number of new places becoming available. A spokeswoman said the total included 12 inmates held in police stations under Operation Safeguard, a programme to tackle overcrowding.
In February, Justice Secretary Jack Straw called on 350 magistrates' courts to use community punishments.In February, Justice Secretary Jack Straw called on 350 magistrates' courts to use community punishments.
The prison population has risen dramatically since Christmas 2007, outstripping the number of new places becoming available.