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Prisoner numbers at record high | Prisoner numbers at record high |
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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. |
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. |