In 2018, overcrowding remained one of the most important issues in prison (1), with 27 countries operating at 150% to 200% (2). Overcrowding seems even to represent a characteristic troubling the modern prison since its invention in the 19 th century2. It is possible to feel crowded in the presence of few people, or not crowded in the presence of many. They face greater potential violence from the prisoners, threat of infection and increased stress and mental health issues. One example is double celling, inmates in prisons are required to share cells with other inmates causing certain amount of space. The causes, effects on officers and inmates, prevention and measures that could be adopted to address the causes and its adverse effect on the society. Prisons are supposed to provide a healthy environment for the prisoners where they get a chance to regret, repent and renew themselves for the free world that welcomes them after the confinement. However, the effects of misclassifying offenders due to overcrowding extend beyond the immediate consideration of there being too little space and too few resources. Prison Overcrowding is a topic that isn’t brought up much in the media. There is little evidence of a direct link between overcrowding and reoffending. Increase in Violence The first major effect of prison overcrowding is the increase in violence. Moreover it also makes the inmates struggle for resources. Other harmful effects of overcrowding in prisons are that it is associated with poor hygiene and poor sanitation which triggers the spread of diseases. Higher incarceration rates of adult males skew data to promote resources in their favor, but the lower percentages of women and children have needs that are unmet and unacknowledged. Whereas overcrowding is a psychological condition based on a perception of limited space by an incarcerated individual, density is a physical condition, such as the ratio of inmates to available space in an institution. the negative consequences of overcrowding, which extend far beyond questions of ‘bed numbers’ before concluding with some suggestions about possible legal options to reduce overcrowding. It … It also exerts pressure on the medical supplies. Crowded environment results in social withdrawal, competition of resources and less cooperation among the inmates. For example availability of library books, washroom availability, television lounge seating and shortage of recreational materials. Effects Of Overcrowding In Corrections Moreover, prisoners as well as people react differently to the feeling of being crowded physically and mentally. It can increase the prevalence of diseases, particularly infectious and psychiatric disorders. Access to water and sanitation facilities, access to quality health care, and the ability to live a safe life are directly and inversely linked to the crowding of the prisons… Prison overcrowding increases the suicide rates and boost recidivism among the inmates. When prisoners are denied resources, they are frustrated. It therefore cannot be addressed only at the level of prisons but requires a holistic and coordinated response from a broad range of Overcrowded prisons do not give this environment. Negative effects of jail on inmates are numerous. Since the mid-1970s, state America's prisons are dangerously overcrowded, and the war on drugs is mainly to blame. Chicago : University of Chicago Press . My second paper will examine some ways in which to ameliorate the negative effects of overcrowding. Prisons are supposed to be accommodated in a psychologically healthy and humane way. Recreational activities and self-improvement programs are not possible in an overcrowded environment. The excessive use of pre-trial detention, and the use of prison for minor, petty offences, are critical drivers of prison population rates. The Pros And Cons Of Overcrowding In Prisons. Prison overcrowding has traditionally been defined by density (i.e., the proportion of inmates to rated capacity of an institution; the ratio of single cells to multiple-person cells). Prison overcrowding has many negative effects ranging from sickness, to even death. Policy changes and other solutions In the past few years, as costs of incarceration have mounted, the Obama administration has worked to reduce jail time for federal prisoners in for some drug offenses. It can increase the prevalence of diseases, particularly infectious and psychiatric disorders. Proponents believe that by releasing non-violent drug offenders, the prisons are relieving some of the overcrowding and making room for violent offenders. The negative effects of overcrowding in Canadian prisons are many.