Overcrowding in Prisons

Overcrowding in prisons occurs when the number of inmates exceeds the facility's designed capacity, leading to cramped conditions and strained resources. This situation often results from longer sentences, strict laws, and insufficient new prisons, causing many prisoners to share cells or have limited access to services. Overcrowding can compromise safety, hinder rehabilitation efforts, and increase stress among inmates and staff. It highlights the need for effective criminal justice policies, improved infrastructure, and alternatives to incarceration to ensure humane treatment and better management of the prison system.