prison overcrowding

Prison overcrowding occurs when the number of inmates exceeds a facility's capacity to house them comfortably and safely. This issue can arise from strict sentencing laws, mandatory minimum sentences, and a lack of rehabilitation programs. Overcrowding can lead to inadequate living conditions, increased violence, and limited access to essential services like healthcare and education. It can strain staff resources and diminish the effectiveness of rehabilitation efforts, ultimately impacting the reintegration of inmates into society. Addressing overcrowding often requires policy reform, alternative sentencing, and investment in community-based programs to reduce reliance on incarceration.