Each year, the Michigan Department of Corrections releases a factbook of statistics describing their department, the state prisons and the people who are incarcerated inside them. This year’s factbook, which looks at statistics from 2018, was recently released.
Overall, the facts and figures point to continuing trends: Michigan’s prison population continues to fall, while our overall average length of stay continues to increase. This is true for incarcerated women as well — their overall numbers are falling, but their average length of stay is increasing. This is leading to an aging prison population and rising health care costs, which can be seen particularly on a per-person basis.
We will be delving into these statistics and other facts in the coming months, using data and research to inform our advocacy and policy work.
~Barbara Wieland
Communications Specialist
