The February 2011 U.S. Department of Justice report Jails in Indian Country, 2009 shows that the incarceration of Native Americans, which includes Native Alaskans, has been increasing over the past few years. In 2009, there was a 6% increase from the previous year, and a 12% increase from 2007. While Native Americans represent 1% of the U.S. population, they account for 1.3% of the prison or jail population.
Although America was technically “Indian Country” before the arrival of Europeans, the U.S. government uses this description as a legal term with reference to all federal trust lands held for Native Americans, as well as for reservations and communities.
Highlights of the report include:
Between midyear 2008 and 2009, inmates in Indian Country jails increased by 1.9%, to a total of 2,176.
Across the U.S. during that same time period Native Americans and Native Alaskans under correctional supervision rose by 5.6%. 63% were on probation or parole, and another 37% were incarcerated.
In the year ending June 2009, the average daily jail population increased 12%, with occupied bed space increasing to 73.5%.
14% of the jails held 51% of incarcerated Native Americans in 2009.
In June 2009 the number of Native Americans sent to jail in Indian Country (11,35707) was five times higher than the average daily population ( 2,124).
In 2009 the average stay in jail went up from 5.1 days to 5.6 days
Between July 1, 2007 and June 39, 2008 no deaths were reported in Indian Country jails, while four were reported the previous year. Attempted suicides fell from 78 to 56 in that time period.
Native Americans locked up in Indian Country jails on domestic violence charges decreased from 362 in 2007 to 252 in 2009.
The number of correctional officers in Indian Country increased from 63% in June 2007 to 79% in June 2009.
To view the complete report Click here to go to website
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