US Incarceration Rates Rise Again, Erasing Pandemic Decline

Date:  05-06-2026 The Prison Policy Initiative states that, although a decline in the incarceration rate is feasible and has already been achieved, it was only a temporary effect.

From Davis Vanguard: NORTHAMPTON, Mass. — New data published by the Prison Policy Initiative shows incarceration rates in the United States are rising again after a temporary decline during the coronavirus pandemic, raising renewed concerns among researchers about the lack of lasting reforms to reduce prison and jail populations. The organization explains that prison and jail populations have rebounded following years of reductions caused by decreased admissions and increased releases during the public health emergency brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. As explained by the organization in its report, the latest figures reveal that no lasting policy changes were carried out, and therefore no actual decline has occurred, as the decrease in prison populations was only temporary and tied to the pandemic. Continue reading >>>