FBI Reports: Crime is Down

In releasing its latest statistical report on Crime in the United States, the FBI notes that "Among the many numbers for 2007, the big picture is clear: crime is down."  They further note that "Nationwide, violent crime fell for the first time since 2005. Property crime declined for the fifth straight year. And each of the seven specific offense categories—from aggravated assault to murder—was down from 2006." 

The Cost To Incarcerate

In FY 2007, states spent more than $49 billion on corrections, with more than $44 billion coming from general funds, their main source of discretionary dollars.

U.S. Prison Population

The United States is the world's leader in incarceration with 2.1 million people currently in the nation's prisons or jails -- a 500% increase over the past thirty years.

Incarcerated Parents

Research has indicated that on any given day more than 7 million children may have a parent in prison or jail, or under parole or probation supervision.