While the nation has seen an overall drop in its prison population, Nevada’s numbers have risen.
According to a review by the Crime and Justice Institute, more people are being incarcerated in Nevada prisons and they’re spending more time inside them.
The institute found a 7 percent increase in inmates within Nevada prisons in the last decade, while the overall U.S. prison population saw a 7 percent drop. More than 13,000 people are currently incarcerated in the state, pushing the budget to nearly $350 million.
Researchers presented the findings to a state advisory commission yesterday.
Governor Brian Sandoval and other state leaders announced the review in August, asking the commission to develop policy recommendations for the next legislative session.
