Behind the Steel Doors: A Worldwide Prison Cell Tour

An American prison in California

Overview of an American Prison in California Currently, the United States has approximately 2.2 million individuals incarcerated, which accounts for a staggering 25% of the global prison population. This statistic is particularly noteworthy considering that the U.S. represents only about 5% of the world's total population. Such a disproportionate number of incarcerated individuals raises significant concerns about the effectiveness and fairness of the American criminal justice system.

One of the major issues stemming from this high incarceration rate is overcrowding within prisons. In California, as in many other states, overcrowded facilities lead to heightened tensions among inmates. The lack of adequate space can result in disputes over resources, personal space, and daily activities, creating an environment that is not only unsafe but also detrimental to rehabilitation efforts. Overcrowding exacerbates existing problems, making it challenging for prison staff to manage the population effectively and maintain order.