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Shelby, Davidson Counties...

Original Article

Shelby, Davidson Counties Have Unusually High Incarceration Rates

Last Edited: Friday, 11 Apr 2008, 2:45 PM CDT
Created: Friday, 11 Apr 2008, 2:45 PM CDT

Prison Bars By Travis Loller
Associated Press Writer


NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WHBQ FOX13 myfoxmemphis.com) --

A new study from a Washington-based nonprofit organization has found Nashville and Memphis jails have some of the highest incarceration rates in the country.

The study from the Justice Policy Institute looks at the 2006 jail populations in the 50 counties with the largest jails. The institute promotes alternatives to incarceration.

Davidson County had the second-highest per capita jail population, below only Philadelphia, with 596 people in jail for every 100,000 residents. Shelby County ranked third with 594.

The study blames factors like more local jails housing federal and state prison inmates, fewer arrestees being released to await trial and high bails that arrestees are unable to pay.

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