The NSW prison population has reached a record high of more than 12,700 inmates, largely due to bail refusals and an increase in assault offences.
The Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research said the state’s adult prison population surged by 16% over the past two years.
However, the growth rate appears to be slowing and the average annual rate of growth has dropped to 3.8% in the past 12 months.
The number of juveniles in custody has been falling rapidly.
There are now 250 juveniles in custody, a drop of 38% from a peak of 405 detainees in June 2011.
Like the article? Subscribe to Green Left now! You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.