According to a Philly.com report, prison population in Philadelphia has dropped dramatically in the past few years. This is a bit impressive considering that the city’s population is up. Philly.com points out, “The number of inmates peaked at 9,787 in January 2009, and fell to below 7,700 this spring, before rising to 8,048 in June, according to the report by the Pew Charitable Trusts.”

The reason for the drop in population? “Changes implemented by District Attorney Seth Williams, who took office in January 2010, played a part. Now, prosecutors take a closer look at evidence to determine what can be proven in court before filing charges, thus avoiding more serious charges that may not be backed up by evidence.” That, of course, combined with the change in marijuana laws and the accelerated misdemeanor program, which states:

Defendants charged with nonviolent misdemeanors such as minor drug possession, retail theft and prostitution can have their cases heard in a police-district courtroom within 10 days of their arrest. If they agree to community service and pay a fine, the case will not go to trial and the arrest may be expunged.

Also credited with lowering the population is that police arrested 3 percent fewer adults in 2010 than in 2009, and the number of alleged probation/parole violators awaiting hearings dropped in 2010 because their average jail time was reduced.

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 21st, 2011 at 1:02 pm.