The latest criminal justice forecast shows the number of prisoners will increase slower than in previous years, according to Justice Minister Simon Power.
The forecast, prepared by the Ministry of Justice, Department of Corrections and police, was for 10,314 prisoners by June 30, 2017 – a 23 percent increase on the same time last year.
It is understood the prison population has increased by 40 percent over the last eight years.
“This slower growth is due in part to improvements to criminal court processing times and procedures, which we expect will reduce the length of time accused spend waiting on remand in custody,” Mr Power said.
He added the best way to reduce the prison population is to reduce crime and victimisation in the first place.
The Government was addressing the drivers of crime, and Mr Power said it is focussed on improving services for those at risk of being offenders or victims in future.
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