In 2014, 13,408 people were sent to our prisons, compared to 13,055 in 2013. 

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The recidivism (repeat offending) rate for people coming out of prison is extremely high. 

In a study on recidivism, O’Donnell et al found that nearly 1 in 4 individuals released from prison will have re-offended and be back in prison before the end of the year. The same study found that 1 in 2 prisoners released will be back in custody within 4 years.

There has been an increase in short sentences in recent years. In 2014, the number of prison sentences of less than 3 months increased by 8% compared to 2013.

Study the graph: The difference between the two lines (persons committed: blue, number of committals: red) highlights the repeat offending and short sentencing that occurs.