At midyear 2007, 2,163 inmates were confined in Indian Country, up from 1,745 inmates (24 percent) at midyear 2004.

At midyear 2007, 2,163 inmates were confined in Indian Country, up from 1,745 inmates (24 percent) at midyear 2004, reported the Bureau of Justice Statistics in Jails in Indian Country, 2007, by Todd D. Minton. The count was based on data from 83 facilities, including jails, confinement facilities, detention centers, in Indian Country at midyear, up from 68 facilities at midyear 2004. During the three-year period, seven facilities closed, 21 facilities were newly constructed, and one facility that was closed in 2004 reopened and was included in the survey. Data were estimated for four facilities that did not respond.

The report also found that the number of American Indians and Alaska Natives confined outside of Indian Country was four times greater than the number held in Indian Country jails at midyear 2007. After a decline in the Indian Country jail population between 2000 and 2003, the number of inmates in Indian Country jails has generally increased. Other findings include:

* Bed space for inmates grew faster than the confined population in Indian Country;

* The number of American Indians and Alaska Natives under correctional supervision, including probation and parole, reached 71,274 at midyear 2007, up from 68,177 at midyear 2004;

* Eighteen jails were operating at more than 50 percent over capacity on their most crowded day in June 2007; and

* Average length of stay was 4.5 days for Indian Country jail inmates in June 2007.

The report also discusses health care in Indian country jails, as well as education, employment, treatment and counseling, and life skills and religious/spiritual counseling programs. To read the report, including the list of surveyed facilities, visit the BJS Web site at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/pub/pdf/jic07.pdf.