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Australian adult prisoner numbers climb to ten year high of 33,791
The number of prisoners in adult corrective services custody increased by 10% over the past 12 months to reach a ten year high of 33,791.
The national imprisonment rate also climbed to a ten year high of 185.6 prisoners per 100,000 adult population.
One in five male and female prisoners were in custody for a most serious offence of acts intended to cause injury
The most common offence for which male prisoners were in custody was acts intended to cause injury (21%), followed by sexual assault, unlawful entry with intent, and illicit drug offences (all 12%).
The most common offence for which female prisoners were in custody was acts intended to cause injury (20%), followed by illicit drug offences (17%) and offences against justice procedures, government security and operations (11%).
Prisoners, selected characteristics, 2004–2014
Year (at 30 June)
Sex
Indigenous status
Total(a)
Males
Females
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Non-Indigenous
Number
Imprisonment rate(b)
2004
22 499
1 672
5 048
19 123
24 171
158.8
2005
23 619
1 734
5 656
19 697
25 353
164.2
2006
23 963
1 827
6 091
19 699
25 790
165.1
2007
25 240
1 984
6 630
20 387
27 224
171.1
2008
25 658
1 957
6 706
20 661
27 615
169.8
2009
27 192
2 125
7 386
21 554
29 317
176.0
2010
27 472
2 228
7 584
21 827
29 700
175.0
2011
27 078
2 028
7 656
21 426
29 106
168.8
2012
27 182
2 199
7 981
21 266
29 381
167.4
2013
28 426
2 349
8 430
22 217
30 775
172.2
2014
31 200
2 591
9 264
24 453
33 791
185.6
(a) Includes persons for whom Indigenous status is unknown.
(b) Rate per 100,000 adult population.
Footnote(s): (a) For a definition of most serious offence/charge, see Explanatory Notes, paragraphs 78–80. (b) Offences against justice procedures, government security and operations.
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, 30 June 2014.GIF)
