U.S. Inmate Population Grows by 2.9% in 2003

June 7, 2004 U.S. Inmate Population Grows by 2.9% in 2003 America's inmate population grew by 2.9% last year, to almost 2.1 million people, with one of every 75 men living in prison or jail. According to new statistics from the Department of Justice, the U.S. prison population increased by 40,983 in 2003 – the largest increase in four years. The inmate population continued its rise despite a fall in the crime rate and many states' efforts to reduce some sentences, especially for low-level drug offenders. A report issued on May 27, 2004 . . .