Prisoners in 2006, 12/07. Reports the number of persons in State and Federal prisons at yearend, compares the increase in the prison population during 2006 with that of the previous year, and gives the prison growth rates since 2000. NCJ 219416

How to count inmates historically has not been a big issue. But the fast-expanding prison population -- now about 1.5 million -- is prompting a debate because government spending and electoral district boundaries are in part decided by population.

http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/prisons.htm

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/29/AR2006012900775.html