People who have frequent contact with jails make up a minority of people in jails but are the majority of the bookings. A report from Policy Research Associates, Inc. using data from the Safety and Justice Challenge examined what drives this cycle in and out of jail. The report identifies some underlying needs that could be met to ultimately reduce jail incarceration. Many people with frequent jail contact have behavioral health needs and housing insecurity and are more likely to be people of color. A policy brief based on the report includes recommendations that aim to meet people’s needs, promote equity, and increase access to community services with coordinated systemic efforts.
