Connecticut prison population at 23-year low

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, shown here in a 2015 visit to the Hartford Correctional Center, has led efforts to divert non-violent offenders from prison. The inmate population reached a 23-year low on Thursday. Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, shown here in a 2015 visit to the Hartford Correctional Center, has led efforts to divert non-violent offenders from prison. The inmate population reached a 23-year low on Thursday. Photo: John Woike / Hartford Courant Photo: John Woike / Hartford Courant Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Connecticut prison population at 23-year low 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

Connecticut’s prison population reached a 23-year low on Thursday, with a total of 13,871 inmates in the system, thanks in large part to an overall decrease in crime, youthful offenders in particular.

The record-high population level was 19,900 inmates in 2008.

“Fewer and fewer people are coming in the front door,” said Michael P. Lawlor, undersecretary for criminal justice policy and planning in the state Office of Policy and Management. “There are fewer people under 40, between 25 and 30, and under 21. A lot of that has to do with reforms of the last 10 years. Schools, police, and community organizations are doing a better job of reaching out to them when they act out.”

In 1996 there were more than 6,000 juveniles arrested, for all offenses. Last year there were 960. Also in 1996, there were 881 juveniles arrested for stealing motor vehicles. Last year there were 281, according to state crime statistics.

kdixon@ctpost.com Twitter: @KenDixonCT