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Source: ONE News -
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The number of prisoners is forecast to increase over the next eight years but more slowly than previously, Justice Minister Simon Power says.
Power says the latest criminal justice forecast was for 10,314 prisoners by June 30 2017, a 23% increase on June 30 last year.
The increase in the prison population over the preceding eight years was 40%.
The forecast is prepared by the Ministry of Justice, the Department of Corrections and police.
"This slower growth is due in part to improvements to criminal court processing times and procedures, which we expect will reduce the length of time accused spend waiting on remand in custody," Power says.
"However, the best way to reduce the prison population is by reducing crime and victimisation in the first place."
Power says the government was addressing the drivers of crime and was focused on improving services for those at risk of being the offenders or victims of the future.
