The vast majority of those are second strikers, 31,559(89.1% of all the second- and third- strike inmates), who face double-the-base sentence for the conviction because of a prior violent/serious felony. Only a small fraction of those in prison, 3,852 (2.7%) are facing 25 years to life for a third strike conviction. While some studies and organizations continue to argue that to place a person in prison for 25 years- to- life because of a non-violent or non-serious third strike conviction is too harsh a punishment, it clearly benefits the public safety to incarcerate repeat felons for any felony before waiting for them to recommit a serious or violent act.³⁴

California’s prisons are moving toward maximum capacity. According to the Legislative Analyst’s Office, the maximum capacity without expanding the current correctional system is 170,731 inmates.”³⁵ As the state continues to lock up habitual violent and/or serious felons under the “Three Strikes” law, one cost of “Three Strikes” becomes evident. Either the inmate population will soon consist primarily of second and third strike inmates, or the state must look into building more prisons.

Parolees

During the “Three Strikes” era, the number of parolees has increased by more than 19,000 or 21%. The growth of the parolee population, however, has slowed down since the passage of “Three Strikes”. The parolee population for the three years prior to “Three Strikes” grew by more than 21,000 parolees or 31%.

³⁴Characteristics of Population in California State Prisons By Institution: California Department of Corrections, Estimates and Statistical Analysis Unit; January 1998.

³⁵ Three Strikes and You’re Out Law: an Update; Legislative Analyst’s Office; October 14, 1997.

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