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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