NSW Custody Statistics: Quarterly update December 2019

NSW Prison population approaching all time high 

Full report - NSW Custody Statistics: Quarterly update Dec 2019 (pdf 1.3mb)

- Link to Infographics (pdf 343Kb)

Embargo: 10:30am, Tuesday, 4 February 2020

New figures released today by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) show the NSW prison population rose by 3.6% or 470 people in 2019 to 13,635. The prison population in December was only slightly lower than the highest ever previous point – 13,651 people in May 2018.

The increase between December 2018 and December 2019 was largely due to a rise in the number of sentenced prisoners (up 4.9% or 417 people). The number of prisoners on remand awaiting court rose only slightly (up 1.2% or 53 people). 

By contrast, the number of young people in detention remains low by historic standards.    In December 2019 there were 275 young people in detention.  This is roughly similar to the previous year (259 in December 2018) but 40 fewer than in December 2013 (315 young people). 

Commenting on the findings, Jackie Fitzgerald, Acting Executive Director of the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) said the steady increase in the prison population over the past year is expected to continue. “Forecasts suggest that in the coming year the male prison population will increase again by more than 200”. 

Further enquiries: Jackie Fitzgerald 02 8346 1100
Copies of the report: www.bocsar.nsw.gov.au