Understanding the Population of People with Frequent Jail Contact

Efforts to reduce jail populations have seen success in the wake of policies such as deinstitutionalization and reforms addressing the “war on drugs” and broken-windows policing. However, over 10 million jail bookings still occur annually, with People of Color and individuals with behavioral health conditions disproportionately represented. Notably, individuals with frequent jail contact—often experiencing mental illness, substance use, and systemic inequities—can account for up to half of a jail’s daily census. Understanding the dynamics of this population is critical to addressing disparities and improving outcomes.

In partnership with three sites, researchers conducted a mixed-methods study to define and analyze the population of people with frequent jail contact. Guided by community-based participatory research principles, the research team collaborated with site partners to shape the study’s direction, emphasizing lived experience and practitioner insights. Using frameworks such as RE-AIM, CFIR, and the Sequential Intercept Model, they integrated quantitative and qualitative data from administrative records, interviews, and site visits to evaluate strategies, outcomes, and barriers. Understanding the Population of People With Frequent Jail Contact synthesizes these findings to inform policies that reduce jail contact and advance equity for marginalized populations.

Recommended Citation

Desmarais, S. L., Zottola, S. A., Hope, E. C., Morrissey, B., Massey, I., Callahan, L., Weber, A., & Van Dorn, R. A. (2023). Understanding the population of people with frequent jail contact. Policy Research Associates. https://www.prainc.com/resource-library/

First shared in 2023.