The problem is we think  that prison is going to reform offenders.  All to often the recidivism rate is very high.  I do not think that prisons are overcrowded.  I do not view the following as a problem ":....chronic overcrowding often means this: three inmates spending up to 16 hours a day together in a cell — 8 feet by 10 feet — with a double bunk, a toilet/sink combo and a small writing desk. The inmate bumped from the bunk gets a mattress, and sleeps on the cell’s floor."  I think we can add three more prisoners and make them spend 24 hours a day in their cells.    Prion should be a deterrent not a club med.