Inmates between the ages of 21-25 years dominated the prison population in 2020-2021, states the Fiji Corrections Service annual report for that period that was tabled in Parliament last week.
There were 437 inmates between the age of 21-25 in prison in 2019-2020 while 407 were between the age of 26-30.
The report stated there were 385 inmates in 2019-2020.
“Young inmates between the ages of 16-25 years are classified as star class and are accommodated at the Nasinu Correction Centre,” the report said.
“Others are categorised as ordinary class while all female inmates are categorised as women inmates.
“The existence of the Central Allocation Board, allowed in-depth profiling of inmates’ personal and family backgrounds, risk analysis and personal welfare needs. This has become the platform for the effective allocation of inmates to various correction institutions within FCS.
“The age category from 21-35 years continued to dominate the prison population in 2019-2020. This is a vulnerable youth group, who could easily be enticed back into criminality after been discharged if they are not rendered with the right community intervention programs, general support from family members, key stakeholders and the public at large.”
