Final answer:
Compared to the number of people in jail, the number of people on probation is higher. In 2018, while there were 2.3 million people incarcerated, there were a total of 6.4 million people under correctional supervision including those on probation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Comparison of Probation and Incarceration Numbers
When comparing the number of people on probation to the number of people in jail, the number of people on probation is significantly more. As of 2018, there were approximately 2.3 million people incarcerated in various corrections facilities across the United States. However, the total correctional population, which includes individuals on probation and parole, was much larger, amounting to 6.4 million people. Thus, the number on probation exceeds those incarcerated.
The U.S. criminal justice system has seen a dramatic increase in incarceration rates over the past century, often due to 'get tough on crime' policies. Yet, it is important to note that the number of individuals on probation is part of a wider strategy that includes monitoring and supervision by correctional officers or mental health professionals. Probation serves as an alternative to prison, aimed at reintegrating individuals into the community and reducing recidivism.
Understanding these figures is vital in contextualizing the scope of America's correctional system. With the highest incarceration rate in the world, the U.S. faces significant challenges in managing its correctional population. There has been a recent decline in the total number of individuals under correctional supervision, with the ratio of those under supervision shifting from 1 in 32 people in 2007 to 1 in every 40 people by 2018.