Ohio prisons facing population spike

COLUMBUS (AP) — The head of Ohio’s prison system says the inmate population is spiking far beyond estimates, and that widespread changes are needed to reduce the numbers.

Gary Mohr, director of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, says the already high inmate population of 50,000 could soar to 52,000 in two years, and top 53,000 in six years.

Mohr said at a state Correctional Institution Inspection Committee forum today that the increases are not acceptable. He said reducing the numbers will take cooperation from lawmakers and the court system.

Mohr says a 2011 law enacting several changes meant to reduce the inmate population didn’t go far enough. He tells The Associated Press more needs to be done to standardize county probation systems across Ohio.