Overcrowded MA Jails

Congress holds a hearing next week on what's described as a prison boom: There are now more than 2.2 million people behind bars in this country.

In Massachusetts, the problem is in county jails. Over the past 17 years, that inmate population has doubled. But during that time, jail space hasn't grown much at all.

That's left many sheriffs scrambling, with some putting beds in gymnasiums and hallways.

WBUR's David Boeri recently visited the Worcester County Jail, which is under federal court order to reduce inmate numbers.

DAVID WILL DISCUSS OVERCROWDING IN MASSACHUSETTS JAILS ON RADIO BOSTON AT ONE O'CLOCK THIS AFTERNOON. HE'LL BE TAKING YOUR CALLS AND EMAILS, AND THERE'LL BE A LIVE WEB CHAT AT RADIOBOSTON.WBUR.ORG.