Swiss Study: Geneva & Vaud Lead in Incarceration Rates

Punitive Criminal Culture Blamed for Overcrowded Prisons

A recent study reveals that the cantons of **Geneva** and **Vaud** incarcerate more people than any other region in **Switzerland**, prompting researchers to point to a severe criminal justice approach as the primary factor behind overcrowded prisons.

Key Findings on Prison Overcrowding

The research, conducted by the University of **Geneva**, suggests that the high incarceration rates in **Geneva** and **Vaud** are not due to a shortage of prison facilities. The Roman laboratory on prison decreases examined the underlying causes of prison overcrowding.

Contrary to the assumption that more crime leads to more prisoners, the study found no significant difference in crime rates between these cantons and the rest of **Switzerland**. In fact, burglaries and drug offenses have decreased in the past fifteen years.

Punitive Culture Drives High Incarceration

Despite being subject to the same criminal laws as other cantons, **Geneva** and **Vaud** exhibit a more punitive culture in their interpretation and application of the law, the study indicates. Recent data shows that **Switzerland**’s incarceration rate is 73 per 100,000 people, while the United States has 314 per 100,000 (World Prison Brief 2023).

Recommendations for Reform

To address the issue, the Roman laboratory on prison decreases suggests reducing the use of detention, enhancing alternatives to imprisonment, and restricting the conversion of fines into custodial sentences.

Sufficient Prison Capacity

The availability of prison spaces per capita in **Vaud** and **Geneva** is either adequate or significantly higher compared to other parts of **Switzerland**. **Geneva**, for instance, provides 141 places per 100,000 residents, exceeding the national average by 60.