Closing prisons as crime fell
2013–2018
Verified 21 May 2026 · Data dated 21 May 2026
Fresh · 8d ago
Between 2013 and 2018 the Netherlands closed roughly 20 prisons as its prison population fell from ~14,000 to under 9,000. Drivers included falling crime, expanded electronic monitoring, and community-sentence alternatives.
Outcomes
Several closed facilities were converted to housing for asylum seekers or refugees. The Dutch experience is frequently cited as proof that significant decarceration is compatible with public safety.
Sources
Last verified 21 May 2026. This is editorial; we hand-curate this section. Spotted an error? Submit a correction.