Oklahoma's prison population continues to grow

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Oklahoma's inmate population grew 1.3% from 2001 to 2002. <br><br>Department of Justice statistics show 23,139 people were behind bars in Oklahoma during 2001. In 2002, 23,435

Monday, April 7th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Oklahoma's inmate population grew 1.3% from 2001 to 2002.

Department of Justice statistics show 23,139 people were behind bars in Oklahoma during 2001. In 2002, 23,435 people were imprisoned.

The number of people in US prisons and jails last year topped 2-million for the first time.

Officials say tougher policies that give drug offenders and other criminals longer sentences are to blame.

California, Texas, Florida and New York have the four biggest state prison systems. They are also the most populous states.