Prison numbers are down, yet questions remain as to why is violent crime is on the rise.

The prison population has dropped 24 percent since 2017,  but violent crime has increased by 21 percent and gang membership has risen 51 percent.

Much fewer offences are resulting in prison sentences, leaving offenders on the street rather than in prison.

National's spokesperson for Corrections, Simon O'Connor, joined Kate Hawkesby to discuss.

LISTEN ABOVE

• Prison riot: Chisels among weapons thrown during 24-hour protest
• Boot camps a ‘cliche’, says former National minister Chester Borrows