The number of people imprisoned tends to increase during the following periods:
1. When crime goes up: An increase in crime rates often leads to more people being arrested and subsequently imprisoned. This is due to law enforcement agencies responding to higher levels of criminal activity.
2. In good economic times: Surprisingly, during periods of economic prosperity, there can be a rise in the number of people imprisoned. This can be attributed to various factors such as increased law enforcement funding, stricter enforcement of laws, or changes in societal behavior.
Therefore, the number of people imprisoned tends to increase during times of rising crime rates and even during periods of economic stability. These trends highlight the complex relationship between crime rates, societal conditions, and the criminal justice system.