3.2 State of Correctional Centres Much of this chapter of the report focuses on prison overcrowding, which is not spread evenly across regions, and the impact it has on conditions in prison and the treatment of offenders. Though South African prisons have been overcrowded since 1965, the rapid increase between 1996 and 2000 could be attributed to the increase in awaiting-trial detainees (ATDs). The report makes clear that while ATDs contributed to the overcrowding the impact of minimum sentencing for certain crimes and an increase in the number of "lifers" should not be underestimated. The large prison population impacts negatively on the roll out of care and development, as well as rehabilitation programmes, all of which are critical to reducing recidivism. Overcrowding does not only negatively impact on living conditions, but also on staff resulting in low morale, increased absenteeism and unacceptable work ethic.