SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) South Dakota corrections officials say the inmate population in the penal system has leveled off in recent years and that they think the trend will continue.

Laurie Feiler (FY'-ler), state corrections deputy secretary, says over the long term, officials think the women inmate population will grow at about 6 percent a year and the men about 2 percent.

Feiler said a general reduction in certain crimes is part of the reason.

The average daily count of male inmates in the corrections system peaked at 3,151 in May 2006. It fell to 2,985 in December 2006 and has held fairly steady since then.

The women inmate population rose to 382 in March 2006, dipped for a year and rose to a peak of 392 last January. The October count was 384.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 12-24-07 0811CST | save this article / add to your favorites list