A parole specialist believes we need more rehab programmes if we want to see fewer prisoners stuck in the system.

Justice Minister Andrew Little wants to take a closer look at bail reforms to try reduce our rapidly rising prison population.

That's in spite of crime rates dropping in most areas.

Lawyer and parole specialist Judith Fyfe told Mike Hosking there's little support for prisoners once they get out of jail - even on short sentences.

"There is nowhere for them to live, there's no work, no support and no mental health program for them."

LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH MIKE HOSKING ABOVE