Criminal lawyers say a dramatic boost in court resources is what's needed to cut down on the numbers of people being held in remand.
Ministry of Justice figures show 44 percent of people currently in prison are awaiting trial and that could soar even further to 48 percent in 2032.
Lawyers say wait times can be so long that some people end up serving their whole sentence in remand custody.
Documents reveal police are rolling out a $44 million plan to cut back on remand prisoners by improving their investigations, streamlining evidence disclosure and digitising processes.
Criminal Bar Association president Chris Wilkinson-Smith spoke to Charlotte Cook.
