NCJ Number
138295
Date Published
1991
Length
22 pages
Annotation
Data are presented on the changing nature of Florida's prison population over the March 1989 to March 1991 period.
Abstract
Florida's prison population increased by 8,533 inmates and prison capacity by 9,185 beds during the March 1989 to March 1991 period. On average, the prison population increased by 356 inmates per month. The female prison population increased steadily from March 1989 to September 1990 (2,161 to 2,827) and then declined to 2,584 in March 1991. Black inmates showed a steady increase from 54.5 percent in March 1989 to 57.6 percent in March 1991. The Hispanic inmate population increased at a slower rate than the non-Hispanic population (+18.2 percent and 25 percent, respectively). The 36 to 55 age group experienced a 34.9 percent increase over the 2 years. Inmates designated as youthful offenders by the courts decreased significantly. The percentage of violent offender inmates decreased from 49.0 percent to 44.5 percent from March 1989 to October 1990, but then increased to 45.8 percent for March 1991. Second-degree felons increased the most (+3,462) over the past 2 years. Inmates with prior Florida prison commitments increased dramatically. 17 tables