NCJ Number
177382
Date Published
1997
Length
19 pages
Annotation
Statistics on inmates in custody of the New York State Department of Correctional Services on December 31, 1997, who were identified as substance abusers, reflect self-reported drug use during the 6-month period prior to incarceration and scores of 9 or higher on the Michigan Alcohol Screening Test (MAST).
Abstract
About 45,000 inmates or 65 percent of the total inmate population of 69,108 in December 1997 were identified as substance abusers; 42,389 or 65 percent of 65,536 male inmates were substance abusers and 2,614 or 73 percent of 3,572 females were substance abusers. These figures were considered conservative estimates because the population base number included 18,279 inmates who reported no substance abuse and had MAST scores under 9 and 5,826 inmates for whom data on substance abuse were missing. While the majority of inmates were classified as substance abusers, both the number and the percent of male inmates with identified substance abuse problems declined between 1996 and 1997 from 74 to 71 percent. The most commonly used drug was crack cocaine, followed by marijuana. With respect to crime of commitment, 67 percent of female substance abusers were committed for drug offenses and only 37 percent of males were committed for drug offenses. The majority of substance abusers had prior felony convictions, were from the New York City region, were black or Hispanic, and had an average age of 33.7 years. Tables present data on drug and alcohol abuse, type of drug abuse, crime of commitment, region of commitment, minimum sentence, maximum sentence, second felony status, current age, educational level, and ethnic status. The decrease in the percentage of male substance abusers between 1996 and 1997 is discussed. 14 tables