NCJ Number
139313
Date Published
Unknown
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This study represents an exploratory attempt to acquire a better empirical understanding of reasons for crime and self-image as reported by a sample of incarcerated offenders in Nebraska.
Abstract
Data were obtained from two self-report studies of 1,103 convicted male offenders sentenced to the Nebraska Department of Corrections. Study variables included criminal involvement, reasons for first criminal involvement, reasons for current criminal participation, differences in frequency of offending, and self-image. Five offender types were distinguished: violent only, property only, drugs only, property and drugs, and violent and property or drugs. Preliminary observations indicated that excitement, friends, need for money, being high or drunk, and good opportunity were all important reasons for crime, either for first involvement or continued participation. Considerable interoffense variability was observed with regard to self- reported reasons for differential offending frequency. The most common self-identification of formally identified offenders was that of a "normal" person; a close second was self-identification as a drug or alcohol abuser. It appeared that offenders involved in both violent and nonviolent offenses were different from offenders who specialized in property offenses only, violent offenses only, or drug dealing only. 3 endnotes and 9 tables