NCJ Number
75881
Journal
Criminology Volume: 18 Issue: 4 Dated: (February 1981) Pages: 549-555
Date Published
1981
Length
7 pages
Annotation
The offender characteristics of older prisoners were compared to those of younger prisoners in an investigation which took place at Utah State Prison.
Abstract
The records of 92 men at the prison over the age of 50 at the time of their incarceration and the records of 539 inmates under the age of 50 at the institution were compared. Psychological test scores, race and marital status, criminal history, and current offense data were examined and personal interviews were conducted. Older prisoners were more likely to commit violent crimes and less likely to commit property crimes than younger prisoners. Older inmates began criminal activity, but had more arrest and a larger number of incarcerations. Older inmates scored significantly lower on the bipolar psychological inventory than younger men in 9 of 15 areas. Older inmates were less depressed, less deviant, and less likely to experience psychic pain. Older men were less likely to be involved in drug use, but more likely to be involved in the distribution of controlled substances. Older inmates with multiple incarcerations were more similar to younger inmates than older first incarcerated inmates. Older inmates did not perceive themselves as having difficulty in adjusting to prison; they viewed younger inmates as hostile, aggressive, and rebellious. Older inmates also believed that they could change their behavior and avoid reincarceration. Eleven references are included.