NCJ Number
132065
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 55 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1991) Pages: 27-34
Date Published
1991
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article provides a historical overview of correctional statistics and how data are currently being collected and analyzed by the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS).
Abstract
Following an overview of the statutory mission of the BJS, the discussion traces the history of the collection of corrections statistics in the United States. Current BJS corrections statistical series are then described, and statistical trends in each corrections area over the 1980's are presented. The areas covered are probation, jails and locally operated correctional facilities, and parole. Information and data on a special corrections statistical series cover capital punishment and recidivism. A summary of data trends over the last decade concludes that generally time served in prison has not lengthened, prison does not exacerbate offenders' criminal propensities, the probability of a prison sentence has increased, and the criminal justice policies of the 1980's are reducing crime and enhancing public safety. Data also indicate that 95 percent of those confined in State prisons are either recidivists or violent offenders, suggesting the importance of both the gravity of the current offense and the extensiveness of an offender's criminal history as factors in the decision to incarcerate. 2 tables and 5 notes