NCJ Number
124734
Date Published
1989
Length
40 pages
Annotation
The Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center conducted a study of offenders released on parole during 1984 and 1985 to analyze parolee characteristics, prior criminal history, and postrelease criminal activity.
Abstract
The study sample included 366 offenders released on parole during the 2-year period. Findings revealed that 94 percent were male, and about half were under 26 years of age at the time of admission to their current incarceration. About 37 percent were convicted of the property crimes of burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft. Robbery and drug charges accounted for 30 percent of the convictions. Most parolees received 5-10 year prison terms, and about one-third were required to serve more than half their maximum term before becoming eligible for parole. Prior to their current incarceration, the majority of parolees had at least one felony arrest. About 57 percent of the parolees were arrested at least once while a juvenile. Slightly more than half were 30 years or younger when released from prison. The most frequently recorded offenses on rearrest were theft, drug involvement, driving under the influence, and robbery. Of the 366 parolees, 117 violated parole conditions and were summoned for a parole hearing. Parolees incarcerated for violent crimes were less likely to be rearrested than parolees incarcerated for other crimes. All socioeconomic variables except physical health were significantly related to recidivism. Drinking and drug problems increased the likelihood of recidivism. 12 notes, 38 tables.