NCJ Number
127231
Date Published
1990
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This report presents statistics on adults confined in local Wisconsin correctional facilities during selected years over the last 30 years.
Abstract
The report examines trends in adult jail admissions, average daily population, length of stay, rates of detention, and jail capacities. Data are also provided on other details and circumstances of confinement, such as the sex and race of prisoners and the number of pretrial versus sentenced prisoners; these data, however, are more often estimates based on samples. The data have been compiled from a number of sources of aggregated statistics, including a statewide jail information system that existed in the late 1970's, jail surveys by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, and a survey conducted by the State Statistical Analysis Center during the spring and summer of 1990. Data indicate that over the past 30 years, Wisconsin county jails have experienced large increases in the number of adult inmates. In the past decade, the total number of adult jail admissions increased by 69 percent, and the average daily population increased by 167.3 percent. Some reasons for this increase are changes in State laws that have resulted in mandatory jail terms for second and third convictions for drunk driving and for driving with a revoked license. Changes in the drinking age and mandatory domestic violence arrest legislation have also increased the number of jail admissions. The number of State prisoners in county jails has also increased as a result of more parole revocations and delays in transport to State prisons. 5 tables