BJS ReEntry

Highlights

(note: yearend 2002)

BJS ReEntry

At least 95% of all State prisoners will be

released from prison at some point;

nearly 80% will be released to parole supervision.

BJS ReEntry

In 2001, about 592,000 State prison inmates were released to the

community after serving time in prison.

This has grown to more than 700,000!!

BJS ReEntry

Nearly 33% of State prison releases in 1999 were drug offenders,

25% were violent offenders and

31% were property offenders.

BJS ReEntry

By the end of 2000, 16 States had abolished discretionary release from

prison by a parole board for all offenders.

A growing trend

BJS ReEntry

Contents

Some trends:

BJS ReEntry

Declining discretionary parole

(Mandatory parole + expiration of sent)

Growing trend

BJS ReEntry

Re-releases (following second or more prison

term) increased from small percentage of

parolees to almost half of parolees

Because of high recidivism rates

BJS ReEntry

Drug offenders have grown from a small

proportion of parolees to more than 1/3

Effect of the “war on drugs”

BJS ReEntry

The average age of parolees is growing and

the proportion over 40 is growing faster

Effect of high recidivism rates and less parole – serve longer sentences

Decrease in parole “success”

BJS ReEntry

Background characteristics of prisoners expected to be released

56% had one or more prior incarcerations and 25% had 3 or more prior incarcerations.

84% reported being involved in drugs or alcohol at the time of the offense which led to their incarceration.

Nearly 25% were determined to be alcohol dependent.

BJS ReEntry

21% had committed the offense to obtain money for drugs.

14% were determined to be mentally ill.

12% reported being homeless at the time of the arrest.

BJS ReEntry

The “re-entry crisis/disaster”

The more people we send to prison,

the more who get out later, and the

less successful the growing numbers

are at staying out of prison.