NCJ Number
119111
Date Published
1988
Length
7 pages
Annotation
The Aboriginal people in Western Australia have a much higher rate of imprisonment than do non-Aboriginals, and the major variations in the lifestyles and backgrounds of Aboriginal prisoners makes it difficult to identify suitable alternatives to incarceration.
Abstract
During fiscal year 1986-87, 41 percent of the offenders entering Western Australian prisons were of Aboriginal descent, although less than 3 percent of the general population is Aboriginal. The majority of Aboriginals were incarcerated for minor offenses, with sentence lengths usually under 3 months. Recidivism is about 80 percent for Aboriginal males, compared to 48 percent for non-Aboriginal males. Aboriginal people are highly tribal and mobile. They value cooperation rather than competition and focus on the present moment rather than on planning for the future. Strong differences exist among Aboriginals from the Kimberley region, the Northwest Pilbara and Western Desert region, and the Southwest Aboriginals. Correctional programs currently focusing on the needs of Aboriginals include a diversion program in the Kimberleys, driver training programs for traffic offenders, pre-release and post-release programs, alcohol education, and employment of Aboriginal staff in corrections. No one effort is likely to solve the problem of Aboriginal imprisonment, but even small reductions in imprisonment and recidivism will strongly affect future numbers of inmates.