NCJ Number
93486
Date Published
1984
Length
24 pages
Annotation
To facilitate a more accurate forecasting of Washington State inmate populations, this report presents a comparison of the difference between the estimated and actual release dates for inmates released during fiscal 1982.
Abstract
The files on inmates released during fiscal 1982 were examined to determine how many were released early, late, or on time and the reasons given for an early or late release. The reasons were then analyzed to determine if each was uniquely associated with a specific range of time difference between the earliest possible release date (EPRD) (estimated release date) and actual release dates. Next, the reasons were analyzed to see if there was a relationship between the type of crime committed and the reasons for release. Finally, the time differences between EPRD's and actual release dates were analyzed for the different crime types to determine whether certain categories of inmates were released earlier or later than others. Results indicated a strong relationship between reasons for release and the amount of time for early of late release, ranging from an average of 20 months early for mandatory releases to 12 months late for escape time. It was discovered that 43 percent of violent offenders and only 21 percent of nonviolent offenders earned reasons falling under the broad heading of meritorious behavior. Conversely, only 18 percent of violent offenders had infractions listed on their files, while 33 percent of nonviolent offenders were listed with infractions. Violent offenders who were released early were released an average 16 months before their EPRD's. Property offenders released late were released an average 8 months after their EPRD's. The remainder of cases either had no reasons listed on their files or had no data available. Tabular and graphic data are provided.