NCJ Number
120247
Date Published
1989
Length
20 pages
Annotation
Data on 972 felony offenders admitted to Texas prisons in November and December 1988 formed the basis of an analysis of the criminal histories and drug use of Texas inmates and trends that might affect the management of these offenders in prison.
Abstract
The sample was drawn randomly, and information was compared with admission data from a sample admitted in 1986. Findings showed that the number of drug law offenders admitted to prison has increased by 177 percent since 1984. More of the offenders recently admitted to prison for a drug violation are also admitted for a violation of probation, parole, or mandatory supervision. In addition, drug use is far more prevalent in the prison population than in the general population, and drug offenders are more likely than other offenders to report selling drugs and to perceive the need for drugs as a cause of their crime. Moreover, the longer sentences being given to drug offenders present the possibility of providing longer-term drug rehabilitation programs in prison to reduce recidivism. Furthermore, mandatory drug testing may encourage offenders to endure the rigors of drug treatment programs. Without such interventions, the overburdened correctional system will experience increasing burdens. Figures and 8 references.