Inmate Crime and Victimization in a Southwestern Correctional Facility

• NCJ Number: 150744
• Journal: Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 22 Issue: 4 Dated: (1994) Pages: 367- 381
• Author(s): J D Wooldredge
• Date Published: 1994
• Length: 15 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Influences on an adult male inmate's likelihood of committing personal or property crimes and his likelihood of being victimized by these crimes were studied in a medium- security correctional facility located in the southwestern United States.

Abstract

Study data were collected in 1989 using anonymous, self-report questionnaires administered to 231 inmates. Inmates were asked several questions to determine if they were involved in personal or property crimes. Findings suggested that characteristics of offenders and victims differed in several respects. Mexican Americans were more likely to commit personal crimes than Anglo and African Americans. Younger inmates and those with fewer family ties were more likely to commit personal crimes. Inmates with sentences greater than 5 years, those who spent fewer hours each week in educational activities, and those who did not receive visitors at least monthly were also more likely to commit personal crimes. Inmates who did not receive visitors at least monthly were more likely to commit property crimes. Property crime was more likely to occur among inmates incarcerated for violent crimes, those with a history of prior incarceration, and those who spent more time watching television. Mexican Americans, younger inmates, and those with a history of personal crime and incarceration were more likely to be victimized by personal crimes. Inmates spending fewer hours each week in recreational activities, those with fewer close friends in the facility, those who did not receive monthly visitors, and those with more unfavorable attitudes toward the facility were more likely to be victimized by personal crimes. Regarding property victimization, Mexican Americans were more likely than Anglo and African Americans to be victimized. Inmates closer to the beginning of their sentences, married inmates, those with children, and those with more serious offense histories were more likely to be victimized by property crimes. Victimization is viewed as a cost of incarceration, and policy implications of the study findings are discussed. 40 references and 3 tables