NCJ Number
185634
Date Published
July 2000
Length
21 pages
Annotation
The New York State Department of Correctional Services (DOCS) maintains data files on inmate escapes, and this report profiles inmate escapees and circumstances surrounding inmate escape incidents for the 1995-1999 period.
Abstract
The data indicate 38 inmates escaped during the 5-year period; 33 escapes involved minimum security inmates or inmates assigned to supervised work assignments outside the facility perimeter. The remaining 5 inmates escaped from maximum or medium security prisons or while under the direct supervision of a correctional officer in a community setting. In 1999, 9 inmates escaped from custody, and these escapes were from minimum security settings. Of the 9 escapes in 1999, 3 were incarcerated for drug offenses. Over the 1995-1999 period, 11 percent of escapes occurred at maximum security prisons, 26 percent at medium security facilities, and 63 percent at minimum security facilities. Of all escapees between 1995 and 1999, 26 percent had been imprisoned for burglary. Escapees were younger compared to the total inmate population; 45 percent were under 25 years of age, while only 19 percent of the total inmate population were under 25 years of age. Of all escapees between 1995 and 1999, 34 percent had served less than 1 year in DOCS custody, and 37 percent had served 3 years or more. Of 1999 escapees, 22 percent had served less than 1 year in custody. Of all escapees between 1995 and 1999, 63 percent were caught within 12 hours and 87 percent were apprehended within 72 hours. In 1999, 8 of the 9 escapees were caught within 12 hours. Appendixes contain additional information on escapes by facility and on escape methods. 17 tables and 6 figures