NCJ Number
82174
Date Published
1981
Length
54 pages
Annotation
Data are provided on the characteristics, backgrounds, and needs of Native inmates in Ontario (Canada).
Abstract
The sample of Native inmates was composed of 66 females and 447 males, with 272 of the sample having lived on a reserve. Most of the males had been convicted of property offenses, while the women were most often charged for liquor offenses, property offenses, or public order offenses. Less than half of the subjects had a lawyer at their first court appearance. The men were usually single with no dependents. For the men, unemployment preceding their incarceration was about three times the national average, and for the women, eight times the national average. Most of the sample were under the influence of alcohol or drugs when they committed their offenses. In spite of this, almost two-thirds of the sample had never participated in an alcohol treatment program. Most of the sample were seriously isolated from their families and the native community. Over 75 percent of the sample preferred to do community service or make restitution rather than be imprisoned. Alcohol abuse, unemployment, and poor living conditions were mentioned as the major causes of crime among Natives, and desires were expressed for alcohol treatment programs, employment opportunities, and improved recreational and cultural activities on reserves. Within 1 year after the interviews, 63 percent of the sample had received a further 2,088 convictions, with the majority of the convictions resulting in incarcerations. Tabular data are appended.