NCJ Number
143775
Journal
Wisconsin Policy Research Institute Report Volume: 5 Issue: 3 Dated: (June 1992) Pages: complete issue
Date Published
1992
Length
41 pages
Annotation
This research study investigated who is released from prison to parole in Wisconsin, who violates parole and returns to prison, and what crime types are committed by parolees.
Abstract
Data were obtained on individuals arrested, convicted, sentenced, and incarcerated in local Wisconsin jails, Federal prison, and other States and on individuals arrested, convicted, and sentenced to probation or otherwise not reincarcerated. Results demonstrated that inmates released from Wisconsin prisons reinvolved themselves in criminal activity on a scale similar to prisoners released nationally; 36 percent of released inmates were reincarcerated within 3 years of release in Wisconsin, compared to a national figure of 41.4 percent. After 6 years, more than 40 percent of released inmates were reincarcerated in Wisconsin prisons. A review of the individual records of parole violators returned to Wisconsin prisons in 1991 revealed that parole violators met virtually all criteria associated with serious career criminals. They had been arrested repeatedly for involvement in serious crime and were part of an apparent revolving door syndrome. The purpose and history of parole in Wisconsin are examined, as well as recent trends, and data on typical offenders imprisoned in 1991 for parole violations are tabulated. Recommendations to reduce serious crime in Wisconsin are offered that focus on keeping a larger percentage of offenders in prison, tougher supervision for those on probation and parole, and parole system reform. Tables and charts