NCJ Number
112563
Date Published
1986
Length
4 pages
Annotation
A survey of all offenders incarcerated in Kentucky under the Persistent Felony Offender (PFO) classification during spring 1985 concluded that application of the 1974 PFO statutes is successful in terms of incarcerating repeat offenders and that these career criminals are serving longer sentences.
Abstract
The report explains the two PFO classifications established by law and highlights findings of a full study completed in 1985. In summary, 59 percent of the PFO inmates were white, 97 percent males, and 56 percent between 25 and 34 years old. Most were arrested and convicted of their first felony at an early age. PFOs comprised 25 percent of Kentucky's incarcerated population. One-half had a high school education or GED equivalent, as well as some problem with alcohol or other drug abuse. Over 75 percent had no history of institutional violence in the last 5 years. The overall average sentence was 16.8 years. The length of criminal career for the overall group was 10 years, and all had at least 3 convictions. The report also discusses county of convictions and types of crimes committed by PFOs. Tables.