NCJ Number
213607
Date Published
August 2004
Length
43 pages
Annotation
This analysis of the process of prisoner reentry in Idaho examines trends in incarceration and prisoner releases, the characteristics of released prisoners, and the geographic distribution of prisoners after their release, focusing on data for 2003.
Abstract
The per capita rate of imprisonment in Idaho increased from 87 to 430 per 100,000 residents between 1980 and 2000, nearly a 400-percent increase. Reflecting this admissions increase, 3,194 prisoners were released from Idaho prisons in fiscal year 2003, a 78-percent increase from fiscal year 1996 (n=1,790). In 2003 the majority of released prisoners were male (83 percent) and White (79 percent). Their average age at release was 33 years. One-third had been imprisoned for drug offenses, 21 percent for violent offenses, and 46 percent for nonviolent and nondrug offenses. The average time served was 1.7 years. One-fifth (21 percent) were incarcerated for parole violations. Nearly half of the released prisoners lacked a high school diploma or GED when entering prison. Eighty-three percent needed substance-use treatment; however, only 11 percent of released prisoners participated in a relapse prevention program during their most recent incarceration. Approximately 9 percent of the released prisoners had hepatitis, 0.4 percent were HIV positive, and approximately 13 percent received psychotropic medication at some point in their most recent incarceration. In the 2002 calendar year, 373 juveniles were released from custody; 85 percent were male, and 95 percent were White. Most released in 2002 were between the ages of 15 and 18. Approximately half had substance-use problems. In fiscal year 2003, 83 percent of all released prisoners had a mandatory period of community supervision. Twenty-seven percent of the adults under supervision were in Ada County, followed by Canyon County (13 percent). Released juveniles were concentrated in Clark, Power, and Bear Lake Counties. 25 figures