NCJ Number
163150
Journal
Bulletin of the Criminological Research Department Dated: (1995) Pages: 4-6
Date Published
1995
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Data from drug offenders in Japan who abused stimulant drugs formed the basis of an analysis of the characteristics of these offenders and their correctional experiences.
Abstract
Participants were 240 male offenders and 82 female offenders whose first offense was violation of the Stimulant Drugs Control Law who had received suspended sentences with probation supervision. Results revealed that many of these offenders had prior criminal records, particularly drug law offenses. The main offense was drug use; few involved drug trafficking. The majority had peers who were drug abusers. Many started their stimulant drug use for curiosity. Problems observed at the start of probation included lack of awareness of norms, lack of awareness of the harms of drug abuse, and being around other drug abusers. Problems arising during probation included difficulties in maintaining contact with the probation officer, unemployment, and family strife. The main effort to address these problems involved supervision by interviewing. These efforts produced some positive effects. A total of 30.7 percent had good progress during probation, and 29.8 percent, particularly males under age 24, had poor progress. Just under 24 percent recidivated and experienced court trials within 2 years after the start of probation.