NCJ Number
164536
Date Published
1996
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This chapter documents the increase in the number of women inmates, their characteristics, and factors in the imprisonment rate for women, followed by suggestions for reducing the female inmate population without compromising public safety.
Abstract
Women's share of the Nation's prison population, measured in either absolute or relative terms, has never been higher. Women were 4 percent of the Nation's imprisoned population shortly after the turn of the century. By 1970 the figure had decreased to 3 percent. By 1992, however, more than 5.7 percent of inmates were women. Women's imprisonment, rather than being fueled by a similarly dramatic increase in serious crimes committed by women, is a product of changes in law enforcement practices, judicial decisionmaking, and legislative mandatory sentencing guidelines. Most women inmates have been incarcerated for nonviolent petty drug or property crimes. Most female inmates are young, economically marginalized women of color; approximately half ran away from home as youths, about a quarter have attempted suicide, and a significant number have had serious drug problems. They have been victims of physical abuse and are handicapped by low educational achievement and few job skills. The removal of virtually all women from prison would not jeopardize public safety, and the money saved could be invested in community-based programs that offer a more likely possibility of preventing them from reoffending. By moving dollars from women's prisons to women's services, our society will not only help women but also their children. Such an investment will help to break the cycle of poverty, desperation, crime, and imprisonment. 8 notes and 23 references