U.S. Department of Justice
Bureau of Justice Statistics

Historical Corrections
Statistics in the
United States,
1850-1984

U.S. Department of Justice 

Bureau of Justice Statistics 


Historical Corrections
Statistics in the
United States,
1850- 1984

BY
Margaret Werner Cahalan
with the assistance of
Lee Anne Parsons

Westat, In c.
Rockville, Md.

NCJ - 102529 

December 1986 


U.S. Department of Justice
Bureau of Justice Statistics
Steven R. Schlesinger
Director
Joseph M. Bessette
Deputy Director
Benjamin H. Renshaw
Deputy Director
Report of work performed by Westat, Inc.
This report was supported by grant number 84-BJ-CX-005,
awarded to Westat, Inc., Rockville, Md., by the Bureau of
Justice Statistics under the Omnibus Control and Safe Streets
Act of 2968, as amended.
Points of view or opinions stated in this document are those
of the author and do not necessarily represent the official
position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.
BJS authorizes any person to reproduce, publish, translate, or
otherwise use all or any part of the copyrighted material in
this publication, with the exception of those items indicating
that they are copyrighted or reprinted by permission of any
source other than Westat, Inc.

Copyright " 1986 by Margaret Cahalan and Lee Parsons
Ths report. or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form
without permission or the authors. Copyrighted material used
in this report is done so by permission. Further reproduction
is prohibited without the permission of the copyright holder.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This report was prepared under Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) Data Analysis Program, Grant
Number 84-BJ-CX-0005. I would especially like to thank David Hinners of BJS who served as
Project Monitor and provided valuable suggestions, access to unpublished data, helpful review
of the work, and firm patience and encouragement. I would also like to thank Patrick Langan,
and Lawrence Greenfeld of BJS for overall review and additional information on available
reports. Barbara Allen-Hagen of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
(OJJDP) and Melissa Sickman of BJS carefully reviewed and provided suggestions for
clarification and improvement of the chapter on juvenile facilities.
Lee Parsons had the major responsibility for table preparation. Jody Klein and Scotty Fallah
also worked on preparation of the tables. The tables were typed by Donna Williams, Debby
McMurray, Eleanor Austin, and Rebecca Downes. Heather Banks and Judy Padilla provided
much needed editing of the manuscript and tables.

I was fortunate to have the support of Westat Vice Presidents Lance Hodes and Dave Bayless,
both of whom provided extra encouragement and corporate resources for project completion.
I would like to express sincere appreciation for the assistance pro\ided by all these people in the
preparation of this report.
I would also like to thank the American Correctional Association for permission to include their
tables on military prisons; Northeastern University Press for permission to include information
on capital punishment from the work Lena1 Homicide by Bowers, Pierce, and McDevitt; and
Donne11 Pappenfort, Tom Young, and Chris Marlow for permission to use information from the
University of Chicago School of Social Services Administration's National Survey of Residential
Group Care Facilities. Tables included from these sources are printed by permission and are
not to be printed elsewhere without permission of the authors or publishers.

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

I. INTRODUCTION

The Census Bureau, 1
Institutional Population Series, 1
Early Census Institutional Population
Reports (1 850- 1890), 1
Census
Institutional
Population
Reports of 1904- 1933 (Separate
Reports), 2
Census
Institutional
Population
Reports of 1940- 1980 (Combined
Reports), 3
Prisoners in State and Federal
Prisons and Reformatories Series:
1926-1946, 4
Judicial Criminal Statistics, 4
Health, Education, and Welfare, 5
The Office of Education, 5
The U.S. Children's Bureau, 5
The Justice Department, 5
The Federal Bureau of Prisons, 5
Annual Report of the Attorney
General of
the
United
States, 6
Report of the Work of the
Federal Bureau of Prisons, 6
Bureau of Prisons Statistical
Report, 6
Prisoners in State and Federal
Prisons and Reformatories, 6
The Law Enforcement Assistance
Administration (LEAA)/National
Criminal Justice Information and
Statistics Service (NCJISS), 7
National Prisoner Statistics, 7
The Jail Reports, 7
Children in Custody, 7
Parole and Probation Statistics, 7
The Bureau of Justice Statistics, 8
Structure of the Report, 8
11. CAPITAL PUNISHMENT STATISTICS

Executions, 9
The Legal Status of the Death
Penalty, 12
Regional Comparisons, 12
Number Received Under Sentence of
Death, 17
Removals fro,m the Sentence of
Death, 17
Executions by the Military, by the
Federal
Government,
and
of
Women, 22

111. 	 STATE AND FEDERAL
STATISTICS

PRISON

Summary of Statistics, 27
Persons Present and Received in
State and Federal Prisons and
Reformatories, 27
Numbers Received, 31
Sentences, 31
Offense Distribution of State and
Federal Prisoners, 44
Type of Release, 49
Time Served Before Release, 49
Prior Commitments and Recidivism, 5 3
Demographic and Other Characteristics of State and Federal
Prisoners, 64
Facilities and Staff, 6 4
IV. JAIL STATISTICS

Overview of Reports Available, 73
Census Bureau Reports, 7 3
The Law Enforcement Assistance
Administration and Bureau of
Justice Statistics Reports, 74
Summary of National Jail Statistics, 74
Number of Persons Present in Jails:
1880-1983, 7 4
The Relative Use of Jails and the
Adjudication Status of Those
Present, 75
Jail Commitments and Admissions, 7 5
Type and Length of Sentence, 8 3
Offense
Distribution
of
Jail
Inmates, 8 3
Data on Release (Type of Release
and Time Served), 8 8
Characteristics of Jail Prisoners, 88
Prior Commitments, 9 2
The Number of Jails, 92
Characteristics of Jails and Jail
Inmates as Reported in the
Surveys of the 1970's and
1980's, 9 5
V. 	 STATISTICS OF INSTITUTIONS FOR
JUVENILE DELINQUENTS

Overview of Available Data, 101
Barnard
and
the
Bureau
Education Reports, 101

of

TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)
The Census Bureau Reports, 102 

The U.S. Children's Bureau, 103 

The Children in Custody Re-

ports, 103 

The National Survey of Residential 

Group Care Facilities, 103 

Summary of National Statistics on 

Juvenile Correctional Facilities, 103 

The Number and Rate per 100,000 

Present, 103 

Comparison of Early Series, 107 

Comparison of Recent Studies, 107 

A
Note on the Number
of 

Facilities, 112 

Location of Juveniles in Correctional 

Facilities, 112 

Commitments to Juvenile Facil-

ities, 117 

Type and Length of Sentence, 117 

Offense Information, 120 

Length of Stay and Type of 

Release, 120 

Additional Characteristics of the 

Youth Present and of the 

Facilities, 128 

VI. FEDERAL PRISON STATISTICS
Justice Department Statistics on Federal 

Prisoners, 143 

Persons Present and Received Under 

Federal Jurisdiction, 144 

Federal Prisoners in Jails, 144 

Offense Distribution, 151 

Sentence and Length of Time 

Served, 160 

Type of Release, 160 

Recidivism, 160 

Demographic Characteristics, 167 

VII. 	 PAROLE AND PROBATION
STATISTICS
The Legislative Spread of Parole and 

Probation, 169 

Use of Parole as a Method of 

Release, 172 

The Use of Probation, 172 

The Numbers Present on Probation and 

Parole, 172 

Organization and Caseload Size, 177 

Length of Parole, 177 

Parole Outcome, 177 


VIII. 	 COMBINED INFORhlATION ON
INCARCERATION
Those Present on the Day of the 

Survey, 191 

The Possibility of Undercounts in the 

1923 Census, 191 

Military Prisoners, 199 

Relative Use, 199 

Offense Distribution, 199 

Characteristics, 202 

APPENDIX A. A SUMMARY OF
INSTITUTIONALIZATION RATES AS
REPORTEDBYTHECENSUS
BUREAU
Data Sources, 207 

1850- 1950, 207 

1904 to 1933, 209 

1940 to 1980, 209 

APPENDIX B . PERSONS EXECUTED
UNDER STATE AUTHORITY BY
STATE BY DECADE
APPENDIX C. MILITARY PRISON
TABLES
APPENDIX D. SOURCES
Government Sources of Corrections 

Statistics, 135 

Non-Government Sources Used, 244 

APPENDIX E.
SOME THOUGHTS
ABOUT CURRENT STATISTICS

TABLE O F CONTENTS (continued)

List of Tables
Executions per Decade Under Civil
Authority and Illegal Lynchings:
1890- 1984, 10
Illegal Lynchings by Race and
Offense by Decade: 1880-1962, 11
Abolition of the Death Penalty by
Jurisdiction in the United States by
the Time of Furman Decision, 13
Regional Comparison of Total Persons Executed Under State Authority
by Decade: 1890-1983, 14
Regional Comparison of Nonwhite
Persons Executed
Under
State
Authority by Decade: 1890-1984, 15
Illegal Lynchings by State and Race:
1882- 1962, 16

Earliest Census Data
1850- 1870, 28

on Prisons:

Persons Present in State and Federal
Prisons on the Day of Survey,
Census Data: 1880-1980, 29
Persons Present per 100,000 U.S.
Population in State and Federal
Prisons and Reformatories by Region
1880and State, Census Data:
1980, 30
Number of Persons Present and Rate
per 100,000 U.S. Population in State
and Federal Prisons and Reformatories by State and Region, Justice
Data: 1950-1984, 3 2

Number of Persons Received Under
Sentence of Death: 1904-1984, 18

Comparison Census and Justice Figures for Number Reported Present
in State and Federal Correctional
1950Facilities, Available Years:
1984, 33

Number Present Under Sentence of
Death on Day of the Survey by Sex,
Race, Offense, Age, and Elapsed
Time for Years in Which Data Are
Available: 1880- 1984, 19

Rate per 100,000 Population and
Rate per 100,000 Aged 20-44 Present in State and Federal Prisons and
1880Reformatories by Decade:
1983, Summary Table, 34

Offenses of Those Received Under
Sentence of Death: 1961-1981, 20

Number and Rate per 100,000
Population of Sentenced Prisoners in
State and Federal Institutions: 19251982, 35

Persons Removed from Sentence of
Death Other Than by Execution:
1960-1984, 21
1930-

Number and Rate per 100,000 of
State and Federal Prisoners Received
from Court: 1904-1983, 36

Federal Executions in the United
States, by Year, Offense, Race, and
State: 1930- 1963, 24

Number of Prisoners Received from
Court in State and Federal Prisons
and Reformatories by State by
Decade: 1904- 1980, 37

Executions
1983, 23

by

Military:

Women
Executed
Under
Civil
Authority in the United States, by
Year, Offense, Race, and State:
1930- 1962, 25

TABLE O F CONTENTS (continued) 

List of Tables (continued) 


Rate per 100,000 Population of
Prisoners Received from Court in
State and Federal Prisons and
Reformatories by State by Decade:
1904- 1980, 38

3-20

Percentage Distribution of Offenses
Reported for Persons Present in State
Prisons: 1960, 1974, and 1979, 48

3-21

Type of Release of Prisoners in State
and Federal Prisons and Reformatories: 1923- 1982, 50

3-22

Average Duration of Stay on Day of
Survey by Place of Incarceration as
Reported by Census: 1880, 51

3-23

Comparison Average Time Served
With Median Time Served in
Months, Selected Years:
19231960. 52

Percentage Having Sentence of 1
Year or Longer by Place Found:
1880. 39
Average Sentence in Years for Total
in Prison and Jails by Sex, Region,
Race,
Nativity,
and
Offense:
1890, 39
Percentage
Which
Commitments
Under Indeterminate Sentence Were
of Total Commitments: 1923 and
1910, 41
Use of Definite vs. Indeterminate
Sentences by Sex for State and Federal Prisoners Received:
19261960, 41
h4edian Sentence in Months by
Offense and Sentence Type of
Prisoners Received for Selected
Years: 1923-1960. 42
Median Sentence in Months by
Offense for Selected Years, Prisoners
Received: 1923- 198 1. 43
Percentage Distribution of Offenses
of Prisoners Received During Given
Year in State and Federal Prisons
and Reformatories: 19 10- 198 1, 45
Percentage Distribution of Offenses
Reported for Prisoners Received in
State Prisons and Reformatories
During Selected Years:
19231981, 46
Percentage Distribution of Offenses
Reported for Inmates Present on a
Given Day in State and Federal
Prisons: 1923 and 1974, 47

3-24 	 Median Months Served in State
Prisons and Reformatories by State
by Type of Release, Selected Years:
1923-1982, 54
3-25 	 Median Months Served in State and
Federal Prisons and Reformatories
by Offense by Type of Release,
Selected Years: 1923- 1982, 58
3-20 	 Median Time Served in Months by
Sex for Selected Offenses: 1923, 60
3-27 	 Median Time Served in Months by
First Releases on Sentences From
State Institutions by Region, Race,
and Offense: 1952, 60
3-28 	 Median Time Served in Months in
State Institutions by Offense by
Race: 1937, 1952, and 1964, 61
3-29 	 Prior Commitment Data,
Years: 1890- 1938, 62

Selected

3-30A 	 Prior Conviction History at Time of
Entry to State Prison in 1979, 6 3
3-30B 	 Percentage of Releases Returned to
Prison, by State, Year of Release,
and Follow-up Peri3d, 6 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued) 

List of Tables (continued) 


Characteristics of Persons in State 

and Federal Prisons, Institutional 

Population Census Data:
1910-

1980, 65 

Characteristics of Prisoners Received 

in State and Federal Prisons and 

Reformatories by Age, Sex, and 

Race: 1910- 1982, 66 

Characteristics of Those Committed 

to State and Federal Prisons in First 

6 Months of 1923, 67 


Adjudication Status of Jail Inmates, 

Available Years: 1880- 1983. 80 

Admissions and Releases for the 

Annual Period Ending June 30, 

1983, by Legal Status, Sex, and 

Region, 81 

Jail Commitments Under Sentence 

by Type of Sentence: 1910-1933, 82 


Profile of State Prison Admissions: 

1979, 68 


Number and Rate per 100,000 Jail 

Commitments Under Sentence by 

Region:
1923 and 1933; and Jail 

Commitments by Type of Sentence 

and Region: 1923, 84 


Number of Federal and State Institu- 

tions Reported by Census Bureau 

and Justice Department, Selected 

Years: 1890- 1982/83, 69 


Sentence Length by Offense for 

Those Persons Received in Jails 

Under Sentence of Imprisonment 

Only: 1923, 85 


Staff of State and Federal Prisons 

and Reformatories: 1926-1958, 70 


Percentage Distribution of Offenses 

Reported for Sentenced Offenders 

Received in Jails in 1910, 1923, and 

1933, 86 


Inmate-Staff Ratio by State, Federal 

and State Prisons and Reformatories: 

1926-1958, 71 

Number of Staff and Inmate-Staff 

Ratio
in
State
Prisons
and 

Reformatories, by State:
197 1-

1979, 72 

Total Number of Jail Inmates by 

State: 1880-1983. 76 


Percentage Distribution of Offenses 

Reported for Inmates Present in Jails 

on a Given Day: 1923, 1933, 1972, 

and 1978, 87 

Percentage Distribution of Prisoners 

Released by Type of Release and 

Type of Sentence: 1923, 89 


Jail Inmates by State per 100,000 

Population: 1880- 1983, 77 


Percentage Distribution of Time 

Served by Those Released From Jails 

by Offense: 1923, 89 


Number and Rate per 100,000 

Population
for
Sentenced
Jail 

Prisoners Present by Region and 

State: 1910-1970. 78 


Median Time Served by Male 

Prisoners Discharged, by Color, 

Nativity, and Offense (Selected 

Offenses), by Regions: 1933, 90 


Place of Incarceration of Persons 

Reported Present on a Given Day 

During the Year: 1880, 1933, 1970, 

1983, 79 


Characteristics of Persons in Jails: 

1910-1983, 91 


TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued) 

List of Tables (continued) 


Country of Birth of Foreign-Born 

Persons Committed to Jails:
1923 

(Rate per 100,000 Population in 

Country) and 1933 (Percent of 

Total); Percentage Distribution of 

Commitments to Jails by Nativity 

and Race: 1923 and 1910; Persons 

Present in Jails by Nativity and Race 

1923. 9 3 

Percentage Distribution of Prior 

Commitments of Those Received 

Under Sentence in Jails: 1923, 94 

Jail Prisoners Received, by Offense 

and
Previous
Commitments: 

1933, 94 

Selected Jail Characteristics Reported 

by the 1970 Jail Census, 96 

Selected Jail Characteristics as 

Reported in 1972 Jail Survey, 97 

Selected Demographic and Prearrest 

Characteristics of Jail Inmates as 

Reported in the 1978 Jail Survey, 98 

Adult Inmates Held Because of 

Crowding at Other Facilities, by 

Type of Jurisdiction for Which Held, 

and Region, February 15, 1978 and 

June 30, 1983, 99 

Number of Inmates per Employee, 

by Occupational Category and Size 

of Facility, June 30, 1983, 99 

Number Present in Institutions for 

Juvenile Delinquents by State, 

Census Data: 1880- 1980, 104 

Persons Present in Facilities for
Juvenile Delinquents per 100,000
U.S. Population Aged 10-20 by 

State, Census Data: 1880- 1980, 105 


Average Daily Population Present
and Rates per 100,000 U.S. Population Aged 10-20 in Public and Private Juvenile Correctional Facilities
as Reported by Children in Custody:
1979 and 1982, 106 

Comparison of Number of Facilities 

and Residents Present in Office of 

Education Reports of 1868, 1872, 

1880, 1890, 1904, 1910, and 1917 

with Census Report of 1880, 1890, 

1904, 1910, and 1923, 108 

Comparison of Number of Residents 

and Facilities Reported by Census 

(1960- 1980), University of Chicago 

(1966 and 1981), and Children in 

Custody (1974, 1979, and 1982), 109 

Comparison of Total Reported 

Present and Rate per 100,000 of 

Population Aged 15-19 as Reported 

in Census Bureau (1960- 1980), 

University of Chicago (1966 and 

1981), and Children in Custody 

(1974- 1982/83), 110 

Location of Juveniles in Correctional 

Facilities, Census Data: 1880, 1890, 

1923, 1960, 1970, 1980, 113 

Comparison by Race and by Region 

of Place of Commitment of Those 

Under 18: 1910, 113 

Location of Admissions of Juveniles 

to Correctional Facilities: 1904-

1923, 114 

Comparison of Number Present with 

Number Admitted: Selected Years 

1904-1982, 115 

Admissions and Departures from 

Public and Private Juvenile Correc- 

tional
Facilities,
Children
in 

Custody: 1971-1982, 116 


TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued) 

List of Tables (continued) 


5-12

Terms of Sentence as Reported in
Office of Education Report on
Reform Schools: 1868, 118

Movement of Population in Public
Institutions for Juvenile Delinquents
by Sex: 1933, 129

5-13

Sentence Length and Type by Place
of Commitment for Those Under 18:
1910, 119

5-14

Percentage Distribution by Term of
Commitment of Juvenile Delinquents
Received from Court by Sex and
Selected Offenses and Reasons for
Commitment: 1933, 119

Number Present, Rate per 100,000
Population Aged 15-19, Sex, Race,
Nativity, and Age of Persons in
Juvenile
Correctional
Facilities,
Census Data: 1880- 1980, 130

5- 15

Physical Environment and Custodial
Status of Juvenile Present in Public
and Private Juvenile Correctional
Facilities: 1977- 1982183, 121

5-16

Offenses Distribution of Those
Present in Juvenile Facilities for
1880, 1890, and 1910, 122

5- 17

Percentage Distribution of Offense
of Juveniles Committed to Juvenile
Facilities: 1910 and 1933, 123

5- 18

Reason Held for Juveniles Present in
Public and Private Juvenile Correctional Facilities: 1977- 1982183, 124

5- 19A Percentage Distribution of Offenses
of Delinquents (Juveniles Only)
Present in Public Juvenile Custody
Facilities: 1982183, 125
5-19B 	 Offenses of Delinquents in Private
Juvenile
Custody
Facilities:
1982/83, 126
5-20 	 Information on Time in Care and
Type of Release from Differing
Sources:
1868, 1923, 1953-1967,
1977- 1982, and 1966 and 1981, 127
5-21 	 Reform
Schools
Included
and
Method of Release, Office of
Education Report: 1868, 129

Summary of Statistics Reported to
Office of Education Concerning
Reform Schools: 1868, 131
Summary of Data Reported by
Office of Education Annual Reports:
1868-1912, 131
Characteristics of Persons Present in
Correctional Facilities for Juveniles
by Region: 1890, 132
Selected Characteristics of Juvenile
Delinquents
Admitted
to
and
Released from
Institutions for
Juvenile Delinquents: First 6 Months
of 1923, 133
Percentage Distribution by Previous
Institutional or Probational History
of Juvenile Delinquents Received
from Courts by Race and Sex: 1933,
134
Percentage Distribution of Juvenile
Delinquents Received from Courts
According to Persons with Whom
Living at Time of Commitment:
1933, 134
Characteristics of Public Juvenile
Custody
Residents,
Children's
Bureau Series: 1945- 1967, 136
Demographic
Characteristics
of
Juveniles Present in Public and
Private
Facilities
for
Juvenile
Offenders, Children in Custody
Series: 1971-1982183, 137

TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued) 

List of Tables (continued) 


Number
of
Juvenile
Facilities
Included in Surveys by Control,
Type, and Survey Sponsor: 18801982, 138
Characteristics of Public Juvenile
Custody Facilities, Children's Bureau
Series: 1956- 1967, 139
Physical Environment and Security
Level of Public and Private Juvenile
Correctional Facilities, Children in
Custody Series: 1977-1982/83, 140
Type of Facility, Staff, Per Capita
Cost, and Occupancy Rate of Public
and Private Juvenile Correctional
Facilities, Children
in Custody
Reports: 1971-1982/83, 141
Federal Prisoners Present:
Years 1886-1925, 145

Selected

Average Population of Institutions
Administered by the Federal Bureau
of Prisons for Each Fiscal Year
Ended June 30: 1896 to 1945, 145
Average
Number
of
Federal
Prisoners (All Facilities) for Fiscal
Years 1931- 1960, 146
Population
and
Movement
of
Sentenced Prisoners
in Federal
Institutions, Fiscal Years 19351970, 147
Movement of Prisoners in Federal
Institutions,
Fiscal
Years
197 1
Through 1984, 148
Federal Commitments to State and
Federal Facilities: Selected Years
1886-1933, 149
Sentenced
Federal
Prisoners
Received from Courts in Federal,
State, and Local Facilities:
19311960, 149

Prisoners Received from Courts in
Federal Institutions, Fiscal Years:
1961-1984, 149
Number and Rate per 100,000 U.S.
Population of Persons Present and
Received in Federal Institutions and
Percent Federal of Total State and
Federal Prisoners: Selected Years
1910-1983, 150
Percentage Distribution of Offenses
for Total Federal Prisoners Received
in State and Federal Facilities:
Selected Years 1886- 1925, 152
Proportion of Liquor Law Violators,
Other "New" Offenders, Counterfeiters, and Other "Old" Offenders
Among Court Commitments to
Federal
Institutions
by
Fiscal
Periods: July 1, 1909 to June 30,
1935. 153
Percentage Distribution of Offenses
of
Sentenced Federal Prisoners
Received in Federal, State, and
Local Institutions:
Selected Years
1930-1960, 154
Percentage Distribution of Offenses
of
Federal Sentenced Prisoners
Received from Court into Federal
Institutions: Selected Years 19701984, 155
Percentage Distribution of Offenses
of Sentenced Federal Prisoners
Received in Federal Institutions:
Selected Years 1923- 1983. 156
Percentage Distribution of Offenses
of
Those
Present
in
Federal
Facilities:
Selected Years 19101940, 157

TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued) 

List of Tables (continued) 


6- 13 	 Percentage Distribution of Offenses
of Persons Present in Federal
Facilities:
Selected Years 19451984. 158

Percentage Distribution of Type of
Release
of
Federal
Prisoners
Released f r o m Federal Institutions
Only: Selected Years 1935- 1960, 165

6-14A 	 Percentage Distribution by Time
Served f o r Principal Types of
Discharges f r o m Federal Institutions
by Fiscal Years: July 1, 1930 to June
30, 1933, 159

Percentage Distribution of Type of
Release
of
Federal
Prisoners
Released f r o m Federal Institutions:
Selected Years 1970- 1982, 165

6-14B 	 Average Time Served, by Type of
Discharge f o r Jail Discharges, by
Fiscal Years: Ju!y 1 , 1930 to June
30, 1933, 159
6-14C 	 Average Time Served, by Offense,
for Jail Discharges Each Fiscal Year:
July 1, 1930 to June 30, 1933, 159
6-15 	 Length of Sentence and Time Served
by Offense. Parole Releases from
Federal Institutions Together with
Average Length of Sentence and
Average Time Served for Male
Parolees by Offense:
Fiscal Year
Ended June 30, 1940, 161
6-16 	 Average Sentence Length in Months
by Offense of First Release from
Federal Institutions: Selected Years
1955-i983, 162
6-17 	 Average Time Served and Percent of
Sentence Served for First Release
from Federal Facilities by Offense:
Selected Years 1955- 1983, 163
6- 18 	 Percentage Distribution of Federal
Prisoners' Type of Release from
State
and
Federal
Institutions:
Selected Years 1895- 1925. 164
6-19A 	 Percentage Distribution of Type of
Release
of
Federal
Prisoners
Released from State and Federal
Institutions: Selected Years 193 11960, 164

Recidivism of Federal Offenders
Received f r o m Court: Selected Years
1895-1984, 166
Sex, Nativity, Race, Marital Status,
Age, Habit of Life, and Literacy of
Federal Prisoners Received from
Court:
Selected
Years
18861960. 168
The Extent to Which Parole Is Used
in the States: 1936, 170
Comparison of Extent of Parole with
Type of Sentence (1936), 171
Progress i n Adoption of Adult
Probation Statutes: 1878- 1938, 173
States Having Suspension of Sentence
Statutes Only: 1938, 173
Defendants Placed on Probation or
Given Suspended Sentence With or
Without Supervision, by States:
1935, 174
Defendants Sentenced to Probation
or Suspended Sentence, by Offense,
in 30 States: 1935. 174
Defendants Convicted and Sentenced, by T y p e of Sentence, by
States: 1940, 175
Movement of Paroled Prisoners, for
a
Selected
Group
of
States:
1931, 176

TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued) 

List of Tables (continued) 


Number and Percentage of State and
Local Probation Agencies That
Conducted Presentence Investigations
During 1975 Distributed by Proportion of Agency Workload Accounted
for by Investigations, 186

Some Characteristics of Corrections
in the United States: 1965, 178
Some National Characteristics
Correction: 1965, 179

of

Number of Adults and Juveniles
Under Probation or Parole Supervision on September 1, 1976, by
Sex, 180

Parole Periods Terminated, by
Method of Termination, for a
Selected Group of States: 1931, 187

Number of Persons Under Probation
or Parole Supervision on September
1, 1976 Compared to the Number of
Persons in Confinement (State and
Local Governments Only), 180

Length of Parole Periods Terminated
by Final Discharge, for a Selected
Group of States: 1931, 187
Average Length of Parole Period by
Region: 1965, 188

Comparison of the Sentenced Prison
Population to the Probation and
Parole Populations: 1979- 1983, 181

Parole Outcome in First Year After
Release for Males Paroled in 1969,
1970, and 1971, United States, 189

The Combined Correctional Population: 1983. 181

Total Persons and Rate per 100,000
U.S. Population Reported Present in
Adult and Juvenile Correctional
Facilities: 1850-1983, 192

Estimated Adult Prison Releases and
Parole Entries, State and Federal:
1965, 1970, 1975 (By Region), 182

Persons Reported Present on a Given
Day During the Year in State and
Federal Prisons, Jails, and Juvenile
Facilities: 1880- 1983, 193

Number of Persons Present on Parole
and Rate per 100,000 of Population
Aged 10-20: Selected Years 19761983, 183

Rate of Incarceration per 100,000
Population in the Age Categories
Most Represented in Correctional
Institutions: 1880- 1982, 194

Probation Population by State: 1977,
1979, and 1983, 184
Prisoners Released on Parole, by
Kind of Supervision, for a Selected
Group of States: 1931, 185

Combined Totals of Persons Present
in Local (Jails), State, and Federal
Correctional Facilities by State:
1880, 1890, 1950-1983, 195

Average Caseload in Probation and 

Parole: 1965, 185 


Combined Totals of Rates per
100,000 Persons Present in Local,
State, and Federal Correctional
Facilities by State:
1880, 1890,
1950-1983, 196

Number of State and Local Agencies 

Performing Probation or Parole 

Functions, by Level of Government, 

September 1, 1976, 186 


xvi

TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued) 

List of Tables (continued) 


Special Comparison 1910, 1922, and
1923: Prisoners Reported Present
and Number of Adult Institutions
Included in the Census, 198

Prisoners Discharged from Principal
Military and Naval Prisons, by
Method of Discharge and Offense,
and by Time Served: 1933, 226

Percentage Distribution of Offenses
Reported for Jail, State, and Federal
Inmates Present on a Given Day
During the Year:
Selected Years
1880- 1972173, 200

Prisoners Discharged from Principal
Military and Naval Prisons, by Time
Served and Offense, and by Length
of Sentence: 1933, 226

Percent Distribution of Offenses
Reported for Jail, State, and Federal
Inmates Received: 1910, 1923, 201
Characteristics of Those Present in
Prisons and Jails in 1890 by
Region, 203
Number and Rate of Institutionalized Persons as Counted by U.S.
Census: 1850- 1890. 208
Number and Rate of Institutionalized Persons as Counted by U.S.
Census: 1904- 1933, 210

Army General Prisoners Present on
December 31, in United States
Disciplinary Barracks, Rehabilitation
Centers, and Federal Institutions:
1940 to 1946, 227
Movement of Population, Army
General Prisoners in United States
Disciplinary Barracks and Rehabilitation Centers: 1946, 227
General Courts-Martial
Prisoners
Present on June 30, in United States
Naval Places of Confinement: 1940
to 1946, 227

Number and Rate of Persons Under
Care: 1940- 1980, 212

Average Daily Population of U.S.
Army Confinement and Correctional
Facilities, by Facility, 1973-82, 228

Persons Executed Under
State
Authority by State by Decade:
1864-1984, 217

Normal Capacity and Average Population of U.S. Army Correctional
Centers, by Location, 1982, 229

Movement of Population in Principal
Military
and
Naval
Prisons:
1933, 225

Normal Capacity and Average Population of U.S. Navy Correctional
Centers, by Location, 1982, 230

Prisoners Received from Courts, by
Length of Sentence and Offense, for
Principal Military and Naval Prisons:
1933, 225

Normal Capacity and Average Population of U.S. Marine Corps Correctional
Centers,
by
Location,
1982. 231

Prisoners Received from Courts, by
Race and Nativity and by Age, for
Principal Military and Naval Prisons:
1933, 225

Normal Capacity and Average Population of U.S. Air Force Correctional
Center, 1981, 231

CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
This work presents summary tables and
commentary
for
published
national
government reports on corrections statistics
for the period of U.S. history from 1850
(the date of the first national reports on the
topic) to 1984. Historical comparison within
this area has often been difficult because of
the change over time in the agencies
responsible for data collection, differences
in reporting units, and the fact that separate
reports have usually been issued covering
local, State, Federal, and juvenile levels. In
many cases these reports did not have a
wide distribution and are currently
unavailable in libraries.
In preparing this report, we attempted to
locate and review all published government
reports
covering
national
corrections
statistics since 1850. It is hoped that, in
addition to providing summary comparisons
over time, the work will provide a reference
of available information for those interested
in statistical planning and further historical
A review of the data items
research.
included and the style of reporting in a
given period can also provide insight into
major issues of concern and the ideological
perspectives of the time.
Over the period, the primary entities
responsible for government data collection
in the area of corrections have been the
Census Bureau and several agencies within
the Department of Justice. In addition, data
related to juveniles have been collected by
the Office of Education and the Children's
Bureau.
This chapter presents a brief
history of the data collection efforts and an
overview of the structure and limitations of
the report.
THE CENSUS BUREAU
Institutio~lalPopulation Series
The earliest national data concerning use of
incarceration come from the Census Bureau
in conjunction with the Decennial Census of
1850. Later the Census Bureau developed
two yearly series; "Prisoners in State and
Federal Institutions." which continued under

the Census until 1946, and "Judicial
Criminal Statistics," begun in 1932 and
discontinued in the 1940's.
Between 1880 and 1933 at 10-year intervals,
the
Census
reports
on
institutional
population included considerable detail and
analysis. Later reports (between 1940 and
1980) consisted primarily of tables and omit
data items specific to crime. The Census
reports are the only source of national jail
statistics prior to the 1970 survey conducted
by the Law Enforcement Assistance
Administration (LEAA).
Early Census Institutional
Reports (1850-1890)

Population

Characteristically, the first reports issued by
the Census Bureau in 1850 were labeled the
"statistics of crime."
At this time no
statistics were collected on incidence of
crime, and the number of those convicted
of crime or imprisoned was discussed with
qualifications as an indicator of crime itself.
Between 1850 and 1870 statistics collected at
the decennial census were secured by means
of a special schedule for "social statistics"
which were completed by assistant U.S.
marshals for each town or civil subdivision.
This schedule covered a variety of topics
including:
taxation, wages, schools,
libraries, churches, and pauperism.
Information was obtained on the total
number of criminals convicted and those
present on June 1 of the year. In 1870, for
the first time information was obtained on
the race of prisoners. The major problem
with these collections was the absence of a
clear
definition
of
terms such as
"conviction," "criminals," and "prisons," and
the data are not generally accepted as
comparable to later reports.
In 1880, the census of prisoners was part of
a larger effort to collect information on
what were called the "Defective, Dependent
and Delinquent Classes."
The report
included statistics on inhabitants of
almshouses, mental institutions, and other
institutions of the time (see Appendix A).
In this census a new method was followed
which involved a special supplemental
schedule for individual returns of all prison
inhabitants. The form specified that the

returns were to include every State or local
prison, penitentiary, reformatory, workhouse and jail.
The 1880 and 1890 reports were done under
the leadership of F.H. Wines, son of the
prison reformer and writer. While the 1880
report involved delays in analysis (it was not
published until 1888) and ran out of funds
before all the information could be
tabulated, both the 1880 and 1890 reports
contained considerably more information
than previously available and were noted for
their completeness of coverage. The 1880
report also included some of the first
statistics of police. Statistics were not yet
collected on the movement of prisoners, but
concentrated on those present on the day of
the survey.

a view of the present day
movement of the prison population.
Tabulations of the number found
in prisons on a fixed date without
regard to the time when their
imprisonment began will not show
the actual growth or diminution of
the prison population between any
given dates; and the deductions
drawn from the personal facts
about prisoners lose significance
when statistics relate alike to those
convicts who have already entered
into previous enumerations and to
the most recent additions to the
convicted criminal class (Census
Bureau, "Prisoners and Juvenile
Delinquents, 1904;" p. 12)

Census Institutional Population Reports of
1904- 1933 (Separate Reports)

It was also noted in 1904 that a record of
discharges would considerably enhance the
value of the reports, but this was not
included until 1923.

Between the 1890 Census and that of 1900,
an act was passed by the U.S. Congress
creating a permanent Bureau of the Census.
A provision of this act specified that the
collection of statistics of special classes,
among which prisoners were included, could
not take place until after the statistics of
agriculture
and
manufacture
were
completed. The prison report was thus not
begun until three years after the census of
population and could not utilize the usual
census enumerators. In most instances the
prison officials served as enumerators.

In 1880 and 1890, one large report with
separate sections covering each type of
institution
(e.g.,
mental
institutions,
almshouses, prisons and jails) had been
produced.
In 1904 and 1910, separate
reports were issued for the functionally
different types of institutions, and a
correctional facility report was issued
covering jails, State, Federal, and juvenile
institutions. In the Census reports between
1880 and 1910 most of the characteristic
data are presented only for combined totals
for prisons and jails.

The 1904 report, and those up to 1933,
excluded those in jails who were not under
sentence, and the 1904 report in addition
excluded those in jail for nonpayment of
fines. Also excluded were those in military
prisons. These groups had been included in
the 1880 and 1890 reports. For the first
time, however, the 1904 report included
those committed during the entire year,
rather than only those present on a given
day and made commitments the focus of
analysis.

Topics covered in the reports of 1904 and
1910 included: offense, sentence, age, sex,
race, nativity, country of birth, marital
condition, literacy, and occupation.
A
considerable focus of the analysis was the
question
of
which
countries
were
responsible for the most and differing types
of criminality as measured by the number
of immigrants from that country committed
to prison.

In explaining this departure from previous
reports and the importance of the inclusion
of commitments, the 1904 report notes:
It was recognized that such a
departure was necessary to correct

In 1923 institutions for juvenile delinquents
were included not with the prison and jail
report as in previous years but in a volume
entitled, "Children
Under Institutional
Care," which also included homes for the
dependent and neglected and foster care.
This placement reflects the strong movement
of the time to keep those who were not

adults out of prisons and jails, and to make
and view correctional institutions for
juveniles as different from prisons and jails
as possible.
In 1933 separate reports were issued for
jails, State and Federal prisons (part of the
yearly series), and juveniles. The report on
juveniles in corrections was now separate
from that of children in other institutions.
There had been a reaction to placing those
in homes for dependent children in the
same report with delinquents.
The 1923 reports, which had been preceded
by preparatory surveys in 1917 and 1922,
were the first to include discharge data of
any kind, and covered such things as type
of release and time served. In addition to
the information included in previous
reports, the 1923 report for the first time
included information on prior commitment,
and a special supplementary volume was
issued entitled, "Prisoner's Antecedents."
This volume contained an analysis of the
background of those committed to State and
Federal prisons.
The analysis presented in the reports for
1923 has probably not been equaled in terms
of information available for one year.
However, there is some possibility of
undercounts for the total number present
and received in jails, since many institutions
which had been included in a preparatory
survey conducted in 1922 were not included
in the actual census (see Chapter VIII). The
1933 survey followed much the same pattern
as the 1923 report, but focused somewhat
more exclusively on movement statistics.
Census I~lstitutional Populatio~i Reports of
1940-1980 (Combined Reports)
Between 1940 and 1980 the Census of
Institutions was again done in conjunction
with the decennial census, and information
was presented in one report for those
present in all types of functionally different
institutions. Information collected was the
same for all types of institutions and was
limited to age, sex, race, marital status,
education, and sometimes occupation and
nativity. The surveys no longer contained
data items related to the person's crilninal
status (except in 1960 when a special
schedule was included, the results of which

were published by the Bureau of Prisons
rather than as part of the institutional
population report).
The institutional
population report includes data by State and
metro-status.
There is little or no text
except that concerning survey methods.
In 1940 the analysis was done in conjunction with analysis of the labor force and
the reports present data only for those 14
years of age or older. The report also does
not separate juvenile and adult State
facilities.
The 1940 report, and all
subsequent reports, included all persons
present in jails, not only those under
sentence, as did the 1904 to 1933 reports.
Beginning with 1950, the institutional
population reports were done in conjunction
with analysis of the characteristics of
families. The 1950 report presents complete
count data on the age, race, and sex of
those in each of the types of institutions
and 3.5 percent sample data on metrostatus,
nativity,
citizenship,
school
enrollment, education,
marital
status,
mobility, and income.
Information was
frequently obtained from institutional
records rather than direct interview and was
reported to contain a higher degree of
missing data than the general census of
population.
All characteristic statistics in the 1960
report on institutional population are based
on a 25 percent sample. The report presents
data
on
much
the
same
inmate
characteristics as the 1950 report, but
includes data on number and size of
institutions which were not included in the
1940 and 1950 report. Categories of shortterm facilities for juveniles were redefined
somewhat in each of the censuses since
1940.
The 1970 and 1980 reports include those in
non-institutional group quarters (defined as
having more than 6 unrelated inhabitants in
1970 and 10 in 1980).
Institutions,
however, are distinguished from other group
quarters because they involve care or
custody and are included independent of
size. Institutions were classified as special
places and, rather than the self-enumeration
used in the population survey, enumerators
visited each facility. In 1980 each separate
budget unit was classified as a separate

institution, unlike the procedure in 1970
when the unit was the institution as a
whole.
This resulted in considerably
different estimates of the number of
institutions f o r each of the reports. The
1970 Census estimates are much closer to
those of the Justice Department and
American Correctional Association counts
for the same period, than are those in 1980.
The characteristic statistics presented in the
1970 and 1980 reports are based on about an
overall 20 percent sample; however, for
1970 the sample size varies, depending on
the data item. Complete count statistics, not
broken down by type of institution, are
included in general population reports f o r
population areas. Definitions are generally
comparable between 1960 and 1980, but
those for short-term and treatment facilities
for juveniles vary.
Some information is
broken down by size of institution.
Prisoners in State and Federal Prisons and
Reformatories Series: 1926- 1946
Building upon the 1923 effort, in 1926 the
Census Bureau initiated a yearly series on
prisoners in State and Federal prisons and
reformatories.
This series has been
continued with many modifications, as
"National Prisoner Statistics," by differing
agencies in the Justice Department until the
present.
The Census Bureau prison reports were able
to obtain data from almost all States.
Exceptions
were
Georgia,
Alabama,
Mississippi, and Michigan for several years
and other States for single years. In certain
years estimates were made of the missing
State data. In the 1930's the series began to
include a section on executions and military
prisons, and a section was included from the
beginning on staff and expenditures.
Although the number of persons present on
the day of the survey is reported, almost all
of the characteristic information is on
prisoners received and released.
Data
presented usually included:
age, race,
nativity, marital status, type and length of
sentence, offense, type of release and time
served. Considerable analyses are related to
examining sentence differences and the

impact of the use of determinate versus
indeterminate sentence.
While many of the data are comparable, this
series like the Census of Institutional
Populations suffers from the changes of
reporting units. For example, changes in
whether the average or median is given for
time served, and the length of reporting
categories for sentence make direct time
series analysis difficult. The reports also
began to distinguish between felony and
misdemeanor sentences and eventually
limited analysis of characteristics to those
under felony commitment. In some years
detailed infornation is presented only for
male piisoners. Despite these limitations,
these reports present the most consistent
national yearly reports available on State
and Federal prisons. Later reports have in
general been less detailed and consistent.
Until the mid 1940's, with the exception of
reports done on the Federal prison system
by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, the
Census Bureau was responsible for all
national data collection in the area of adult
corrections.
In 1946 in keeping with a
policy that removed the Census Bureau from
publishing this type of data, the series was
discontinued and transferred to the Federal
Bureau of Prisons in 1949. In the interim
period (1947-49),
the Census Bureau
continued to collect data which was later
published by the Bureau of Prisons.

Judicial Criminal Statistics
In 1932 the Census Bureau began a series on
court statistics, which was to be regarded as
less successful than the prison series. This
more difficult series was discontinued in the
early 1940's and has not yet been continued.
The purpose of initiating the series was
described as follows:
It is the purpose of the Census
Bureau, through cooperation with
the several States, to develop a
national system of collecting judicial criminal statistics which will
be mutually advantageous to the
States and the Federal government ...It is hoped that eventually
each State will adopt the Census
forms and classifications. If this is

done, one report for the court will
suffice for the State and for the
Federal government, the statistics
of different States will be compiled
on the same basis, and needless
duplication of work and expense
will be avoided (Census Bureau,
"Judicial Criminal Statistics: 1933;"
p.1)
Unfortunately this goal has not yet been
achieved.
In the first year of data
collection, 16 States were included. At its
peak the series included 30 States. When
the series was discontinued there were 27.
Considerable problems were encountered
because of the differing laws and court
procedures in each State, and cautions
concerning comparisons by State were made.
The reports attempted to include all courts
which held jurisdiction over felony cases
and did not include the work of minor
courts or grand juries. If the same court
held jurisdiction over both minor and
felony cases, information on minor cases
was included.
Data were included on
offenses charged and disposition of cases.
These reports are the first source of national
probation data. A major reason given for
the discontinuation of the series was the
difficulty
encountered
in
obtaining
comparable data from the States.
Somewhat similar data were collected under
the Uniform Crime Reports Program
between 1955- 1977.
During this period
information was included on the judicial
disposition of arrests.
HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE

population; by 1943 coverage was about 37
percent and by 1955 data were obtained by
means
of
a
representative
sample.
Information included place of detention,
disposition, age, sex, and type of case.
For the 1933 Institutional Census, the
Children's Bureau had cooperated with the
Census Bureau on the report of "Children in
Public Institutions for Delinquent Children"
and the report on "Children Under
Institutional Care and in Foster Homes."
Beginning in 1945, the Children's Bureau
initiated a yearly series on Children Served
by Public Institutions.
Initially coverage
included complete reports from only 36
States. By 1967 all States but Nevada were
reporting. The series remained limited to
public institutions.
Later reports were
issued separately for delinquent and
dependent children. In 1971, this series was
transferred to the Justice Department's
LEAA, which continued the reports under
the title "Children in Custody."
THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT

Since about 1886, the Attorney General and
later the Justice Department had been
legally mandated to collect yearly statistics
on Federal Prisoners, but the Justice
Department did not become involved in
collecting data on State prisons until the
Census Bureau dropped reporting in this
area in 1946. Since then, three agencies
within the Justice Department have been
responsible for national corrections statistics:
the Federal Bureau of Prisons (1946-1970),
the
Law
Enforcement
Assistance
Administration (197 1- 1979), and the Bureau
of Justice Statistics (1980-current).

The Office of Education

The earliest government information on
juveniles in correctional facilities comes
from the "Annual Report of the United
States Commissioner of Education," which
contained yearly tables on the characteristics
of reform schools from 1870 to 1917.
The U.S. Children's Bureau

Beginning in 1927 and continuing until
1967, the Children's Bureau collected some
statistics on the juvenile courts. Initially
these covered only about 15 percent of the

The Federal Bureau of Prisons

Statistics on Federal prisons have been
collected on a yearly basis since before the
establishment of a Federal prison system.
Until 1900, it was the usual practice to
house Federal prisoners in State prisons. In
1895 a Federal prison was opened at
Leavenworth, Kansas and in 1902 at
Atlanta, Georgia, and the practice of
housing Federal prisoners in State facilities
began to decline. Although the format has
changed over the period since Federal

prisons began, relatively speaking more
information is available about prisoners at
this level than for State and jail inmates.
Annual Report of the Attorney General of
the United States
Until 1930, the reports on Federal prisons
and Federal parole and probation were
included in the Attorney General's yearly
report. They were initially in the format of
reports by the individual prisons to the
Attorney General.
They included, in
addition to information on prisoners, details
on budgets and work done by prisoners.
Congress
had
required
that
certain
information be kept on Federal prisoners
including
information
on
previous
commitments and sentences. When Federal
parole and probation became options in
1910 and 1925, information on these
decisions was also included.
Report of the Work of the Federal Bureau
of Prisons
In 1930 the Federal Prison Office was
reorganized and given separate Bureau
status. After this, separate yearly reports
were issued by the Bureau under the title,
"Report of the Work of the Federal Bureau
of Prisons." In addition to prison statistics,
the report contained public relations
information on programs and progress of
the Bureau, which had been mandated to set
an example to States for prison treatment
and management.
Bureau of Prisons Statistical Report
In the early 1960's, with the advent of an
office of planning and analysis within the
Bureau, reports began to be issued which
contained only statistical tables, under the
title of "Statistical Tables" or "Statistical
Report." This format continues to the
present.
Prisoners in State and Federal Prisons and
Reformatories
When the Census Bureau discontinued its
series on prisoners in State and Federal
prisons and reformatories in 1946, there was
a three-year period in which the Census
Bureau continued to collect the information

but did not publish reports. The series was
evidently in danger of being discontinued
entirely, according to American Correctional
Association resolutions of the time, urgently
asking that funds be appropriated so that
the Federal Bureau of Prisons could take
over the series and the effort not be
abandoned.
In 1950 the program was
officially transferred to the Bureau of
Prisons.
Between 1950 and 1970, 47
bulletins and 7 special reports were issued.
The first several covered information on the
years between 1946 and 1950. Between
1950 and 1964, two bulletins a year were
issued, one on prisoners in State and Federal
prisons and one on executions. For a brief
period, between 1958 and 1962, a third
yearly bulletin was issued concerning
personnel in penal institutions. The yearly
bulletins contained less information on
prisoner characteristics, sentence, and time
served than did the Census reports.
The special reports, covering the years 1950,
1951, 1952-1953, 1960 and 1964, present
information similar to that in the previous
yearly Census reports. The focus of several
of the special reports was prisoners released.
Two reports were issued covering 1960, one
on characteristics of State prisoners (using
Census data) and one on releases from State
and Federal prisons. In 1964 only State
prisoners were included in the reports.
Certain changes were made in reporting
categories.
Time-served data were now
calculated only for first releases (this had
been done only for 1940 in the Census
series). As had been the case for the last
years of the Census series, only those with
commitments of one year or longer were
included in presenting the data.
State
participation increased up to 1964 to include
those States which had not or had
irregularly participated in the Census
Bureau series. However, the 1970 special
report on characteristics of State prisoners,
done at a time when the transfer to LEAA
was occurring, included only 33 States. A
note at the beginning of the report states
that several State responses were not
obtained in time to be included. National
totals were not done for this year on many
characteristics. (Certain tables to follow
utilize these data; notation is made that the
data are based on only 33 States).

Consistent with the increased interest in
capital punishment, the bulletins on this
topic expanded coverage over the period
1950 to 1970 to include data not only on
executions, but also on the numbers
receiving and removed from the death
sentence.
The Law Enforcement Assistance Administration (LEAA)/National Criminal Justice
Information and Statistics Service (NCJISS)
National Prisoner Statistics
In 197 1, the National Prisoner Statistics
program was transferred to newly created
Law Enforcement Assistance Administration
(LEAA),
National
Criminal
Justice
Information and Statistics Service. After
1972, the Bureau of the Census acted as the
collection agent for LEAA and was
responsible for compiling the statistical data
required for the program.
With the creation of LEAA and the
initiation of several new series, data
collection efforts in the area of criminal
justice were greatly expanded. The series
covered such areas as Victimization,
Children in Custody, Employment and
Expenditure, State Court Case Loads,
Criminal Justice Agencies, and Probation
and Parole, as well as special non-series
studies. However, yearly published reports
on those in State and Federal prisons did
not return to the level of detail of the
Census Bureau reports from 1924-1946, or
the special reports of the Federal Bureau of
Prisons.
With the increased use of
computers, much additional information
became available only from data tapes.
Yearly bulletins were issued on those
present, received, and released in State and
Federal prisons, as well as on capital
punishment.
Information in the yearly
reports on State and Federal prisons now
presented only very limited information on
prisoner characteristics.
More detailed
information on characteristics is available
from special surveys conducted in 1973 and
1979.
These special reports on State
prisoners focused on those present on the
day of the survey; they did not collect
movement statistics which had been the

primary focus of the Census and Bureau of
Prison series.
The Jail Reports

When LEAA was initiated, apart from
Census Bureau reports done at 10-year
intervals, no national reports had been done
on jails. The last Census Bureau report on
jails to contain special criminal justice
related information such as offenses or
sentence data had been in 1933. LEAA
initiated Jail Surveys covering the years
1970, 1972, and 1978.
These counted
inmates present on the day of the survey,
rather than received during the year.
Children in Custody
In 1971, the Juvenile Detention and
Correctional Facility Census was initiated.
The census was designed by LEAA and
HEW and carried out by the Census Bureau.
Subsequent surveys have been conducted in
1974, 1975, 1977, 1979, 1982, and 1985.
Beginning in 1974, private facilities were
included and separate reports published.
The series is currently under the Office of
Juvenile
Justice
and
Delinquency
Prevention.
Parole and Probation Statistics
While some information is available on the
use of parole from State and Federal
discharge data, almost no national statistics
on such things as the number of persons on
parole and probation are available (except at
the Federal level) until the last 20 years. In
1965, the National Council on Crime and
Delinquency began the Uniform Parole
Reporting project. This project attempted
to collect national parole statistics and
published data for certain years in the
Uniform Parole Reports Newsletter. With
an LEAA grant in 1975, a special study was
done of parole and probation systems and of
the feasibility of yearly reporting. The first
NCCDILEAA Uniform Parole reports
covered the years 1976 and 1977. The first
National Probation Report covered data
from 1979.
Currently BJS publishes
national probation and parole data.

T h e Bureau of Justice Statistics
When L E A A was discontinued and the
Justice System Improvement Act passed in
1979, the Bureau of Justice Statistics became
responsible f o r most criminal justice related
government statistics. Exceptions are the
F.B.I. Uniform Crime Reports, the reports
of the Federal Prison system, and the
Children in Custody series of the Office of
Juvenile
Justice
and
Delinquency
Prevention.
BJS has continued and regularized most
correction-related series begun under LEAA
and has added some additional data and
reports.
Special analytical reports and
bulletins have been issued utilizing data not
currently regularly published on such things
as offenses and sentences of those received
and time served of those released. These
statistics had been regularly included in the
Census Bureau series of 1926-1946 and
included by the Federal Bureau of Prisons
in special reports in the years between 1950
and 1970 when they were responsible for
reporting.
However, they had not been
included in the yearly State and Federal
Prison reports in the 1970's.

information from Federal reports on Federal
prisoners only and Chapter VII presents
limited information on probation and parole.
Chapter VIIl combines information on
Federal, State, jail and juvenile facilities to
provide an overall picture of incarceration
levels since 1850.
Appendix A presents a summary of Census
reports on the use of other forms of
institutionalization since 1850.
Appendix B presents tallied data on capital
punishment; .Appendix C presents collected
tables on military prisoners; Appendix D
presents a listing of major sources of
corrections statistics; and Appendix E
discusses some implications of the historical
review f o r current statistical efforts.
This report almost exclusively relies on
government statistics. An exception is the
information on capital punishment and
illegal lynchings for which data compiled by
independent researchers has been used.
Selected data on probation and parole
collected by the National Council of Crime
and Delinquency and data collected by the
University of Chicago on juveniles in
correctional facilities have also been
included.

STRUCTURE O F T H E REPORT
Chapter I1 summarizes information on
capital punishment including data on illegal
lynchings, which it is necessary to include
in order to understand any regional
comparisons of the use of executions.
Chapters 111, IV, and V present statistics on
State and Federal, jail, and juvenile
facilities, respectively. Chapter VI presents

The report is limited to statistics of
corrections
and,
except
for
limited
information on probation gained from the
Census series on Judicial Criminal Statistics,
excludes court statistics. The report has also
not attempted to review expenditure data,
which has been collected at various times
since 1880.

CHAPTER I1
CAPITAL PUNISHMENT STATISTICS

In reporting
mortality statistics, the
population census of 1850 listed the cause
of death of 21 persons as execution; the
1860 census, 59 persons; and the 1870
census, 3 1 persons.
However, national
government statistics separately addressing
capital punishment date from 1880, when
the Census Bureau special report on
"Dependent, Defective and Delinquent"
listed 80 persons as "present under the
sentence of death" on the day of the survey.
Information on persons under capital
sentence was first reported in 1904, when
106 persons were listed as received under
this sentence. Government information is
available only at 10-year intervals from the
decennial reports until 1930, when the
Census Bureau series, "Prisoners in State
Prisons and Reformatories," began to
contain a section on executions. After the
series was transferred to the Bureau of
Prisons in 1947, separate special reports
were issued. The series has continued with
the subsequent transfers of the National
Prisoner Statistics series to the Law
Enforcement
Assistance
Administration
(LEAA) in 1971 and to the Bureau of
Justice Statistics (BJS) in 1980. Information
is now included on legal developments and
on the movement of those under sentence of
death.
Because of the seriousness of capital
punishment and the corresponding concern
with this form of punishment as a moral
and legal issue, additional information
covering years before government reports
were issued is available from nongovernmental sources. Bowers, Pierce, and
McDevitt in their book, Lena1 Homicide,
combine information on both State and local
executions beginning in the 1890's and on
State executions after the first Stateimposed execution in 1864. Information
used by Bowers et al. on local executions

was obtained from compilations by Bye,
Bedau, Barnes, Teeters, and Sellin (see
tables for complete citations). Information
on persons executed under State authority
before 1930 can be obtained from a
complete listing complied by Teeters and
Zibulka in the 1960's and updated by Espy
in the 1970's. A listing of illegal lynchings,
dating from the year 1882, has been
compiled by the Department of Records and
Research, Tuskegee Institute, Alabama.
The tables to follow combine information
from these sources and include new
tabulations mnde from the Teeters, Zibulka,
and Espy listing of persons executed under
State authority. Also included are several
Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) historical
tables.
Each table contains explanatory
notes.
Executions

Table 2-1 summarizes executions and
lynchings per decade for the period 1890 to
1984. In this period a total of about 8516
persons were executed and 3543 were
reported lynched. The number of illegal
lynchings outnumbered legal executions
until after 1900 (Table 2-2).
Legal and
illegal executions have declined consistently
over the period except for the decade of the
1930's and the recent large increases in the
1980's.
Almost three-fourths (73 percent) of those
lynched between 1890 and 1962 (the date of
the last recorded lynching) were black, and
in the same period, 54 percent of those
executed were nonwhite. About 90 percent
of those dying under State authority were
executed for homicide. Only 41 percent of
illegal lynchings were for homicide (Tables
2-1 and 2-2).
Appendix Table B-1 presents a tabulation
made from the Teeters, Zebulka, and Espy
listing of those executed by State by decade
from 1864 to 1984.

Table 2-1.

Executions p e r Decade Under C i v i l A u t h o r i t y and I l l e g a l Lynchings:

1890'sa

T o t a l Under S t a t e A u t h o r i t y
Race
Number Nonwhite
Percent Nonwhite
Race Unknown

1900's

1910's

1890-1984

1920's

1930's

1940's

1,038

1,523

1,177

155

289

636

70
55%
(27)

157
62%
(37)

286
47%
(26)

48 1
49%
(51)

74 5
52%
(79)

706
63%
(55)

901

406

131

147

110

1,169

1,670

31 5

1950's

684

1960's

192

1970's

3

1980's1984

Total

29

5,726

2,915
54%
(308)

36 1
56%
(32)

99
52%
(1

1
33%
(0)

9
31%
(0)

35

0

0

0

2,790

1,287

719

192

3

29

8,516

130

33

8

1

b

b

3,543

1,800

1,292

72 1

192

3

29

12,059

Offense
Murder
Rape
Other
Offense Unknown

T o t a l Under L o c a l Authority

1,060

T o t a l Under C l v l l A u t h o r l t y
( S t a t e and L o c a l )

1,215

I l l e g a l Lynchings

1,540

T o t a l p e r Decade
( L e g a l and I l l e g a l )

2,755

1,190

89 5

1,995

1,042

62 1

1,663

1,484

Notes:
a. 	

The e a r l l e s t recorded execution under S t a t e a u t h o r l t y was l n 1864.
under S t a t e a u t h o r l t y .

b. 	

No lynchings r e p o r t e d a f t e r 1962.

Between 1864 and 1890, 57 persons were r e p o r t e d executed

Sources:
State Authorlty: 	

Data f o r 1890-1980 t a b u l a t e d from l l s t l n g complled by Negley K. Teeters and Charles J. Z l b u l k a , 1864 t o 1967, and
r e v l s e d by M. Watt Espy, J r .
L l s t l n g p u b l l s h e d I n Bowers, Wllllarn; P l e r c e , Glen; and McDevltt, John, L e g a l Homlclde:
Death as Punlshrnent I n Amerlca 1864-1982.
Boston:
Northeastern U n l v e r s l t y Press, 1984. Used by permlsslon.

L o c a l AuLhorlty: 	

Data t a k e n from Table 2-3 I n Bowers, Wllllam; P l e r c e , Glen; and McDevltt, John, L e g a l Homlclde:
DeaLh as Punlshrnent
I n Amerlca 1864-1967.
Boston: N o r t h e a s t e r n U n l v e r s l t y Press, 1984. Used by permlsslon.
Sources f o r t a b l e ~ n c l u d e :
Bye, R.T., C a p l t a l Punlshrnent I n t h e U n l t e d States.
P h l l a d e l p h l a : The CommlLLee o f P h l l a n t h r o p l c Labor o f P h l l a d e l p h l a
Yearly Meetlng o f Frlends, 1919, pgs. 57-58, f o r 1890-1917; Bedau, The Death P e n a l t y I n Amerlca.
New York:
Anchor
and Teeters, N.K., New Horlzons I n Crlmlnology.
Englewood C l l f f s ,
Press, 1967, pg. 35, f o r 1918-1920; Barnes, H.E.,
Brltlsh
N.J.:
P r e n t l c e - H a l l , 1942, pg. 425, f o r 1921-1926; and S e l l l n , T., "A Note on C a p l t a l Executions I n t h e U.S."
J o u r n a l o f Delinquency 1:6, 1950, pg. 7, f o r 1927-1919.
NPS and BJS Bulletins a f t e r 1930.

I l l e g a l Lynchlngs: 	 Table p u b l l s h e d I n Bureau
complled by Department o f
James; The Negro Almanac:
Census Bureau t a b l e , 1960,
1980-1 984: 	

o f t h e Census, H l s t o r l c a l S t a t l s t l c s o f t h e U n l t e d S t a t e s from C o l o n l a l Tlrnes t o 1957, and
Records and Research, Tuskegee Institute, Alabama, p r l n t e d I n P l o s k l , Harry, and Wllllarns,
A Reference Work on t h e Afro-Arnerlcan, 4 t h ed.
New York:
Wlley, 1983. Updates l n c l u d e d t o
pg. 218.

Data taken from
U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t l c e , Bureau o f J u s t l c e S t a t l s t l c s ; Washington, D.C.
Bureau o f J u s t l c e S t a t l s t l c s Bulletin; C a p l t a l Punlshrnent 1984; 1985; pg. 7.

The Legal Status of the Death Penalty
The Bureau of Prisons and the Bureau of
Justice Statistics have prepared tables
summarizing the legal status of the death
penalty within the States since 1846. Table
2-3 presents some of this information.
During the early 19th century, legislative
efforts at capital punishment reform
(limiting offenses and privatization) were
more frequently passed than abolition
legislation (Bowers et al., Lena1 Homicide;
1983, p.8). Michigan, in 1847, was the first
State to abolish execution.
Between 1846 and the mid-1970's there
have been periods of abolition in 25 States.
In the mid-1950's, six States were abolition
States (Michigan, Rhode Island, Wisconsin,
Maine, Minnesota, North Dakota). By 1972,
eight more States (Alaska, Hawaii, Oregon,
Iowa, West Virginia, Vermont, New York,
New Mexico) had
abolished capital
punishment. In Vermont, New York, and
New Mexico, the death penalty was retained
for killing a police officer. In addition, two
States, New Jersey and California, had court
orders prohibiting capital punishment.

woman and that mitigating factors cannot be
limited to those specified on a list. Another
case has ruled that jurors cannot be
excluded on the basis of being affected by
the possibility of capital sentence. By the
end of 1982, laws providing for capital
punishment were in effect in 37 States and
the Federal government. This was only two
fewer States than before Furman.
Regional Comparisons
Using the listing compiled by Teeters,
Zibulka, and Espy and published by Bowers
et al., regional tabulations were done for the
period 1890 to 1983 (Tables 2-4 and 2-5).
Regional comparisons were also tabulated
for lynchings, using data compiled by the
Tuskegee Institute (Table 2-6).

In June of 1972, in Furman vs. Georgia, the
Supreme Court ruled that the death penalty
as applied in the various States was arbitrary
and
constituted
"cruel and
unusual
punishment" in violation of the Eighth
Amendment. As a result, all U.S. death
penalties were invalidated and more than
600 prisoners had their sentences overturned
(BJS, "Capital Punishment, 1982;" p.2).

Proportionate to the population, executions
and
lynchings
have
occurred
most
frequently in the South and the West. While
the percent of total U.S. population in the
South has ranged between 31 and 33 since
1890, this region has had 50 percent of the
total executions under State authority and 83
percent of illegal lynchings. The West had
5 percent of the U.S. population in 1890 but
19 percent in 1980. The West has had 15
percent of State executions. The North East
population has ranged from 28 percent in
decades prior to 1930 to 22 percent in 1980
and has had 24 percent of executions. The
North Central area has utilized capital
punishment least frequently, with a population ranging from 36 percent to 26 percent,
yet only 11 percent of the executions.

In the years following Furman, several
States have enacted new capital punishment
legislation. These have been of two types:
those calling for mandatory imposition for
specific crimes and those providing for
guided discretion.
In subsequent court
cases, guided discretion laws have been
upheld in Florida, Georgia, and Texas and
mandatory laws have been struck down in
Louisiana and North Carolina. The Court
has also ruled that the death penalty is a
disproportionate penalty for rape of an adult

While overall the South has had relatively
more executions than the West, when we
compare the data by decade we see that the
State execution rates were highest not in the
South but in the West prior to 1930.
Regional comparisons by race (Table 2-5)
indicate that State executions per 100,000
nonwhite population have been higher in
the West than the South in every decade
except 1970 and 1980. Also, in the period
between 1910 and 1930, State execution
rates for nonwhites were higher in the

T a b l e 2-3.

A b o l i t i o n of t h e D e a t h P e n a l t y by J u r i s d i c t i o n i n t h e
U n i t e d S t a t e s by t h e Time o f Furman D e c i s i o n
-

statea
b
Michigan
Rhode 1 s l a n d C
Wisconsin
Iowa
d
Maine
Maine
Colorado
~ a n s a s ~
Minnesota
Washington
Oregon
f
N o r t h Dakota
South Dakota

Period o f
Abolition

-

---

State

Period o f
Abolition

~ennessee~ 

Arizona 

Missouri 

Alaska

Hawaii 

Delaware 

Oregon 

Iowa 

West V i i n i a 

69
Vermont . 

New yorkl 

New ~ e x i c o j 

k

New J e r s e y
k
California

Notes:
Iowa, Maine, and Oregon appear t w i c e I n t h e l i s t because each has had
two d i s t i n c t p e r i o d s o f a b o l i t i o n .
D e a t h p e n a l t y r e t a i n e d f o r t r e a s o n u n t i l 1963.
D e a t h p e n a l t y r e s t o r e d i n 1882 f o r any l i f e t e r m c o n v i c t who commits
murder.
I n 1837, a l a w was passed t o p r o v i d e t h a t no condemned p e r s o n c o u l d be
e x e c u t e d u n t i l 1 y e a r a f t e r h i s s e n t e n c i n g , and t h e n o n l y upon a w a r r a n t
from t h e g o v e r n o r .
I n 1872, a l a w was passed s i m i l a r t o t h e 1837 Maine s t a t u t e ( s e e n o t e d
above)
D e a t h p e n a l t y r e t a i n e d f o r m u r d e r by a p r i s o n e r s e r v i n g a l i f e t e r m f o r
murder.
Death p e n a l t y r e t a i n e d f o r rape.
Death p e n a l t y r e t a i n e d f o r murder o f a p o l i c e o f f i c e r on d u t y o r guard
o r by a p r i s o n e r g u i l t y o f a p r i o r murder, k i d n a p p i n g f o r ransom, and
k i l l i n g o r d e s t r u c t i o n o f v i t a l p r o p e r t y by a g r o u p d u r i n g w a r t i m e .
Death p e n a l t y r e t a i n e d f o r murder o f a p o l i c e o f f i c e r on d u t y , o r o f
anyone by a p r i s o n e r u n d e r l i f e s e n t e n c e .
Death p e n a l t y r e t a i n e d f o r t h e crime o f k i l l i n g a p o l i c e o f f i c e r o r
p r i s o n o r j a i l g u a r d w h i l e i n t h e p e r f o r m a n c e o f h i s d u t l e s , and i n
c a s e s where t h e j u r y recommends t h e d e a t h p e n a l t y and t h e d e f e n d a n t
commits a second c a p i t a l f e l o n y a f t e r t i m e f o r due d e l i b e r a t i o n f o l l o w i n g commission o f t h e f i r s t c a p i t a l f e l o n y .
D e a t h p e n a l t y a b o l i s h e d by S t a t e supreme c o u r t d e c i s i o n .

.

Sources:
Bowers, W i l l i a m ; P i e r c e , G l e n ; and M c D e v i t t , John, L e g a l H o m i c i d e :
Death
as Punishment i n A m e r i c a 1864-1982.
Boston: N o r t h e a s t e r n U n i v e r s i t y
P r e s s , 1984, pg. 9.
Used w i t h p e r m i s s i o n .
U.S. 	 D e p a r t m e n t o f J u s t i c e , Bureau o f P r i s o n s , N a t i o n a l P r i s o n e r S t a t i s t i c s ;
C a p i t a l Punishment:
1930-1 970; 1971 ; T a b l e 16.

13

T a b l e 2-5.

R e g l o n a l Comparison o f N o n w h l t e Persons E x e c u t e d Under S t a t e Authority by Decade:

1890-1984

T o t a l Nonwhlte
U.S. ~ o ~ u l a t i o n ~
7,846

9,185

10,240

10,889

12,488

13,454

15,755

20,914

25,463

38,174

285
49 7
6,835
230

409
557
8,002
21 8

508
609
8,842
281

704
856
8,994
336

1,183
1,345
9,486
47 5

1,410
1,503
10,007
534

2,079
2,341
10,348
987

3,155
3,616
11,497
2,223

4,730
4,931
12,375
3,417

6,809
6,671
16,412
8,282

North East
North Central
South
West
Nonwhlte Percent
o f Population

13

12

11

10

10

10

11

12

13

17

N o r t h East
North Central
South
West

2
2
34
7

2
2
33
5

2
2
30
4

2
3
27
4

3
3
25
4

4
4
24
4

5
5
22
5

7
7
21
8

10
9
20
10

14
11
22
19

T o t a l Known Nonwhlte
Executions

35

83

286

48 1

744

703

352

95

1

9

N o r t h East
North Central
South
West

3
6
11
15

15
17
34
18

43
16
21 2
15

85
44
326
26

56
51
601
36

66
43
553
41

32
26
267
27

10
6
65
I4

c
c
c

d
d
d
d

Nonwhlte Percent
o f Total
Executlons I n
Whlch Race I s Known

23

N o r t h East
North Central
South
West

6
19
43
26

16
37
74
26

17
47
84
20

27
37
72
26

20
28
72
24

40
46
76
30

32
45
69
26

59
27
64
30

c
c
e
c

d
d
d
d

.45

.90

2.79

4.42

5.96

5.23

2.23

.45

.004

d

1.05
1.21
.I6
6.52

3.67
3.05
.42
8.26

8.46
2.63
2.40
5.34

12.07
5.14
3.62
7.7b

4.73
3.78
6.34
7.58

4.68
2.86
5.53
7.68

1.54
1.11
2.58
2.74

.32
.I7
.57
.63

c
c
e
c

d
d
d

Rate p e r 100,000
Nonwhl e p e r
Decade

k

N o r t h East
North Central
South
West

1

Notes:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

D a t a expressed I n thousands.
Rate 1s p e r t o t a l decade, n o t y e a r l y , based on population a t s t a r t o f decade.
No n o n w h i t e executions I n decade.
Incomplete data.
Only one n o n w h l t e e x e c u t i o n i n decade.

Sources:
Execution d a t a : 	

T a b u l a t e d f r o m a l l s t l n a c o m o i l e d bv Nealev
Z l b u l k a . 1864 t o 1967. and r e v l s e d bv
, K. T e e t e r s and C h a r l e s J .
M. Watt Espy, J r .
L l s t l n g published I n Bowers, W l l l l a r n ; P l e r c e , G l e n ; and M c O e v l t t , John, L e g a l Homlclde:
D e a t h as
Punlshrnent I n Amerlca 1864-1982.
Boston:
N o r t h e a s t e r n U n l v e r s l t y Press, 1984.
U.S. Oepartment o f J u s t l c e , Bureau o f J u s t l c e S t a t l s t l c s ; Washlngton D.C.
(1981-1983) 	 B u l l e t l n : C a p l t a l Punlshment 1983; 198h. 

Bulletln:
C a p l t a l Punlshment 1984; 1985; pg. 7 . 

(1984)

P o p u l a t l o n d a t a : 	 U.S.

Department o f Commerce, Bureau o f Census; Washlngton, O.C.
H l s t o r l c a l S t a t i s t i c s o f t h e U n l t e d S t a t e s , C o l o n l a l Tlmes t o 1957; 1960.
H l s t o r l c a l S t a t l s t l c s o f t h e U n l t e d S t a t e s , C o l o n l a l Tlrnes t o 1 9 7 0 ; 1975.
S t a t l s t l c a l A b s t r a c t o f t h e U n l t e d S t a t e s : 1982-83; T a b l e 3 6 .

(1890-1950)
(1960-1970)
(1980)

Table 2-6.

I l l e g a l Lynchings by S t a t e and Race:

Region and S t a t e

Total

Whites

Blacks

1882-1962~

Percent
Black

Region and S t a t e

Total

Whites

Blacks

Percent
Black

North Central

U.S.
Percent o f T o t a l
Northeast
Vermont
New York
New Jersey
Pennsylvania

South 	
Delaware
Maryland
Virginia
West V i r g i n i a
North Carolina
South C a r o l i n a
Georgia
Florida
Kentucky
Tennessee
Alabama
Mississippi
Arkansas
Louisiana
Oklahoma
Texas

Ohio
Indiana
Illinois
Michigan
Wisconsin
Minnesota
Iowa
Missouri
N o r t h Dakota
South Dakota
Nebraska
Kansas
West
Montana
Idaho
Wyoming
Colorado
New Mexico
Arizona
Utah
Nevada
Washington
Oregon
California

Notes:
a.
b.

No i l l e g a l l y n c h i n g s have been r e p o r t e d s i n c e 1962.
Percents c a l c u l a t e d on fewer t h a n 10 cases.

Source: 	 T a b u l a t i o n s made from d a t a compiled by t h e Department o f Records and Research, Tuskegee I n s t i t u t e , Alabama;
A Reference Work on t h e A f r o and p u b l i s h e d i n : P l o s k i , Harry, and W i l l i a m s , James; The Negro Almanac:
American, 4 t h ed.
New York:
Wiley, 1983.

North East than in the South or West. This
disparity reflects the fact that illegal
lynchings were occurring in the South and
West much more frequently than in the
North East.

awaiting execution, by far the
number in U.S. history (Table 2-8).

largest

Table 2-9 gives the offense of those
received under sentence of death from 1961
to 1981.

Number Received Under Sentence of Death
Removals from the Sentence of Death
Available statistics on capital punishment
reflect the topics that have been of concern
in various periods. As executions declined,
data began to be collected on persons
received on and removed from death row.
Table 2-7 presents statistics on the number
of persons received under the sentence of
death from 1904 to 1984. Statistics prior to
1950 are taken from data on the sentences
of the total prisoners received, rather than
from special capital punishment statistics.
They therefore contain certain exclusions
for various years, notably those from States
that were not participating consistently in
the Census Bureau yearly reporting between
1926 and 1946. These include Georgia,
Mississippi, Alabama, and Michigan (an
abolition State) for years as noted in Table
2-7.
One report estimated that these
accounted for about 8 percent of the total
received.
These statistics indicate that the number of
prisoners reported received under sentence
of death has ranged from a low of 42 in
1973, the year after Furman, to a high of
322, just two years later in 1975. Declines
also occurred during World War 11. The
first four years of the 1980's have averaged
over 250 persons sentenced to death a year.
This is the highest average for any decade
in U.S. history since information has been
kept. The percent of those receiving capital
sentences who are nonwhite has ranged
from a high of 61 percent in 1972 to a ' l o w
of 37 percent in 1980.
Between 1960 and 1984, there were 4050
persons reported received in State and
Federal prisons under sentence of death. In
the same period 228 persons were executed
(192 in the 1960's and 21 in 1984 alone).
At the end of 1984, there were 1405 persons

In the period before 1960, most persons
received in prison under a death sentence
were executed. In fact, in the 1930's and
1940's slightly fewer persons were reported
received under sentence of death in State
and Federal prisons than were executed.
This anomaly is because the data on
executions are more complete than those on
persons received under the death sentence,
but the data do indicate that the sentence
was usually carried out.
(There were
exclusions from the number of prisoners
reported received from States such as
Alabama and Georgia and some exclusions
of local executions, for instance in Cook
County, Illinois).
By 1960, however, those received under the
sentence of death far exceeded those
executed. Increasingly those received under
a death sentence had final dispositions other
than execution (Table 2-10). In the 1 9 6 0 ' ~ ~
1125 persons were received and 192 persons
~
were
were executed. In the 1 9 7 0 ' ~there
1644 persons received under the death
sentence and 3 were executed. Between
1968 and 1982, of the 2637 persons
sentenced to death, 2038 persons had
dispositions other than execution. These
data indicate that not only are sentences of
death selectilely given, but that once the
sentence is handed down, it is very
selectively enforced.
The rise in the
number awaiting executions in the 1980's
indicates sentence changes are no longer
occurring as frequently (BJS Bulletin,
"Capital Punishment 1982"). In 1984, death
sentences were removed for only 63 persons;
there were 21 executions and 280 persons
received under a sentence of death (BJS
Bulletin, "Capital Punishment 1984").

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Table 2-8.

Number Present Under Sentence o f Death on Day o f t h e Survey by Sex, Race, Offense, Age and
Elapsed Time f o r Yeara i n Which Data Are A v a i l a b l e :
1880-1984

Offense
Total

umber^

Total
Female

Total
Nonwhite

Percent
Nonwhite

Murder

Rape

Other

Median
Age
i n Years

Median
Elapsed
Time i n
Months

Notes:
a.

b.

Data unknown o r n o t obtained.
I n c l u d e s those present under death sentence i n l o c a l f a c i l i t i e s .

Sources:
U.S. 	 Department of I n t e r i o r , Bureau o f Census: Washington, D.C.
(1880) 	
Report on Defective, Dependent, and Delinquent Classes o f t h e P o p u l a t i o n o f t h e U.S.:
1880;
1888; pg. 550.
U.S. 	 Department o f Commerce, Bureau o f Census: Washington, D.C.
(1890-1910) 	 P r i s o n e r s and J u v e n i l e Delinquents i n t h e USA: 1910; 1918; pgs. 41-42. 

(1923)
Prisoners:
1923: 1926: pgs. 111-112. 

U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , Federal Bureau of Prisons: Washington, D.C.
(1953-1970) N a t i o n a l P r i s o n e r S t a t i s t i c s B u l l e t i n s : Numbers 10, 12, 14, 23, 28, 32, 37, 41, 42, 4 5 , 46.
U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , Law Enforcement Assistance A d m i n i s t r a t i o n , N a t i o n a l C r i m i n a l J u s t i c e I n f o r m a t i o n
and S t a t i s t i c s Service: Washington, D.C.
(1971-1979)
N a t i o n a l P r i s o n e r S t a t i s t i c s B u l l e t i n s SD-NPS-CP; Numbers 1-8.
U.S. 	 D e ~ a r t m e n t o f J u s t i c e . Bureau o f J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s : Washinaton. D.C.
(1980-1983) 	 B u l l e t i n :
C a p i t a l Punishment; Numbers NCJ-709i5, NCJ-78600, NCJ-86484. 

(1984)
Bulletin:
C a p i t a l Punishment 1984: 1985: pgs. 6-7. 


T a b l e 2-9.

Year

O f f e n s e s o f Those R e c e i v e d Under Sentence o f Death:

Total
Reported
b
Received

Murder

0 f fense
Rape

1961-1981

Other

Notes:
a.
b.

Not a v a i l a b l e .
Unrevised t o t a l s :

O f f e n s e n o t a v a i l a b l e on r e v i s e d t o t a l s .

Sources:
U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , Bureau o f P r i s o n s ; Washington, D.C.
(1961-1970) 	 N a t i o n a l P r i s o n e r S t a t i s t i c s B u l l e t i n s :
C a p i t a l Punishment;
Numbers 28, 32, 37, 41, 42, 45, 46.
U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , Law E n f o r c e m e n t A s s i s t a n c e A d m i n i s t r a t i o n , N a t i o n a l
C r i m i n a l J u s t i c e I n f o r m a t i o n and S t a t i s t i c s S e r v i c e ; Washington, D.C.
( 1 971 -1 979) N a t i o n a l P r i s o n e r S t a t i s t i c s B u l l e t i n s :
C a p i t a l Punishment,
SD-NPS-CP, Numbers 1-8.
U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , Bureau o f J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s ; Washington, D.C.
(1980-1981) 	 C a p i t a l Punishment; Numbers NCJ-70945 and NCJ-78600.
(1984)
B u l l e t i n : C a p i t a l Punishment 1984; 1985; pg. 6.

Table 2-10.

Year

Persons Removed from Sentence o f Death Other Than by
E x e c u t i o n : 1960-1984

Persons
Removed
from Death
Sentence

Median
Elapsed
Time i n
Months from
Sentencing

Average
Age

Notes:
a.

Not a v a i l a b l e o r n o t y e t p u b l i s h e d .

Sources :
U.S.

Department o f J u s t i c e ; F e d e r a l Bureau o f P r i s o n s : Washington, D.C.
(1960-1969)
N a t i o n a l P r i s o n e r S t a t i s t i c s B u l l e t i n s ; Numbers 34,37,39,41,42.
U.S. Department o f J u s t i c e , Law Enforcement A s s i s t a n c e A d m i n i s t r a t i o n ; N a t i o n a l
C r i m i n a l J u s t i c e I n f o r m a t i o n and S t a t i s t i c s S e r v i c e : Washington, D.C.
(1970-1975)
National Prisoner S t a t i s t i c s :
C a p i t a l Punishment: NPS-CP-1-3.
U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , Bureau o f J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s : Washinqton, D.C.
(1977-1984)
B u l l e t i n : C a p i t a l Punishment 1984; 1985: pg. 7 .

Executions by the Military, by the Federal
Gover~iment,and of Women

In 1930, the Census Bureau began to include
data on military executions, and these have
been summarized by the Federal Bureau of
Prisons (Table 2-11). Between 1930 and
1983, there were 160 executions by the
military. All executions in this period were
by the Army and Air Force. The Navy has
had no executions since 1849.
Seven
persons awaiting execution were removed
from the sentence of death in 1983, when
the military regulations under which the
death sentence was imposed were ruled
unconstitutional. Of the total number of
persons executed by the military, 106 were
for murder, 53 for rape, and 1 for
desertion.

Between 1930 and 1963 (the last year of a
Federal execution), 32 persons were
executed under the auspices of the civil
Federal government (Table 2- 12). These
included 15 for murder, 6 for kidnapping (5
of which involved murder), and 12 for
other offenses. Thirty-three women were
executed between 1930 and 1962 (Table 213).
Between 1962 and 1984 there were no
executions of women. In 1985, the first
execution of a woman since 1962 occurred.

Table 2-1 1.

Executions by M i l i t a r y :

Year 	

1930-1983~

Number

1930 	 - 1941 

1941 - 1950 

1954 

1955 

1957 

1958 

1959 

1961 

1962 - 1 9 8 3 ~ 

Total 


Notes:
The Navy has executed no
Executions have been by t h e A r m y and A i r Force.
one s i n c e 1849.
b. 	 I n 1982, t h e r e were s i x persons under t h e sentence o f death i n t h e m i l i tary.
I n 1983, r e g u l a t i o n s used were d e c l a r e d u n c o n s t i t u t i o n a l and seven
persons were removed. New r e g u l a t i o n s were d r a f t e d by 1985.
c. 	 O f t h e t o t a l , 106 o f t h e executions have been f o r murder, 53 f o r rape, and
1 f o r desertion.
a. 	

Source:
U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , Federal Bureau o f Prjsons; Washington, D.C.
N a t i o n a l P r i s o n e r S t a t i s t i c s B u l l e t i n Number 42; June 1968; pg. 3.

Table 2-12.

Federal Executions i n t h e United States,

b y Year, Offense, Race, and State:

Offense

1930-1963

Race
S t a t e i n Which Executed

Total

Year

brder

a
Kidnapping

American
otherb

Mite

Black

Indian

A l l years
	
Iowa 

Georgia 

Missouri 

New York 

M i s s o u r i (21, New York ( 2 ) 

Alaska 

C a l i f o r n i a ( 3 ) , Alaska ( 1 ), F l o r i d a ( 1 ) 

Wyoming 

Tennessee 

D i s t r i c t o f Columbia 

Alaska 

Kansas ( 2 ) , I l l i n o i s (11, I n d i a n a ( 1 ) 

Michigan ( 1 )
I n d i a n a ( I ) , Arizona ( I ) , Oklahoma ( 1 )
Kansas

Note:

-

There have been no Federal executions s i n c e 1963.

Represents zero.

a . 	 Under t h e Federal kidnapping s t a t u t e p r i o r t o 1968, t h e death p e n a l t y c o u l d be imposed i f the v i c t i m was n o t released unharmed.
I n a l l o f the cases i n t h i s t a b l e but the one i n 1936, t h e v i c t i m was k i l l e d by t h e kidnapper.
b. 	 I n c l u d e s two cases o f rape on a Federal r e s e r v a t i o n (1957), two cases o f espionage (1953), s i x cases o f sabotage (1942), a r d two
cases o f bank robbery w i t h homicide (1938).
Source:

Complete t a b l e taken from
U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , Ehreau o f J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s ; Washington, D.C.
C a p i t a l Punishment 1982; 1983; pg. 17.

CHAPTER I11

SUMMARY OF STATISTICS

STATE AND FEDERAL PRISON
STATISTICS

Persons Present and Received in State and
Federal Prisons and Reformatories

This chapter concentrates on national data
on State prisons and reformatories and
includes Federal institutions insofar as they
were traditionally included in national
reports dealing with State prisons and
reformatories. The extensive reports of the
Federal
Bureau
of
Prisons
dealing
exclusively with Federal prisons are
summarized in Chapter VI.

As indicated in Chapter I, the earliest
national
statistics
on
persons
in
penitentiaries comes from the 1850 Census;
however, this report and those in 1860 and
1870 are not viewed as comparable in
completeness to later reports. Table 3-1
summarizes the number reported present
and court convictions in the 1850-1870
reports. The major problem with the court
conviction data was the absence of a clear
definition of terms such as "conviction" and
"criminals".
For example, in 1850
Pennsylvania reported 2930 convictions and
New York, 58,067. In the eyes of later
census reporters these disparities indicated
that differing definitions were being used.
It was later reported that Pennsylvania had
restricted reports to those convicted by a
court of record, while New York had
included convictions at police courts. In
1860, an attempt was made to include less
serious offenses and hence a much larger
number of convictions is reported.

Comparatively more information is available
on State and Federal prisons than on jails
and correctional facilities for juveniles.
However, national prison statistics have
been transferred among several agencies,
and reporting units have often changed with
the change in agency sponsorship.
The
extent of State participation has also varied
over time.
In this chapter national reports are
summarized from the following agencies:
The Census Bureau's decennial series
on Institutional Populations from
1850-1980 and the yearly series on
State and Federal Prisons and
Reformatories between 1926 and
1946;
The Federal Bureau of Prisons'
reports on State and Federal prisons
between 1947 and 1970, in the
National Prisoner Statistics series;
w

The Law Enforcement Assistance
Administration's (LEAA) continuation
of the National Prisoner Statistics
series between 1970 and 1980;
The Bureau of Justice Statistics' (BJS)
reports and bulletins issued between
1980 and 1984.

The data between 1850 and 1870 on the
number of persons in prison are viewed
with only somewhat less suspicion. It is
known that this was a period in which many
States were establishing State prisons and
reformatories. It may be that part of the
large growth between the 1850 rate of 29
per 100,000 and the 1880 rate of 61 per
100,000 is due to growth of the system
rather than lack of inclusiveness. Census
taker F.H. Wines commented in 1880 that
the rise in prison and jail population
between
1850 and
1880 had been
accompanied by a corresponding decrease in
those present in almshouses (Census Office,
"Report on Defective, Dependent and
Delinquent Classes of the Population of the
United States: 1880;" p.iv).
Those reporting later Census results
identified 1880 as the first Census report
comparable to later reports (Census Bureau,
"Prisoners and Juvenile Delinquents, 1910;"
pp.10-13).
Tables 3-2 and 3-3 present
Census Bureau data on the number and rate

T a b l e 3-1.

E a r l i e s t Census D a t a on P r i s o n s :

1850-1870

Census o f c r i m i n a l s a
Year

R a t i o s p e r 100,000
Convictions
D u r i n g Year

P r i s o n s o n June 1

Convictions

I n Prison

Notes:
a.
b.

D a t a t h o u g h t t o b e i n c o m p l e t e and i n c o n s i s t e n t .
A s p e c i a l e f f o r t was made i n 1860 t o i n c l u d e t h o s e c o n v i c t e d f o r
minor offenses.

Source:
U.S.

Complete t a b l e t a k e n f r o m

D e p a r t m e n t o f Commerce, B u r e a u o f Census; Washington, D.C.
(1850-1870) 	 P r i s o n e r s and J u v e n i l e D e l i n q u e n t s i n t h e U.S.:
1918; pg. 13.

1910;

T a b l e 3-2.

Persons P r e s e n t I n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r l s o n s on t h e Day o f Survey, Census Data:

30,659

Unlted States
Federal I n s t i t u t i o n s
State I n s t l t u t l o n s
Northeast
Maine
New Hampshire
Vermont
Massachusetts
Rhode I s l a n d
Connecticut
New York
Kew J e r s e y
Pennsylvania
North Central
Ohio
Indiana
Illinois
Mlchlaan
Wisconsin
Minnesota
Iowa
Mlssouri
N o r t h Dakota
South Dakota
Nebraska
Kansas

West
Montana
Idaho
Wyoming
Colorado
Uew Mexico
Arizona
Utah
Nevada
Washlnoton
Oregon
California
Alaska
Hawaii

57,U70

68,735

81,959

120,496

165,585

178,128

226,344

198,831

302,377

1,641
55,429

1,904
66,831

4,664
77,295

12,964
107,532

19,260
146,325

(17,170)
(160,958)

(25,020)
(201,324)

(21,094)
(177,737)

(41,085)
(261,292)

11 6
91
1,530
122
340

160
274
1,958
451
474

147
170
1,966
421
605

138
316
1,448
466
891

124
412
2,124
366
1,210

262
343
2,993
308
1,146

238
31 8
3,639
385
1,620

152
31 0
3,829
348
1.937

246
299
3,385
482
3.547

259
354
2,535
769
4.459

530
432
623
1,701
65
97

842
917
860
2,163
151
196

'953
1,092
963
2,307
21 2
207

l;l58
1,634
1,794
2,205
244
326

1;933
2,360
2,468
3,971
330
462

2,671
2,509
2,574
4,208
353
400

2; 041
2,018
2,088
4,675
333
437

2,703
2,893
2,294
5,296
350
569

3;336
2,169
1,662
4,096
191
384

4;052
2,853
2,006
5,692
31 8
1.077

a

a

11,419
2,906
11,006
4,578
11,246

112
6,521
1,607
7,466
2,673
9.070

1,398
8,618
2,249
16,526
7,166
11,672

540

267

737

b

b

(30,659)

(45,233)

154
143
1,085
107
252

308
248
546
1,280
a
a

South
Delaware
Maryland
~ i s k r i c to f Columbia
Vlrglnia
West V i r q i n i a
North c a r o l l n a
South C a r o l l n a
Georqla
~lorida
Kentucky
Tennessee
Alabama
Mlsslsslpp~
Arkansas
Louisiana
Oklahoma
Texas

45,233

1880-1980

a

a

a

a

a

1,546
1,014
674
660
1,915

2,145
1,071
710
848
2,638

1,960
1,628
1,046
528
3,738

2,664
2,174
2,232
686

1,597
4,144
2,691
4,272
1,276

a

1,167
278
1,422
806
1,729

a

a

8,682
3,227
8,694
2,213
5,331

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

749
266
81 I
259

Notes:
a. 	 Data n o t a v a i l a b l e .
b. 	 There were no s e p a r a t e F e d e r a l l n s t i t u t l o n s i n 1880 and 1890. The t o t a l number o f F e d e r a l p r i s o n e r s i n 1880 was 2,162 and 1890 was 3624.
c. 	 I n d l v l d u a l S t a t e t o t a l s i n c l u d e t h o s e p r e s e n t i n F e d e r a l institutions w l t h i n t h e S t a t e .
Sources:
U.S. 	 Department o f t h e I n t e r l o r , Bureau o f Census; Washington, D.C. 

(1880) Report on t h e O e f e c t l v e , Dependent and D e l i n q u e n t Classes o f t h e P o p u l a t i o n o f t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s . As Returned a t t h e T e n t h 

census: 1880; 1888; pg. 485.
11
(1890) R e o o r t on Crlme. Pauuerlsm. and Benevolence I n t h e U n l t e d S t a t e s a t t h e E l e v e n t h Census: 1890:, , art 11: 1895:, oa.
, >
U.5. ~ e p a r t m e n ko f commerce; ~ u r k a uo f ' c e n s u s ; Washington, 0.C.
(1904, P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r l s o n s and Reformatories: 1926; 1929; pg. 4. 


1910, 

1923) 

(1930)
(1940)
(1950)
(1960)
(1970)
(1980)

Prisoners i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s :
1929 and 1930; 1932; pg. 3. 

P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r ~ s o n sand R e f o r m a t o r i e s :
1940; 1943; pg. 11. 

U.S. Census o f P o p u l a t i o n 1950: S p e c i a l R e p o r t s , Institutional P o p u l a t ~ o n ; 1953; pgs. 2C-72 t o 2C-79. 

U.S. Census o f P o p u l a t i o n , 1960: S u b j e c t R e p o r t s , Inmates o f I n s t i t u t i o n s ; 1963; pgs. 66-82. 

U.S. Census o f P o p u l a t i o n , 1970: S u b j e c t R e p o r t s , Persons i n I n s t i t u t i o n s and O t h e r Group Q u a r t e r s ; 1973; pgs. 5 , 74-77. 

1980 Census o f Population: Persons i n I n s t i t u t i o n s and O t h e r Group Q u a r t e r s ; 1984; pgs. 1 9 , 73-76. 


T a b l e 3-3. 	

Persons P r e s e n t p e r 100,000 U.S. P o p u l a t i o n i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s
by Region and S t a t e , Census Data:
1880-1980

Region and S t a t e

1880

1890

1 9 0 4 ~ 1910

1 9 2 3 ~ 1930

1940

1950e

1 9 6 0 ~ 1970e

1980e

United States
Federal I n s t i t u t i o n s 

State I n s t i t u t i o n s 

Northeast 

Maine 

New Hampshire 

Vermont 

Massachusetts 

Rhode I s l a n d 

Connecticut 

New York 

New J e r s e y 

Pennsylvania 

North Central 

Ohio 

Indiana 

Illinois 

Michigan 

Wisconsin 

Minnesota 

Iowa 

Missouri 

North Dakota 

South Dakota 

Nebraska 

Kansas 

South 

Delaware 

Maryland 

D i s t r i c t of Columbia 

Virginia 

West V i r g i n i a 

North Carolina 

South C a r o l i n a 

Georgia 

Florida 

Kentucky 

Tennessee 

Alabama 

Mississippi 

Arkansas 

Louisiana 

Oklahoma 

Texas 

West 

Montana 

Idaho 

Wyoming 

Colorado 

New Mexico 

Arizona 

Utah 

Nevada 

Washington 

Oregon 

California 

Alaska 

Hawaii 

Notes:
a. 	 C a l c u l a t i o n s based on e s t i m a t e d p o p u l a t i o n f o r 1904 and 1923 and do n o t i n c l u d e Delaware and D i s t r i c t o f Columbia o r
Oklahoma i n 1904.
b. 	 There were no s e p a r a t e F e d e r a l i n s t i t u t i o n s i n 1880 and 1890. The t o t a l number o f F e d e r a l p r i s o n e r s i n 1880 was 

2,162 and i n 1890 was 3,624. 

c. 	 Data not a v a i l a b l e o r not obtained.
d. 	 Rate low because o f S t a t e s missing.
e. 	 I n d i v i d u a l S t a t e r a t e s sometimes i n c l u d e t h o s e p r e s e n t i n F e d e r a l i n s t i t u t i o n s w i t h i n t h e S t a t e .
Sources:
U.S. 	 Department of t h e I n t e r i o r , Bureau o f Census; Washington, O.C.
(1880) Report on t h e D e f e c t i v e , Dependent and D e l i n q u e n t C l a s s e s of t h e P o p u l a t i o n o f t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s , As Returned
s t t h e Tenth Census: 1880; 1888; pg. 485.
(1890) 	 Report on Crime, Pauperism, and Benevolence i n t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s a t t h e E l e v e n t h Census: 1890, p a r t 11; 1895;
pg. 11.
U.S. Department o f Commerce, Bureau o f t h e Census; Washington, D.C.
(1904, P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and Reformatories:
1926; 1929; pg. 4. 

1910, 

1923) 

(1930) P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s :
1929 and 1930; 1932; pg. 3. 

(1940) P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s :
1940; 1943; pg. 11. 

(1950) U.S. Census o f P o p u l a t i o n 1950: S p e c i a l R e p o r t s , I n s t i t u t i o n a l P o p u l a t i o n ; 1953; pgs. 20-72 t o 20-79. 

(1960) U.S. Census o f P o p u l a t i o n , 1960: S u b j e c t Reports, I n m a t e s o f I n s t i t u t i o n s ; 1963; pgs. 66-82. 

(1970) U.5. Census of P o p u l a t i o n , 1970: S u b j e c t Reports, Persons i n I n s t i t u t i o n s and O t h e r Group Q u a r t e r s ; 1973; 

pgs. 5, 74-77.
(1980) 1980 Census o f P o p u l a t i o n :
Persons i n I n s t i t u t i o n s and O t h e r Group Q u a r t e r s ; 1984; pgs. 19, 73-76.
(1880- H i s t o r i c a l S t a t i s t i c s o f t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s , C o l o n i a l Times t o 1970, p a r t I;1975; pgs. 22-37.
1970) 

(1980) S t a t i s t i c a l A b s t r a c t of t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s : 1984; 1983. 


per 100,000 present by State in prisons from
1880 to 1980. Table 3-4 presents similar
Justice Department data for the years 1950
to 1984. Table 3-5 specifically compares
national totals for the Census Bureau and
the Justice Department for 1950 to 1980.
Table 3-6 presents rates per 100,000 total
population and population aged 20 to 44 for
national data at 10-year intervals since 1880.
Table 3-7 presents the number and rate per
100,000 under sentence in State and Federal
prisons from 1925 to 1982.
Unlike the jail and juvenile reports, the
data from the Census Bureau and the Justice
Department on the number present are
relatively consistent (within 10,000) for
most years in which there is overlap of
collection. This consistency reflects the fact
that State and Federal prisons are
comparatively more easily defined and
located than jails and facilities for juveniles
(see Chapters IV and V). There are larger
differences between the data for 1980 than
the previous years. The Census estimate for
Federal prisons is 17,000 more than reported
by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and the
total for State prisoners reported by the
Census Bureau is 40,000 less than that
reported by BJS for the same year. The
combined totals are thus about 20,000 apart.
It may be that part of the difference in
Federal prisoners is related to differential
counting of military prisoners, of which
there were about 4000 in the early 1 9 8 0 ' ~ ~
and to inclusion of other Federal detainees.
The numbers reported over the 100-year
period indicate that the rates present in
State and Federal prisons and reformatories
per 100,000 total U.S. population have
tripled between 1880 and 1984. In 1880 the
rate was 61, and in 1984 it was 188. The
rates per population aged 20 to 44
demonstrate similar increases. The increase
was not a steady one.
Rates increased
somewhat from 1880 up to 1910, were
stable between 1910 and 1923, and then
increased greatly during the Depression up
to 1940. The rates then decreased somewhat
between 1940 and 1950, increased into the
1960's, decreased again around 1970, and
have dramatically risen during the later
1970's and 1980's. Regionally, rates in the

South have increased the most over the
period, and the South continues to have the
largest prison population.
Numbers Received

Data on those received in prison during an
entire year were first collected by the
Census Bureau in 1904. At this time the
statistic was presented to correct notions
that were obtained by only looking at those
present on the day of the survey. Data on
the number of prisoners received annually
were then included in the Census
Institutional Population reports in 1910 and
1923. When the yearly series was initiated
in 1926, those received during the year
became the basis for reporting detailed
information rather than those present.
Table 3-8 includes available yearly data on
the number reported received from 1904 to
1983. These rates have ranged from about
35 to 45 per 100,000 in years before 1929
and again in the late 19603, to about 75 per
100,000 in the early 1980's. Tables 3-9 and
3-10 present number and rate received, by
State, at 10-year intervals.
Sentences

The first national information on sentencing
comes from the 1880 Census report. Of the
total population in penitentiaries, 99 percent
were reported to be under sentence at the
time of the survey (p.520) and 88 percent of
these had sentences listed of over 1 year
(Table 3-1 1). Comparable data for jails for
the same year indicate that about 55 percent
of the inmates were under sentence and of
these only 8 percent had sentences of 1 year
or longer.
In 1890 data were not tallied on sentence by
type
of
prison;
however,
extensive
information was presented on average
sentence of the total penal facility
population by sex, race, nativity, and
offense. This information is presented in
Table 3-12. The average sentence ranged
from 7.77 years for offenses against the
person to .76 years for offenses against
society.
It was noted that the average
sentence of blacks was 1 year longer and
that of Chinese, 3 years longer than that of

T a b l e 3-4. 	

Number o f Persons P r e s e n t and R a t e p e r 100,000 U.S.
b y S t a t e and Reglon, J u s t i c e Data:
1950-1984

P o p u l a t i o n i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s

Rate p e r 1 0 0 , 0 0 0 ~ ' ~ 	
Total 	

Region and S t a t e
United States
Federal I n s t i t u t i o n s
State I n s t i t u t i o n s

1950

1960

110

119

11
99

13 

106 


114
49
168
191
138
144

133 

49 

171 

267 

154 

129 


Number p r e s e n t a

W i t h sentences o f
1 year o r longerb
1970

1980

1984

Total

1950

1960

With sentences o f
1 year o r longerb
1970

1980b

1984~

Northeast 

Maine 

New Hampshire 

Vermont 

Massachusetts 

Rhode I s l a n d 

Connecticut 

New York 

New J e r s e y 

Pennsylvania 

North Central 

Ohio 

Indiana 

Illinois 

Michigan 

Wisconsin 

Minnesota 

Iowa 

Missouri 

N o r t h Dakota 

South Dakota 

Nebraska 

Kansas 

South
Delaware
Maryland
D i s t r i c t o f C o l umbia
Virginla
West V l r g l n i a
North Carolina 

South C a r o l i n a 

Georgia 

Florida 

Kentucky 

Tennessee 

Alabama 

Mississippi 

Arkansas 

Louisiana 

Oklahoma 

Texas 

West 

Montana 

Idaho 

Wyoming 

Colorado 

New Mexico 

Arizona 

Utah 

Nevada 

Washington 

Oregon 

California 

Alaska 

Hawaii 

Notes:
a. 	
b. 	
c. 	
d. 	
e. 	

P r i s o n e r s p r e s e n t on December 31.
I n c l u d e s p r i s o n e r s sentenced t o more t h a n a y e a r ; t o t a l number p r e s e n t i n 1980 was 329,821 and i n 1984, 463,866.
As r a t e s were c o m p i l e d individually, sum o f S t a t e and F e d e r a l r a t e s may n o t e x a c t l y e q u a l U n i t e d S t a t e s r a t e .
Data n o t a v a i l a b l e o r n o t o b t a i n e d .
Figures estimated.

Sources:
U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , Bureau o f P r i s o n s ; N a t i o n a l P r i s o n e r S t a t i s t i c s ; Washington, D.C. 

(1950) P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l I n s t i t u t i o n s : 1950; 1954; pgs. 41, 44-45. 

(1960) C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s o f S t a t e Prisoners: 1960; 1965; pg. 57. 

(1970) P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l I n s t i t u t i o n s f o r A d u l t F e l o n s : 1968, 1969, 1970; Number 47; 

1972; pgs. 2, 10-11.
U.S. Department o f J u s t i c e , Bureau o f J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s ; Washington, D.C.
(1980) Sourcebook o f C r i m i n a l J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s : 1983; 1984; pgs. 568, 570. 

(1984) B u l l e t i n : P r i s o n e r s i n 1984; 1985; pg. 2. 

U . S . 	 Department o f Commerce, Bureau o f Census; Washington, D.C. 

H i s t o r i c a l S t a t i s t i c s o f t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s , C o l o n i a l Times t o 1970, P a r t I ; 1975; pgs. 22-37. 

S t a t i s t i c a l Abstract of the United States:
1984; 1983. 


Table 3-5. 	

Comparison Census and J u s t i c e F i g u r e s f o r Number Reported
P r e s e n t i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l C o r r e c t i o n a l F a c i l i t i e s ,
A v a i l a b l e Years: 1950-1984

Federal
Facilities

State
P r i s o n s and
Reformatories

Federal
and S t a t e

1950 (Census)
(Justice)
1960 (Census)
(Justice)
1970 (Census)
(Justice)
1980 (Census)
1980 ( ~ u s t i c e ) ~

Notes:
a . 	 Wot s e p a r a t e l y enumerated.
b . 	 Revised t o t a l s . Reported t o g i v e complete c o v e r a g e f o r i n s t i tutions for adult offenders.
c . 	 T o t a l s a r e f o r a l l p r e s e n t . These d i f f e r from Table 3-4 which
a r e only f o r those with s e n t e n c e s o f 1 year o r longer.
Sources :
U.S. 	 Department of J u s t i c e , Bureau o f P r i s o n s ; N a t i o n a l P r i s o n e r
S t a t i s t i c s ; Washington, D . C .
(1950)
P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l i n s t i t u t i o n s :
1950; 1954; pg. 6.
(1960,1970) 	 P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l I n s t i t u t i o n s
f o r Adult F e l o n s : '1968, 1969, 1970; Number 47;
1972; pg. 2 .
U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , Bureau o f J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s ;
Washington, D . C .
(1980)
P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l I n s t i t u t i o n s on
December 3 1 , 1981 ; 1983; pg. 13.
(1984)
B u l l e t i n : P r i s o n e r s i n 1984; 1985; pg. 2 .
U.S. 	 Department o f Commerce, Bureau o f Census; Washington, D.C.
(1950)
U.S. Census P o p u l a t i o n 1950: S p e c i a l R e p o r t s ,
I n s t i t u t i o n a l P o p u l a t i o n s ; 1953; pg. 2 c l l .
(1960)
U.S. Census of P o p u l a t i o n , 1960: S u b j e c t R e p o r t s ,
Inmates o f I n s t i t u t i o n s ; 1963; pgs. 13-14.
(1970)
H i s t o r i c a l S t a t i s t i c s o f t h e United S t a t e s ,
C o l o n i a l Times t o 1 9 7 0 ; 1976; pgs. 419-420.
(1980) 	
U.S. Census o f P o p u l a t i o n , 1980: S u b j e c t R e p o r t s ,
P e r s o n s i n I n s t i t u t i o n s and Group Q u a r t e r s ; 1984;
pgs. 4-5.

Table 3-6.

Rate p e r 100,000 P o p u l a t i o n and Rate per 100,000 Aged 20-44 Present i n S t a t e
and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s by Decade: 1880-1983, Summary Table

Year

United States
Population
(~housands)

United States
Population
Aged 20-44
(Thousands)

Number
Present
on Day o f
Survey

Rate per
100,000 T o t a l
Population

Rate
per 100,000
Population
Aged 20-44

1880

(Census)

50,155

18,007

30,659

61

170

1890

(Census)

62,622

23,055

45,233

72

196

1904

(Census)

82,165

31,632

57,070

69

180

1910

(Census)

92,407

35,867

68,735

74

192

1923

(Census)

111,950

43,196

81,959

73

190

1933

(Census)

1940

(Census)

132,457

51,260

165,585~

125

323

1950

(Justice)

151,868

56,691

165,796~

109

292

1960

(Justice)

1970

(Justice)

203,810

64,366

196,429

96

305

1980

(Justice)

227,700

85,056

329,821

145

388

1983

(Justice)

234,200

89, 500a

419,731

179

469

Notes:
a.
b.

Estimated.
J u s t i c e Department r e v i s e d f i g u r e f o r 1940 was 173,706 and f o r 1950, 166,123.

Sources:
U.S. 	 Department o f t h e I n t e r i o r , Bureau o f Census; Washington, D.C.
(1880) Report on t h e D e f e c t i v e , Dependent and D e l i n q u e n t Classes o f t h e P o p u l a t i o n
o f t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s , As Returned a t t h e Tenth Census:
1880; 1888; pg. 485.
(1890) Report on Crime, Pauperism, and Benevolence i n t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s a t t h e
E l e v e n t h Census: 1890, p a r t 11; 1895; pg. 11.
U.S. 	 Department o f Commerce, Bureau o f Census; Washington, D.C.
(1904,
P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and Reformatories:
1926; 1929; pg. 4.
1910,
1923)
(1933) P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s : 1933; 1935; pg. 3.
(1940) P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s : 1940; 1943; pg. 11.
U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , Bureau o f P r i s o n s ; N a t i o n a l P r i s o n e r S t a t i s t i c s ; Washington, D.C.
(1950) P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l I n s t i t u t i o n s :
1950; 1954; pgs. 44-45.
(1960) C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s o f S t a t e P r i s o n e r s :
1960; 1965; pg. 57.
(1970) P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l I n s t i t u t i o n s f o r A d u l t Felons:
1968, 1969, 1970;
Number 47; 1972; pg. 2.
U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , Bureau o f J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s ; Washington, D.C.
(1980) Sourcebook o f C r i m i n a l J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s :
1983; 1984; pg. 570.
(1983) B u l l e t i n : P r i s o n e r s a t Midyear 1983; 1983; Table 2, pg. 2.
P o p u l a t i o n Sources:
U.S. 	 Department o f Commerce, Bureau o f Census; Washington, D.C.
H i s t o r i c a l S t a t i s t i c s o f t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s , C o l o n i a l Times t o 1970, p a r t I;1975;
pgs. 22-37.
S t a t i s t i c a l A b s t r a c t o f t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s , 1984; 1983.

Table 3-7.

Yearend

Number and R a t e p e r 100,000 P o p u l a t i o n of S e n t e n c e d P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l I n s t i t u t i o n s :

Number

Rate p e r
100,000
population

Yearend

Number

1925-1982~

Rate per
100,000
population

Notes:
a. 	 The c o u n t , u n t i l 1977, was l i m i t e d t o t h o s e p r i s o n e r s remanded t o t h e c u s t o d y o f t h e S t a t e o r F e d e r a l a d u l t c o r r e c t i o n a l
system. Beginning i n 1977, t h e c o u n t i n c l u d e s a l l p e r s o n s under t h e j u r i s d i c t i o n of t h e i n d i v i d u a l c o r r e c t i o n a l systems.
Examples o f i n m a t e s under t h e j u r i s d i c t i o n o f a g i v e n s y s t e m , b u t n o t under its c u s t o d y , a r e t h o s e housed i n l o c a l j a i l s ,
i n o t h e r S t a t e s , o r i n h o s p i t a l s ( i n c l u d i n g mental h e a l t h f a c i l i t i e s ) o u t s i d e t h e c o r r e c t i o n a l system; i n m a t e s o u t on work
r e l e a s e , f u r l o u g h o r b a i l ; and S t a t e p r i s o n e r s h e l d i n F e d e r a l p r i s o n s o r v i c e v e r s a . F i g u r e s f o r b o t h t h e c u s t o d y and
j u r i s d i c t i o n p o p u l a t i o n s a r e g i v e n f o r 1977 i n o r d e r t h a t 1977 c a n be compared w i t h b o t h p r e v i o u s and s u b s e q u e n t y e a r s .
Over t h e y e a r s , t h e s e n t e n c e d p r i s o n e r p o p u l a t i o n h a s been v a r i o u s l y d e f i n e d t o i n c l u d e " f e l o n s age 1 8 and o v e r , " " a d u l t
f e l o n s , " " p r i s o n e r s s e n t e n c e d t o a maximum t e r m o f a t l e a s t a y e a r and a day," and s i n c e 1978, " p r i s o n e r s s e n t e n c e d t o
over 1 year."
Source:

Complete t a b l e t a k e n from

U.S. 	 Department of J u s t i c e , Bureau o f J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s ; Washington, O.C. 

P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l I n s t i t u t i o n s on December 31, 1982; 1984; pg. 52. 


T a b l e 3-8. 	 Number and R a t e p e r 100,000 of S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n e r s Received from Court:
1904-1983

Year 	

Number

Rate P e r 100,000

1904 	
1910 	
1923 	

27,740
29,710
38,628

33.6
32.5
34.6

1926 	
1927 	
1928 	
1929 	
1930 	
1931 	
1932 	
1933 	
1934 	
1935 	
1936 	
1937 	
1938 	
1939 	
1940 	
1941 	
1942 	
1943 	
1944 	
1945 	
1946 	
1947 	
1948 	
1949 	
1950 	
1951 	
1952 	

48,108
51,936
55,746
58,906
66,013
71,520
67,477
62,801
62,251
65,723
60,925
63,552
68,326
66,024
73,104
68,700
58,858
50,082
50,162
53,212
61,338
64,804
63,777
68,925
69,473
67,165
70,892

42.3
45.1
47.7
51.4
56.2
60.8
57.8
52.8
51.9
54.3
50.0
49.3
52.6
50.4
55.5
52.3
45.5
39.4
39.5
40.0
43.7
45.0
43.6
46.3
46.1
44.1
45.8

Year

1953
1954
1955
1956 	
1957 	
1958
1959
1960
1961
1962
1963
1964
1965
1966
1967
1968
1969
1970
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975b
1976
1977~
1978~
1979~
1980;
1981
1982~
1983

Number

Rate P e r 100,000

74,240
80,900
78,414
77,924
80,482
88,633
87,192
88,575
93,513
89,082
87,826
87,578
87,505
77,857
77,850
72,058
75,277
79,351
a
a
a
a
129,573
129,482
128,050
126,121
131,047
142,122
160,272
177,109
173,289

47.1
50.3
47.9
46.7
47.4
51.2
49.5
49.3
51.3
48.1
46.8
46.0
45.4
40.0
39.6
36.3
37.6
39.1
a
a
a
a
60.0
59.4
58.2
56.7
58.2
62.4
69.7
76.3
74.0

Notes:
a. 	 Data n o t l o c a t e d .
b. 	 New c o u r t commitments o n l y .
Sources:
U.S. 	 Department of Commerce, Bureau o f Census; Washington, D . C . 

P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s : 

(1904)
1926; 1929; pg. 7. 

(1910-1933) 1933; 1935; pg. 8 . 

(1934-1936) 1936; 1938; pg. 11. 

(1937)
1937; 1939; pg. 8. 

(1938)
1938; 1941; pg. 8. 

(1939)
1939; 1941; pg. 8. 

U.S. 	 Department of J u s t i c e , Law Enforcement A s s i s t a n c e A d m i n i s t r a t i o n , N a t i o n a l C r i m i n a l
J u s t i c e I n f o r m a t i o n and S t a t i s t i c s S e r v i c e ; Washington, D.C. 

(1940-1970) 	 S o u r c e book o f C r i m i n a l J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s : 1974; 1975; pg. 440.
P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l I n s t i t u t i o n s on December 31, 1975; 1977;
(1975)
P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l I n s t i t u t i o n s on December 31, 1976; 1978;
(1976)
P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l I n s t i t u t i o n s on December 31, 1977; 1979;
(1977)
U.S. 	 Department of J u s t i c e , Bureau o f J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s ; Washington, D.C.
(1978)
P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l I n s t i t u t i o n s on December 31, 1978; 1980;
P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l I n s t i t u t i o n s on December 31, 1979; 1981;
(1979)
Sourcebook of C r i m i n a l J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s : 1982; 1983; pg. 542.
(1980)
Sourcebook o f C r i m i n a l J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s : 1983; 1984; pg. 570.
(1981)
P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l I n s t i t u t i o n s on December 31, 1982; 1984;
(1982)
Unpublished d a t a .
(1983)



pg. 22.
pg. 22.
pg. 16.
pg. 22.
pg. 20.
pg. 26.

T a b l e 3-9. 	

Number of P r i s o n e r s Received from Court i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s by S t a t e by Decade:
1904-1980

Region and S t a t e

1904~
(Major
Offenders)

1910e

1923~

1930~

1940e

1950e

1960e

1970e

1980e

United S t a t e s d
Federal I n s t i t u t i o n s
State Institutions
Northeast
Maine
New Hampshire
Vermont
Massachusetts
Rhode I s l a n d
Connecticut
New York
New J e r s e y
Pennsylvania
North C e n t r a l
Ohio
Indiana
Illinois
Michigan
Wisconsin
Minnesota
Iowa
Missouri
North Oakota
S o u t h Oakota
Nebraska
Kansas
South
Oelaware
Maryland
O i s t r i c t of Columb
Virginia
West V i r g i n i a
North C a r o l i n a
South C a r o l i n a
Georgia
Florida
Kentucky
Tennessee
Alabama
Mississippi
Arkansas
Louisiana
Oklahoma
Texas
West
Montana
Idaho
Wyoming
Colorado
New Mexico
Arizona
Utah
Nevada
Washington
Oregon
California
Alaska
Hawaii
Notes:
a . 	 Data n o t a v a i l a b l e : No S t a t e p r i s o n s i n Delaware o r O i s t r i c t of Columbia p r i o r t o 1930.
b. 	 I n 1904 s t a t i s t i c s on commitments were c a t e g o r i z e d a s "major" and "minor" r a t h e r t h a n by t y p e of f a c i l i t y . T h i s 

s t a t i s t i c d o e s n o t n e c e s s a r i l y i n c l u d e a l l p r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l p r i s o n s and r e f o r m a t o r i e s . 

c . 	 F i g u r e s f o r G e o r g i a , Kansas and Washington i n c l u d e s t a t i s t i c s f o r F e d e r a l p r i s o n s which were n o t s e p a r a t e l y compiled
by t h e Census Bureau.
d. 	 As r a t e s were computed i n d i v i d u a l l y , sum of S t a t e and F e d e r a l r a t e s may n o t e q u a l "United S t a t e s " r a t e .
e . 	 Between 1910 and 1960 S t a t e d a t a i s i n c o n s i s t e n t a s t o whether a l l r e c e i v e d o r only t h o s e w i t h s e n t e n c e s o f 1 y e a r
o r l o n g e r a r e i n c l u d e d . I n 1970 an a t t e m p t was made t o i n c l u d e o n l y t h o s e w i t h s e n t e n c e s o f 1 y e a r o r more. 1980
i n c l u d e s a l l new c o u r t commitments o n l y . This t o t a l r e p o r t e d h e r e f o r F e d e r a l p r i s o n e r s r e c e i v e d (10,907) is s u b s t a n t i a l l y l e s s t h a n t h a t r e p o r t e d i n subsequent summary t a b l e s on t h o s e r e c e i v e d from c o u r t i n F e d e r a l f a c i l i t i e s from
f i s c a l y e a r 1980 ( 1 5 , 3 7 6 ) .
Sources:
U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Census; Washington, O.C.
(1904, 1910, 1923) 	 P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s : 1926; 1929; pg. 7.
(1930)
P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s : 1929 and 1930; 1932; pg. 64.
(1940)
P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s : 1940; 1943; pg. 1 4 .
U.S. Department of J u s t i c e , Law Enforcement A s s i s t a n c e A d m i n i s t r a t i o n , N a t i o n a l C r i m i n a l J u s t i c e I n f o r m a t i o n and 

S t a t i s t i c s S e r v i c e ; Washington, O.C. 

(1950, 1960, 1970) 	 Sourcebook o f C r i m i n a l J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s 1974; 1975; pg. 440. 

(1980)
Sourcebook of C r i m i n a l J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s 1982; 1983; pg. 542. 


T a b l e 3-10.

R a t e p e r 100,000 P o p u l a t i o n of P r i s o n e r s Received from Court i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s by
S t a t e by Decade: 1904-1980

Region and S t a t e

1904~

1910e

1923~

1930e

1940e

1950e

1960e

1970e

1980e

32.8
a
42.9
a
33.3
51.9
20.1
16.1
39.2
67.0
40.5
35.7
31.3
22.3
37.1
13.4
0.9
94.3

39.4
a
131.3
a
32.1
34.8
8.7
15.6
28.5
56.8
37.3
29.8
83.5
34.7
36.2
45.3
49.4
29.0

36.5
a
92.9
a
25.5
50.2
13.8
20.2
29.4
43.6
33.7
25.1
43.8
26.7
53.0
30.3
79.8
30.7

53.2
a
177.6
a
55.2
67.7
43.0
31.9
a
71 .O
86.4
55.8
a
49.3
68.3
50.9
89.2
44.8

59.2
55.9
164.4
100.7
62.2
53.6
35.1
32.2
a
71.6
66.6
43.8
187.3
a
42.7
39.7
86.5
41.5

49.9
38.7
130.6
72.3
52.8
35.0
47.5
28.7
46.6
54.7
46.3
31.2
82.1
34.6
36.4
43.4
53.0
38.9

58.8
54.7
140.9
88.7
47.5
27.5
59.5
37.9
64.0
61.1
59.0
36.3
72.1
39.3
55.9
50.6
64.9
52.6

47.9
96.4
a
158.0
40.3
14.4
38.5
64.9
57.5
64.7
50.9
41 .O
42.7
30.1
a
44.6
77.0
59.0

84.2
63.5
98.3
165.5
54.6
27.0
113.5
106.9
108.9
82.8
60.9
64.2
94.4
65.4
73.3
68.6
79.5
90.3

59.8
59.2
15.1
64.8
75.6
50.5
119.0
35.9
104.8
70.9
47.5
57.9
a
a

52.0
79.0
29.1
84.2
74.6
59.0
136.8
39.9
97.6
44.7
32.8
42.4
a
a

44.7
40.4
25.6
59.8
57.2
44.2
55.3
39.3
97.4
52.7
32.0
41.9
a
a

48.5
74.0
a
59.7
84.2
66.2
84.6
43.9
137.4
67.4
52.5
35.6
a
a

41.9
54.6
44.0
69.0
61.5
62.2
67.1
29.8
150.0
42.7
48.6
31.2
a
a

39.1
69.4
49.2
67.0
72.2
64.2
60.3
34.7
107.5
39.2
45.3
29.5
a
a

42.7
63.0
41.2
71.2
68.0
52.1
62.7
30.1
77.9
34.6
50.4
38.4
59.3
a

27.6
33.0
30.2
38.0
39.5
33.5
31.4
19.3
54.8
33.3
43.6
23.5
23.4
a

47.5
39.1
52.8
48.7
39.6
36.2
68.5
24.7
99.1
33.5
60.1
47.9
77.9
20.2

United S t a t e s d
Federal I n s t i t u t i o n s
State Institutions
Northeast
Maine
New Hampshire
Vermont
Massachusetts
Rhode I s l a n d
Connecticut
New York
New J e r s e y
Pennsylvania
North C e n t r a l
Ohio
Indiana
Illinois
Michigan
Wisconsin
Minnesota
Iowa
Missouri
North Dakota
South Dakota
Nebraska
Kansas
South
Delaware
Maryland
D i s t r i c t of Columbia
Virginia
West V i r g i n i a
North C a r o l i n a
South C a r o l i n a
Georgia
Florida
Kentucky
Tennessee
Alabama
Mississippi
Arkansas
Louisiana
Oklahoma
Texas
West
Montana
Idaho
Wyoming
Colorado
New Mexico
Arizona
Utah
Nevada
Washington
Oregon
California
Alaska
Hawaii
Notes:
a . 	 Data n o t a v a i l a b l e : No s t a t e p r i s o n s i n Delaware o r D i s t r i c t of Columbia p r i o r t o 1930.
b. 	 I n 1904 s t a t i s t i c s on commitments were c a t e g o r i z e d a s "major" and "minor" r a t h e r t h a n by t y p e of f a c i l i t y . T h i s 

s t a t i s t i c d o e s n o t n e c e s s a r i l y i n c l u d e a l l p r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l p r i s o n s and r e f o r m a t o r i e s . 

c . 	 F i g u r e s f o r G e o r g i a , Kansas and Washington i n c l u d e s t a t i s t i c s f o r F e d e r a l p r i s o n s which were not s e p a r a t e l y compiled
by t h e Census Bureau.
d . 	 A s r a t e s were computed i n d i v i d u a l l y , sum of S t a t e and F e d e r a l r a t e s may n o t e q u a l "United S t a t e s " r a t e .
e . 	 Between 1910 and 1960 S t a t e d a t a i s i n c o n s i s t e n t a s t o whether a l l r e c e i v e d o r o n l y t h o s e w i t h s e n t e n c e s of 1 y e a r
o r l o n g e r a r e i n c l u d e d . I n 1970 an a t t e m p t was made t o i n c l u d e o n l y t h o s e w i t h s e n t e n c e s of 1 y e a r o r more. 1980
i n c l u d e s a l l new c o u r t commitments o n l y . T h i s t o t a l r e p o r t e d h e r e f o r F e d e r a l p r i s o n e r s r e c e i v e d (10,907) i s s u b s t a n t i a l l y l e s s t h a n t h a t r e p o r t e d i n s u b s e q u e n t summary t a b l e s on t h o s e r e c e i v e d from c o u r t i n F e d e r a l f a c i l i t i e s f o r
f i s c a l y e a r 1980 ( 1 5 , 3 7 6 ) .
Sources:
U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau o f Census; Washington, O.C.
(1904, 1910, 1923) 	 P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s : 1926; 1929; pg. 7.
(1930)
P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s : 1929 and 1930; '1932; pg. 64.
(1940)
P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s : 1940; 1943; pg.'14.
U.S. Department o f J u s t i c e , Law Enforcement A s s i s t a n c e A d m i n i s t r a t i o n , N a t i o n a l C r i m i n a l J u s t i c e I n f o r m a t i o n and 

S t a t i s t i c s S e r v i c e ; Washington, O.C. 

(1950, 1960, 1970) 	 Sourcebook of C r i m i n a l J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s 1974; 1975; pg. 440. 

(1980)
Sourcebook of C r i m i n a l J u s t i c e S t s t i s t i c s 1982; 1983; pg. 542. 


Table 3-11. 	

Percentage Having Sentence o f 1 Year o r Longer by Place Found:

T o t a l Present

Penitentiaries
County J a i l s
C i t y Prisons
Workhouses
Leased Out
M i l i t a r y Prisons
Insane H o s p i t a l s
Total

Number Under Sentence

30,659
12,691
1,666
7,865
4,879
49 9
350

30,655 

6,975 

1,194 

7,855 

4,879 

486 

35 0 


58,609

52,394 	

1880

Percent of Those With Sentences
Having Term o f More t h a n 1 Year

61

Source:
U.S.

Department of I n t e r i o r , Bureau o f Census; Washington, D.C.
(1880) 	 Report on the Defective, Delinquent Classes o f t h e P o p u l a t i o n o f t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s
as Returned a t t h e Tenth Census:
1880; 1888; pg. L1.

Table 3-12. 	

Average Sentence i n Years f o r T o t a l i n P r i s o n
and J a i l s by Sex, Region, Race, N a t i v i t y , and
Offense:
1890

Male

Female

Region
North A t l a n t i c 

South A t l a n t i c 

b r t h Central 

South C e n t r a l 

Western 

Color, 	 N a t i v i t y , Race
White
Native 

Parents N a t i v e 

b e Parent Foreign 

Parents Foreign 

lhknown 

Foreign Born 

Lhknown 

Colored 

kgroes 

Chinese 

Indians 

Offense
Against 

Government 

Society 

Person 

Property 

L k High Seas 

Other 


Note:
a.

Not separately enumerated.

Source:
U.S. 	 Department o f t h e I n t e r i o r , Bureau o f Census; 

Washington, O.C. 

(1890) Report 	on Crime Pauperism and Benevolence 

as Returned a t t h e E l e v e n t h Census; P a r t I; 

1896; pgs. 93, 98, 101. 


whites. In 1890 there is the first mention
of the term indefinite sentence; however, it
is used to refer to life prisoners (p.199).
A concern of

the 1904 report was the
relationship between sentence and offense as
well as differences by sex and region in
sentences. The report noted that females
had shorter sentences for homicide and for
offenses against society than males. This
fact was attributed to the assumption that
crimes within the categories might have
been less serious. The report also noted that
that 57.5 percent of those present who were
guilty of homicide received sentences of less
than life in prison (p.27).
In 1910 the most significant change in
sentence patterns since the 1880 census was
reported to be the introduction of the
indeterminate sentence. This category had
first appeared in 1904 when 15 percent
were reported under this sentence.
By
1910, 37 percent of those committed to State
and Federal penitentiaries were under
indeterminate sentence (Table 3-13). It was
observed that the corresponding decrease in
percent serving definite terms was in the
category having sentences of 1 year or
more, indicating that the indeterminate
sentence was replacing the long-term,
definite sentence (1910, p.42).
By 1923, 55 percent of those received in
State and Federal prisons and reformatories
were under indeterminate sentence. The
indeterminate sentence was most frequently
used in the Mountain, Pacific, North, and
Middle Atlantic regions and least used in
the Southern regions. Table 3- 14 presents
data on the relative use of determinate and
indeterminate sentences for selected years
between 1926 and 1960.
In 1923 the first discussion of the relative
length of definite versus indeterminate
sentences appears. This was to become a
topic of considerable interest in subsequent
reports. The report noted that the term
indeterminate sentence really referred to
several differing types of sentences. These
included sentences with both a maximum
and a minimum, those with one or the other
and those with neither, as well as terms for

the
duration
of
one's
minority.
Comparisons of the tables led the writers of
the report to state:
The more extensive use of the
indeterminate sentence tends to
increase the potential length of
imprisonment, by setting higher
limits to the terms of imprisonment
than are, in general, fixed under
the definite term sentence (Census
Bureau, "Prisoners, 1923"; p. 124).
In 1923, for example, only 7 percent of
those under definite sentence for property
offenses had terms of 10 years or more
compared to 49 percent having this as a
maximum under indefinite sentence (p.138).
Table 3-15 compares the sentence of
definite length commitments with the
maximum indeterminate sentence length.
This comparison has little meaning without
comparison of actual time served, which as
will be seen did not show such differences
(see section on time served).
Another striking fact noted by the authors
of the 1923 report was the wide disparity
between the maximum and minimum
indeterminate sentences. T h e report notes
that, among those having a sentence
maximum of 20 years, one-third (34
percent) had minimum sentences of 1 year
(p. 126).
The reporters also observed that while there
had been a decline in the percent sentenced
to death, the number under life sentence
had increased to a larger extent than could
be accounted for by this decrease. The
reason given for this was the increase in the
relative number of commitments for
homicide and the tendency to use life
sentences for robbery and other grave
crimes.
Table 3- 16 compares reported sentences
using a compilation of median maximum
indeterminate sentence and the median
determinate sentences. This procedure was
followed by the Federal Bureau of Prisons
in 1950 and 1960. We followed the same
procedure to calculate the median sentence
for the 1923 data. Recently published BJS

T a b l e 3-13.

P e r c e n t a g e Which Commitments Under I n d e t e r m i n a t e S e n t e n c e Were o f T o t a l Commitments:

P r i s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s
Geoqraphlc Divlsion
United S t a t e s

1923 and 1 9 1 0 ~

Prlsons

1923

1910

Increase,
1923 o v e r 1910b

55.4

36.9

18.5

e

c

1923
46.8

Reformatories

1910

Increase,
1923 o v e r 1910b

1923

1910

21.9

24.9

81.2

94.5

c

c

Increase,
19 23 o v e r 1 9 1 0 ~
-13.3

-

New England
Mlddle A t l a n t i c
E a s t North C e n t r a l
West North C e n t r a l
South A t l a n t i c
E a s t South C e n t r a l
West S o u t h C e n t r a l
Mountain
Pacific
Federal prisons

c

e

c

c

c

Notes:
a. 	 Based upon t h e t o t a l number excluding t h o s e s e n t e n c e d t o d e a t h , b u t i n c l u d i n g t h o s e s e n t e n c e d f o r m i n o r i t y ; f o r 1 9 2 3 , c o v e r e d t h e f i r s t 6
months, f o r 1910, t h e whole y e a r .
b . 	 A mlnus s i g n < - ) d e n o t e s d e c r e a s e .
c . 	 D a t a not available
d. 	 P e r c e n t not shown where b a s e 1 s l e s s t h a n 1 0 0 .
e . 	 L e s s t h a n o n e - t e n t h of 1 p e r c e n t .
Source:

Complete t a b l e t a k e n from

U.S. 	 Department of Commerce, Bureau o f Census; Washington, D.C.
P r i s o n e r s 1923; 1926; pg. 116.

T a b l e 3-14.

Total 	
Definlte
-

Number Received
1926

1926-1960

Use of D e f i n i t e v s . I n d e t e r m i n a t e S e n t e n c e s by Sex f o r S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r l s o n e r s Received:

42,853

MALE

Indeterminate

Definite

FEMALE
Indeterminate

Definite

Indeterminate

~

Number

Percent

18,975

44

Number

Percent

Number

Percent

Number

Percent

Number

Percent

Notes:
a. 	 D a t a not r e p o r t e d f o r 1960.
b. 	 S t a t e o n l y .
Sources:
U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau o f t h e Census; Washington, D.C.
(1926, 1930) 	 P r i s o n e r s I n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s : 1929 and 1 9 3 0 ; 1 9 3 2 ; pg. 20.
(1935)
P r i s o n e r s I n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s : 1935; 1937; pg. 1 7 .
(1940)
P r l s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s : 1940; 1943; pg. 1 6 .
(1945)
P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s : 1945; 1947; pg. 34.
U.S. 	 Department of J u s t i c e , Bureau o f P r i s o n s ; N a t i o n a l P r i s o n e r S t a t i s t i c s ; Washington, D.C. 

(1950)
P r i s o n e r s I n S t a t e and f e d e r a l I n s t i t u t i o n s : 1 9 5 0 ; 1 9 5 4 ; pg. 58. 

(1960)
C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s of S t a t e P r i s o n e r s : 1960; 1965; pg. 42. 


Number

Percent

Table 3-16.

Median Sentence i n Months by Offense f o r Selected Years, P r i s o n e r s Received:

S t a t e and F e d e r a l I n s t i t u t i o n s
Offense

1923~
--

A l l Offenses
	

1950a

1923-1981

S t a t e I n s t i t u t i o n s Only
1960a

1981b

-

Number

Median

Number

Median

Number

Median

Number

Median

18,982

67

55,625

55

69,235

63

109,233

53

Person
Homicide
Assault

958

59

2,613

54

3,890

49

7,587

48

Rape

758

163

1,720

118

3,635'

109'

3,070

112

Embezzlement,
Forgery and Fraud

1,919

58

7,943

47

10,244

52

6,395

34

Burglary

3,209

87

11,687

67

19,224

62

29,722

41

Larceny

3,538

68

8,139

45

9,303

41

9,851

33

d

d

4,314

44

3,342

62

1,665

38

335

47

1,098

22

Property
Robbery

Auto T h e f t
Stolen Property
Morals
Drug Law V i o l a t i o n s

d

2,039

d

29

d

2,927

d

120

d

8,396

d

41

Notes:
a. 	

I n 1923, 1950, and 1960 median sentence l e n g t h was c a l c u l a t e d as median o f combination o f
maximum i n d e t e r m i n a t e and d e f i n i t e sentences; i n 1981 t h e b a s i s f o r c a l c u l a t i o n was n o t
given i n table.
b. 	 I n 1923, 1950, and 1960 o n l y f e l o n s a r e i n c l u d e d ; i n 1981 t a b l e does n o t s p e c i f y i n c l u s i v e n e s s .
c. 	 I n c l u d e s o t h e r sex o f f e n s e s .
d.
Not a v a i l a b l e .
Sources:
U.S. 	 Department o f Commerce, Bureau o f Census; Washington, D.C.
(1923) P r i s o n e r s 1923; 1926; pg. 137.
U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , Bureau o f P r i s o n s ; N a t i o n a l P r i s o n e r S t a t i s t i c s ; Washington, D.C.
(1950) P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l I n s t i t u t i o n s : 1950; 1954; pgs. 70-71.
(1960) C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s o f S t a t e P r i s o n e r s :
1960; 1965; pgs. 54.
U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , Bureau o f J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s ; Washington, D.C.
(1981) S p e c i a l Report:
P r i s o n Admissions and Releases, 1981; 1984; pg. 3.

data on median sentence for 1981 are also
included (the 1981 BJS report does not
indicate how the sentence length was
calculated).
Perhaps reflective of the
lessened use of indeterminate sentences, the
1981 data indicate a reduction in sentence
length for most offense categories.
Offense Distribution of State and Federal
Prisoners
A question of considerable interest is
whether the percent of those in prison who
are serious violent offenders has grown over
time.
Recent reports, especially those
making comparisons with the 1960's, seem
to indicate changes in the direction of more
violent offenders. A detailed look at the
distributions reported using earlier years as
frames of reference indicates somewhat less
clear results.

The earliest offense distribution data come
from the 1880 and 1890 Census reports;
however, in reporting offenses in these
years, inmates of jails are not separated
from those present in State prisons (see
Chapter VIII for these tables and discussion
of overall offense distribution).
Offense
distributions separated by type of prison
were first presented in 1910. Tables 3-17
to 3-20 summarize these data for State and
Federal prisons from 1910 to 1981.
In discussing offense distribution it should
be noted that several classification or
reporting techniques have changed over time
which may contribute to finding higher
percentages present for violent offenses.
The broad classification scheme used for
both Census Bureau prison statistics and the
F.B.I. Uniform Crime Reports up until the
1960's utilized three major categories.
These were offenses against the person,
property, and society (morals/order).
In
this classification, robbery was included as
an offense against property.
When the
classification "violent crimes" came into use,
robbery was taken out of the property
category and included as a violent offense.
This does not affect detailed comparisons
but may have an impact on summary tables.
In addition, the most recent reports classify
certain sex offenses as "other violent" which

previously were included in the morals
category.
Offense distributions have also differed as
to whether all prisoners are included or only
those with sentences of 1 year or longer. At
their
peak
in
1940,
misdemeanor
commitments were about 15 percent of the
total, but 98 percent were from only 13
States. Offense data prior to the late 1930's
include all prisoners, while data between
1940 and 1974 include only those with
sentences of 1 year or longer.
Recent
classifications have also typically reported
the most serious offense listed, while earlier
reports are less specific as to whether this
criterion was used. Within the tables, years
are listed as to inclusiveness.
Considered broadly, the offense distribution
of State and Federal prisoners over the last
75 years has demonstrated a remarkable
level of consistency.
The traditional
offenses against the person (homicide,
assault, and rape) have consisted of about 13
to 24 percent of those received; those
against
property
(including
robbery)
between
60
and
70
percent;
and
morals/order/other
offenses
about 20
percent.
Among the specific offense categories there
has been more change, the largest of which
has been the increase in the percent
reported received and present for robbery
and the corresponding decline in larceny.
For example in 1910, robbery commitments
were about 9 percent of the total; in 1981
they were 19 percent. In the first decades
of the century part of this increase was
undoubtedly due to a more clear legal
separation of robbery from other theft or
from assault (which had a decrease). As has
been noted by Ruben, before 1900, only 16
States had legislation aimed specifically at
robbery; after 1920 many more States passed
armed robbery legislation and the penalties
were more severe than for other forms of
theft (Rubin, Sol, Crime and Delinauencv,
Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., Oceana Publishing,
1970). The period between 1960 and 1980
also witnessed the passage of more
mandatory sentences for armed robbery.

T a b l e 3-17.

P e r c e n t a g e Distribution o f Offenses o f P r i s o n e r s R e c e i v e d D u r i n g G i v e n Year i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s
and ~ e f o r m a t o r i e s ~ :1910-1981

Total
1910

C a t e g o r y and O f f e n s e

Total
1923

Total
1933

Total
1940

Felonies
Only
1940

Felonies
Only
1950

Felonies
Only
1960b

'

One Year
o r Lon e r
1970

1981b

Person
Homicide, M a n s l a u g h t e r
Assault
Rape
Total
Property
Robbery
Embezzlement,
Forgery, Fraud 

Burglary 

A l l Larceny 

Arson 

Stolen Property 

Total
Morals, Order,
Government Charges
O t h e r S e x - r e l a t e d Crimes
Liquor-law V i o l a t i o n s
Drunkenness, D i s o r d e r l y
Conduct, Vagrancy 

Drug-Law Violations 

Trafflc Violations 

C a r r y i n g and P o s s e s s i n g 

Weapons 

Nonsupport 

Selective S e r v i c e 

Violations 

Natlonal Security 

Violation 

Crimes R e l a t e d t o 

t h e Admin. o f ~ o v t . ~
P u b l i c Order 





Total

T o t a l Reported
Unknown o r U n c l e a r

Notes:
a. 	 B e f o r e 1937, f e l o n y and misdemeanor commitments t o S t a t e and F e d e r a l p r i s o n s were c a t e g o r l z e d t o g e t h e r b y o f f e n s e .
From 1937 t o 1942 s e p a r a t e and combined l l s t i n g s were p r o v i d e d .
A f t e r 1942, S t a t e i n s t i t u t i o n s r e p o r t e d o n l y
felonies.
U s i n g 1940 as an example, s i n c e t h l s r e p r e s e n t s a h i g h p o i n t I n t h e p e r c e n t a g e o f misdemeanor commitments
t o S t a t e and F e d e r a l p r i s o n s , t h e d i f f e r e n c e i n t h e d i s t r i b u t i o n p r o d u c e d b y e x c l u d i n g a l l misdemeanors i s shown.
b . 	 I n 1960, 1970, and 1981, s e p a r a t e r e p o r t s f o r F e d e r a l and S t a t e p r i s o n s were i s s u e d .
For t h i s t a b l e t h e d i s t r i b u t i o n
have been combined.
Those o f f e n s e s marked "b" were s e p a r a t e l y c a t e g o r i z e d o n l y I n t h e F e d e r a l r e p o r t .
I n 1970 S t a t e
d a t a i n c l u d e s 31 S t a t e s o n l y ; i n 1981 d a t a i n c l u d e s 32 S t a t e s .
c . 	 Other s e x u a l o f f e n s e s a r e i n c l u d e d .
d. 	 Not c a t e g o r l z e d .
e. 	 I n c l u d e s among o t h e r o f f e n s e s , u n l a w f u l i m m i g r a t i o n , p e r j u r y , c o n t e m p t .
f. 	 Content v a r i e s because o f changes i n d e t a i l o f c a t e g o r i z a t i o n ; most o f f e n s e s n o t c a t e g o r i z e d a c c o u n t f o r l e s s t h a n
1 percent of t h e t o t a l .
g. 	 1970 I n c l u d e s 62 m i l i t a r y c o u r t - m a r t i a l cases and 1981 i n c l u d e s 33 m l l i t a r y c o u r t - m a r t i a l cases.
h . 	 Does n o t i n c l u d e embezzlement.
Sources :
U.S. 	 Department o f Commerce, Bureau o f Census, Washington, D.C.
(1910, 	 1923) P r i s o n e r s 1923; 1926; Tab. 14. 

1933; 1935;
(1933)
P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s :
1940; 1943;
Prisoners i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s :
(1940)
U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , B u r e a u o f P r i s o n s ; N a t i o n a l P r i s o n e r Statistics; Washington,
(1950)
P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l Institutions: 1950; 1954; pg. 63. 

(1960)
C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s o f S t a t e P r i s o n e r s : 1960; 1965; pg. 41. 

(1970)
State Prisoners:
A d m i s s i o n s and Releases, 1970; 1972; pg. 6. 

U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , Bureau o f P r i s o n s , Washington, D.C. 

(1960)
Federal Prisons:
1960; 1964; pg. 36. 

(1981)
S t a t i s t i c a l R e p o r t F i s c a l Years 1981-1983; pgs. 38-39. 

U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , Law E n f o r c e m e n t A s s i s t a n c e Administration, N a t i o n a l C r i m i n a l
Statistics 	S e r v i c e ; Washington, D.C. 

(1970)
Sourcebook o f C r i m i n a l J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s :
1973; 1973; pg. 363. 

U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t l c e , B u r e a u o f J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s ; Washington, D.C. 

(1981)
P r i s o n A d m i s s i o n s and R e l e a s e s , 1981; 1984; pg. 3 ( S t a t e d a t a ) . 


pg. 10. 

pg. 15. 

D.C. 


J u s t i c e Information and

T a b l e 3-18.

P e r c e n t a g e D i s t r i b u t i o n o f O f f e n s e s R e p o r t e d f o r P r i s o n e r s Received i n S t a t e P r i s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s D u r i n g
S e l e c t e d Years:
1923-1981
-

--

C a t e g o r y and O f f e n s e
Numberofstates

Person
Homicide, M a n s l a u g h t e r
Assault
Raue .
Total 	
Property
Robbery
Embezzlement,
F o r g e r y , Fraud 

Burglary 

A l l Larceny 

Arson 

Stolen Property 


1923
Total

-

-

1937
Felony

1946
Felony

1950
Felony

1960
Felony

1960
Felony

1964
Felony

(48)

(46)

(47)

(46)

(48)

10.2
5.6
4.4

7.6
5.9
4.2

7.6
7.1
4.2

6.7
5.8
3.6

5.2
5.6
5.3

4.9
6.3
5.0

5.6
5.8
5.2'

20.2

17.8

18.9

16.1

16.1

16.2

16.6

8.6

10.7

11.1

11.7

10.9

11.6

1.3
7.4
1.5
0.06

3.3
0.5
0.6
0.7

3.2
0.8
0.5
0.4

2.8
0.6
1 .I
0.4

e
e
4.2
e

0.7
0.8
e

0.8
1.1
e

0.9
2.1
e

0.5
2.6
e

e
e
e

( 3 ~ ) ~ (48)b

1964
Felony

1970
Felony

1981
Felony

( 3 ~ ) ~ '( ~3 ~ ) ~ '( 3~3 )

5.7
6.6
5.5C

8.4
7.7
4.0'

7.1
6.9
2.8

17.8

20.1

16.8

11.7

12.7

16.8

18.9

e
e
4.9
e

e
e
4.1
e

e
e
4.9
e

e
e
9.8
e

e
e
7.7
e

e
e
e

e
e
e

e
e
e

e
e
e

e
e
4.5

Total
M o r a l s , O r d e r chargesf
O t h e r S e x - r e l a t e d Crimes
Liquor-law V i o l a t i o n s
Drug-law V i o l a t i o n s
Traffic Violations
C a r r y i n g and Possessing
Weapons
Nonsupport
P u b l i c Order

T o t a l Reported 	

17,077

48,355

43,679

46,496

69,235

43,357

67,879

40,704

37,415

109,233

Notes:
a. 	

b. 	
c. 	
d. 	
e. 	
f. 	
q. 	

h. 	

O f f e n s e d a t a were r e p o r t e d b y o n l y 32 S t a t e s , r e p r e s e n t i n g about 56 p e r c e n t o f t h e t o t a l number OF i n m a t e s i n S t a t e p r i s o n s
i n t h e U n i t e d States.
To compare t h e s e f i g u r e s w i t h t h e l i s t i n g s f o r 1960 and 1964, t h e o f f e n s e d i s t r i b u t i o n s were c a l c u l a t e d f o r t h e same 32 S t a t e s as r e p o r t e d i n 1970.
L i s t i n g s s p e c i f y t h a t t h e d i s t r i b u t i o n i n c l u d e s o n l y t h o s e p e r s o n s whose s e n t e n c e s a r e 1 y e a r o r l o n g e r .
I n c l u d e s o t h e r sex o f f e n s e s .
I n 1937, t h i s c a t e g o r y i n c l u d e d k i d n a p p i n g .
Not c a t e g o r i z e d .
D a t a n o t comparable because o f v a r i a n c e i n t h e d e t a i l o f c a t e g o r i z a t i o n .
I n c l u d e s t h o s e o f f e n s e s l a b e l e d "e" and o t h e r known offenses, b u t most c r i m e s l i s t e d accounted f o r l e s s t h a n 1 p e r c e n t o f
the total.
1981: 9.0 L a r c e n y , 1.5 Auto T h e f t .

Sources:
U.S. 	 Department o f Commerce, Bureau o f Census; Washington, D.C. 

(1923) P r i s o n e r s 1923; 1926; pg. 32. 

(1937) P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s : 1937;
(1946) P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s : 1946;
U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , Bureau o f P r i s o n s ; N a t i o n a l P r i s o n e r S t a t i s t i c s ;
(1950) P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l I n s t i t u t i o n s : 1950; 1954; pg. 63.
(1960) C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s o f S t a t e P r i s o n e r s : 1960; 1965; pg. 41. 

(1964) C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s o f S t a t e P r i s o n e r s :
1964; 1968; pg. 18. 

(1970) S t a t e P r i s o n e r s :
Admissions and Releases, 1970; 1972; pg. 6. 

U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , Bureau o f J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s ; Washington, D.C. 

(1981) P r i s o n Admissions and Releases, 1981; 1984; pg. 3. 


1939; pg. 13. 

1948; pg. 45. 

Washington, D.C. 




T a b l e 3-19. 	

P e r c e n t a g e D i s t r i b u t i o n o f O f f e n s e s Reported f o r I n m a t e s
P r e s e n t on a Given Day i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s :
1923 and 1974
O f f e n s e of
S t a t e and
Federal
Prisoners

Category and O f f e n s e
1923

Offense of S t a t e
and F e d e r a l
P r i s o n e r s with
S e n t e n c e s o f st
L e a s t 1 Year
1974 i

Person
Homicide, Manslaughter
Assault
Rape
othera
Total
Property
Robbery
Embezzlement,
Forgery, ~ r a u d ~
Burglary
A l l Larceny
Arson
Stolen Property
Total

56.5

54.3

Morals, Order,
Government C h a r g e s
O t h e r S e x - r e l a t e d Crimes
Liquor-law V i o l a t i o n s
Drunkenness, Vagrancy
D i s o r d e r l y Conduct
Drug-law V i o l a t i o n s
Traffic violationsC
C a r r y i n g and P o s s e s s i n g
Weapons
Nonsupport
Revenue-related Offenses
Selective Service Violations
custody0
National Security Violations
Crimes R e l a t e d t o
t h e Admin. o f ~ o v t . ~

T o t a l Reported
Unknown o r Unclear
Notes:
I n c l u d e s k i d n a p p i n g and s e x u a l a s s a u l t o t h e r t h a n r a p e . 

I n c l u d e s c o u n t e r f e i t i n g and e x t o r t i o n . 

U s u a l l y d r i v i n g under t h e i n f l u e n c e o f a l c o h o l . 

I n c l u d e s e s c a p e , h a r b o r i n g a c r i m i n a l , and p a r o l e v i o l a t i o n . 

I n c l u d e s u n l a w f u l i m m i g r a t i o n , c o n t e m p t , and r e l a t e d o f f e n s e s . 

Not comparable b e c a u s e o f d i f f e r e n c e s i n c a t e g o r i z a t i o n . 

C o n t e n t v a r i e s because o f d i f f e r e n c e s i n c a t e g o r i z a t i o n i n d i f f e r e n t 

y e a r s , b u t i s r e s t r i c t e d l a r g e l y t o o f f e n s e s comprising l e s s than 1 

percent of t h e t o t a l . 

Not c a t e g o r i z e d . 

S e p a r a t e c a t e g o r i z a t i o n s f o r S t a t e and F e d e r a l were combined. Some 

c a t e g o r i e s were n o t s e p a r a t e l y c a t e g o r i z e d by b o t h S t a t e and F e d e r a l 

s u r v e y s . U s u a l l y o f f e n s e s a p p r o p r i a t e t o o n l y one l e v e l . 

Sources:
U.S. 	 Department o f Commerce, Bureau o f Census; Washington, D.C.
(1923) P r i s o n e r s 1923; 1926; pgs.198-199.
U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , Law Enforcement A s s i s t a n c e A d m i n i s t r a t i o n ,
N a t i o n a l C r i m i n a l I n f o r m a t i o n and S t a t i s t i c s S e r v i c e ; Washington, D.C.
(1974) 	 Survey o f I n m a t e s o f S t a t e C o r r e c t i o n a l F a c i l i t i e s : 1974;
1976; pg. 28.
U.S. Department o f J u s t i c e , Bureau of P r i s o n s ; N a t i o n a l P r i s o n e r S t a t i s t i c s ;
Washington, 	 O.C.
(1974) S t a t i s t i c a l R e p o r t , F i s c a l Year 1 9 7 4 ; 1976; pg. 45.

Table 3-20.

Percentage Distribution of Offenses Reported for Persons Present in
State Prisons: 1960, 1974, and 1979

Category and Offense

Offenses of All
State Prisoners
Present Under
Felony Commitment:
1960

Most Serious
Offense of State
Prisoners Present
with Sentences of
at Least 1 Year:
1974

Offense
of State
Prisoners
Present:
1979

Person
Homicide, Manslaughter
Assault
Rape, Other Sexrelated crimesa
Other
Total
Property
Robbery
Embezzlement,
Forgery, Fraud
Burglary
All Larceny
Arson
Stolen Property
Other
Total
Morals, Order,
Government Charges
Drug-law Violations
Traffic Violations
Carrying and Possessing
Weapons
Public Order
Total

Total Reported 

Notes: 

a. 	 In 1960 includes all sex-related crimes; In 1974, rape was 5.2 percent of 

the total. 

b. 	 Not separately categorized. 

c. 	 Content varies because of changing detsll of categorization. 

Sources: 

U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Prisons; National Prisoner Statistics; 

Washington, D.C. 

(1960) Charscteristics of State Prisoners: 1960; 1965; pg. 61. 

(1974) Special Report; Survey of Inmates of State Correctional Facilities; 

1974; Tab. 4. 

U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics; Washington, D.C. 

(1977) Sourcebook of Crimlnsl Justice Statistics: 1981; 1982; pg. 486. 


Changes in detail of categorization make
comparisons over time difficult within the
morals/order category.
But one definite
change was the introduction of drug
offenses in the period between 1900 and
1923 and their subsequent growth, especially
after the repeal of the liquor prohibition
amendment.
The increase in liquor law
violations between 1910 and 1923 and
subsequent decline after 1933 in part
corresponds to Prohi bition.

198 1. These tables usually summarize time
served in median rather than the average
months because of the use of this statistic in
recent reports. Typically the average is
longer than the median for time served.
Table 3-23 compares the median and
average for several years in which sufficient
data were available to calculate both
statistics. In these years the average time
served was from 5 to 15 months higher than
the median.

Type of Release

National comparisons
over time are
hampered by variation in methods of
measuring time served. One difference is
the basis for time-served calculations. Prior
to 1939, the Census Bureau used reports
from individual institutions which were not
always consistent in method of calculation.
In 1940, in an attempt to produce
consistency, first releases were separated
from other releases and time served
calculated only for first releases.
This
procedure was dropped after 1 year,
according to subsequent reports because of
lack of resources to do the cross
referencing. From 1941 to 1946 a different
method was used which was based on the
date of discharge and the date the prisoner
first began to serve the sentence. According
to the 1943 report, this method exaggerated
the time served because it:

National State and Federal prisoner release
data were first collected for the 1923 Census
Bureau special report, which became the
model for the yearly series begun in 1926.
Table 3-21 summarizes these data from
1923 to 1982. By 1923, 60 percent of the
total released were reported released
conditionally, almost all on parole. The
percent released conditionally continued to
be between 50 and 60 percent through the
1960's. This percent grew in the 1970's and
was 83 percent in 1982. A big change,
however, was the growth within the
conditional release category of "supervised
mandatory release" and the corresponding
decline in parole release as a percent of the
conditional release category.
"Supervised
mandatory release" was not separately
categorized prior to 1976, but by 1982
constituted almost a third of those released
conditionally.
Time Served Before Release

The topic of time served has been of
interest since prison data were first
collected, but release data were not collected
until 1923. To gain some indication of time
spent in prison, the 1880 Census report
included a tally of total time served at the
time of the survey. This was given for each
type of penal facility (Table 3-22). For
penitentiaries, the average duration was 1
year and 292 days, leading the reporters to
conclude that the average duration before
release was somewhat longer, around 2 to 2
and 112 years.
Tables 3-23 to 3-28 present summary
information on time served from 1923 to

Does not take into consideration
the considerable periods of time
which a prisoner may have spent
outside of the institution on parole
between the date on which his
sentence began and the date of his
current release, (Census Bureau,
"Prisoners Released, 1943 and
1942;" p.4).
When the series was transferred to the
Bureau of Prisons, time served was
calculated consistently on the basis of first
releases. This method has continued.
Another source of differences is the
inclusion of misdemeanor releases. Prior to
1940, misdemeanoi releases were included.
Between 1940 and 1964 release data are
available only for those with felony or
sentences of 1 year or longer. The most

Average D u r a t i o n o f S t a y on Day o f 
 Survey b y P l a c e o f I n c a r c e r a t i o n
a s R e p o r t e d b y Census:
1880 


T a b l e 3-22.

Duration o f Stay
Place

T o t a l Present

Years

Days

Penitentiary

I1	

County J a i l

10,091

1	

101 


C i t y Prisons

1,181 


47 


Workhouses

7,414 


107 


Leased P r i s o n e r s

3,614 


Military

481 


C r i m i n a l l y Insane

298 


2

44 

236 


6

173 


Source :
U.S.

i

D e p a r t m e n t o f I n t e r i o r , Bureau o f Census; Washington, D.C.
(1880) 	 R e p o r t o n t h e D e f e c t i v e , Dependent and D e l i n q u e n t C l a s s e s o f
t h e P o p u l a t i o n o f t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s as Returned a t t h e Tenth
Census: 1880; 1888; pg. 503.

T a b l e 3-23.

Comparison Average Time Served With Median Time Served i n i.iontlis, S e l e c t e d Years:

1923-1960

--

Releasesb
S t a t e and F e d e r a l
Crime

1923
kkdian

Average

All R e l e a s e s S
S t a t e and F e d e r a l

1935 (Male o n l y )

1945 (Male o n l y )

Medlan

Average

Pkdlan

Average

First ~ e l e a s e s ~

1953
tv'edlan

196U

Average

Isedlan

Average

A l l offenses 	

18

27

17

22

24

39

22

32

21

28

Person
Murder
Manslaughter
hurder/hanslaughter
Assault
Rape

a
a
33
I8
23

a
a
77
26
42

a
a
36
17
3U

a
a
54
20
4U

102
a
73
25
38

117
5U
89
34
52

b9

a
a
52

36

116
a
75
28
51

a

121
37
a
25
45

23

37

39

43

55

70

37

4Y

34

42

17
19
17
e
16

21
26
21
e
I8

13c
25
13
24
13

14c
20
I4
18
13

2D
3U
2U
23
16

LY
45
27
31
25

19
18
1Y
a

23
3U
23
24
a

17
LU
17
19
a

17d
25
ZU
2I
a

17

22

18

16

I4

27

12

21

14

Property
Robbery
Embezzlement, F o r g e r y ,
Fraud
Burglary
Larceny
Auto T h e f t
Stolen Property

32
52
17

24

LU

Morals, O r d e r , Government
Other S e x - r e l a t e d Crimes
Liquor Law V i o l a t i o n s
Drug Law V i o l a t i o n s
Traffic Violations
C a r r y i n g and Possessing
kk apo ns
hnsupport
National S e c u r i t y
Violations
Crimes R e l a t e d t o
Administration of
Government

U t her 	

I ti

Notes:
a . 	 Data n o t s e p a r a t e l y enumerated.
b. 	 Data v a r i e s on how t i m e s e r v e d was c a l c u l a t e d .
I n 1923 and 1935, t h e n a t l o n a l r e p o r t s used whatever d a t a was p r o v i d e d
by t h e i n s t i t u t i o n s . I n 1945, t h e t i m e s r e p o r t e d a r e h i g h e r b e c a u s e t h e t i m e s e r v e d is based on t h e time from s e n t e n c e
t o most r e c e n t r e l e a s e f o r a l l r e l e a s e s and i n c l u d e s p e r i o d s o f t i m e v i o l a t o r s r e t u r n e d t o p r i s o n may have s p e n t o u t s i d e
A f t e r 1950, d a t a i s f o r f i r s t r e l e a s e s o n l y .
t h e i n s t i t u t i o n on p a r o l e .
c . 	 In 1935, a v e r a g e e x c l u d e s f o r g e r y . Median f o r f o r g e r y was 17 and a v e r a g e was 19.
d. 	 In 1960, f o r g e r y e x c l u d e d i n a v e r a g e f o r embezzlement, f o r g e r y , f r a u d c a t e g o r y . Average f o r f o r g e r y was 20.3.
e . 	 I n 1923, a u t o t h e f t i n c l u d e d w i t h l a r c e n y .
f . 	 In 1960, median f o r " s e x o f f e n s e s " i n c l u d e s r a p e . Average d o e s n o t i n c l u d e r a p e .
Sources:
U.S. 	 Department o f Commrce, Bureau o f C e n s u s ; Washington, D.C.
(1923) P r i s o n e r s 1923; 1926; pgs. 179-18U.
(1935) P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r l s o n s and K e f o r ~ n a t o r l e s 1935; 1937: pg. 51.
(1945) P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r l s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s 1Y45; 1947; pgs. 7 9 and 8U.
U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , Bureau o f P r i s o n s ; N a t i o n a l P r i s o n e r S t a t l s t l c s ; Washington, D.C.
(1953) P r i s o n e r s R e l e a s e d f r a n S t a t e and F e d e r a l I n s t l t u t l o n s 1952 and 1953; pg. 41.
(1960) Characteristics o f S t a t e P r i s o n e r s 1960; 1965; pg. 69.
P r i s o n e r s R e l e a s e d f r a n S t a t e and F e d e r a l I n s t l t u t l o n s 196U; pgs. 15-19.

recent data (1974 to 1982) appear once again
to include all first releases.
Given these inconsistencies, the data seem
to indicate both by their lack of great
variation, and variation consistent with
changes in methods of calculation, that large
changes have not occurred over the last 50
years in time served. The overall median
time served f o r all State and Federal
prisoners in 1923 was 18 months; that for
1982, the most recent year available, was 16
months f o r State prisoners, with 27 States
reporting. In the period between 1923 and
1981 the median rose to a high of 28
months in 1943 (which is probably at least
partially explained by the change in
calculation method), then declined to the
low 20's in the 1950's (when only first
releases were included) and is now
somewhat lower.
While the overall median time served has
not changed significantly, the time served
for certain specific offenses has declined
more substantially, because the offense
distribution reflects a larger percent of
persons present f o r robbery and burglary
and fewer for larceny. The time served for
these
offenses
has
declined
more
substantially than the overall distribution.
A question causing considerable debate has
been whether the use of indeterminate
sentence and parole lengthened or shortened
time in prison. The simple comparison, by
State, of time served by type of release can
be somewhat misleading (Table 3-24).
Typically, within States the use of parole
varied by offense. Often parole was used
for more serious offenses, and hence had a
longer median time served.
For most
offenses
there
was
little
consistent
difference in time served by type of release
(Table 3-25).
Other comparisons have been those by State,
offense, race, and sex. Those wishing to
obtain more information can find much
data, even by offense by State, for some
years in the Census Bureau and Federal
Bureau
of
Prisons
Special
reports.
Comparisons by State (Table 3-24) indicate
substantial differences in State median time

served patterns.
Some States, such as
several in
the South having
high
incarceration rates, historically have had a
shorter median time served. Others have
both high rates and high median time
served. Regional comparisons indicate that
the South overall has had a somewhat lower
median time served than other regions.
These differences in part make national
comparisons by race difficult. Tables 3-27
and 3-28 present racial comparisons for
selected available years.
Prior Commitments and Recidivism

Recidivism has also been of interest since
the earliest Census reports. Tables 3-29 and
3-30 summarize information spanning 1890
to 1980. In 1890 information is reported on
the percent of prisoners present by region
who had one or more previous terms. The
statistics are not separately tallied by type
of facility. These data indicate that overall
about 26 percent of those in adult
correctional facilities reported previous
terms, with percents being as high as 39
percent in the North Atlantic region (the
extent of missing data is unknown because
reports simply note the number having
previous terms reported). Reports for 1923
are the first to include detailed data on
prior commitments for State and Federal
prisoners. A special report was published
entitled "Prisoners Antecedents" which gave
detailed information on characteristics of
those received.
About 65 percent were
reported to have had at least one prior
commitment.
The report also included
information on the percent who had had
other forms of institutionalization, about 5
percent. This was noted to be small, but
higher than that of the general population.
Between 1926 and 1938 the Census Bureau
yearly series also included data on prior
commitments, ranging from 45 to 61
percent. After 1939, information was given
sporadically on the prior commitments of
those released rather than those received.
This figure was similar to that on those
received, for example about 60 percent in
1940. The Bureau of Prisons reports on
State and Federal prisoners from 1950 to
1964 did not include prior commitment
data.

Table 3-24.

Median Months Served i n S t a t e Prisons and Reformatories by S t a t e by Type of Release, Selected Years:
1982
1923

-

Fieleaseab
S t a t e & Federal
stateC

U.S. T o t a l
Total
Parole
Other
Alabama
Total
Parole
Other
Arizona
Total
Parole
Other
Arkansas
Total
Parole
Other
California
Total
Parole
Other
Colorado
Total
Parole
Other
Connecticut
Total
Parole
Other
Delaware
Total
Parole
Other
D i s t r i c t of
Columbia
Total
Parole
Other
Florida
Total
Parole
Other
Georgia
Total
Parole
Other
Hawaii
Total
Parole
Other
Idaho
Total
Parole
Other
Illinois
Total
Parole
Other
Indiana
Total
Parole
Other

1923~
(males
only)

1938

First

ele ease^

S t a t e & Federal
1940

A l l t7eleasesb

F i r s t Fieleasesb

S t a t e Only

S t a t e Only

1943

1953

1960

1964~

1981f
(31 S t a t e s
only)

1982~
(27 S t a t e s
only)

Table 3-24 (Continued)
Releasesb
----

stateC

1923~
(males
only)

Iowa
Tot a1
Parole
Other

22
21
35

Kansas
Tot a1
Parole
Other

17
16
42

Kentucky
Tot a1
Parole
Other

16
19
15

Louisiana
Total
Parole
Other

21
21
20

Maine
Total
Parole
Other

12
12
24

Maryland
Total
Parole
Other

21
26
22

Massachusetts
Total
Parole
Other

17
17
18

Michigan
Total
Parole
Other

14
18
7

Minnesota
Tot a1
Parole
Other

22
22
18

Mississippi
Total
Parole
Other

16
16
16

Missouri
Tot a1
Parole
Other

20
21
20

Montana
Total
Parole
Other

13
13
24

Nebraska
Tot a1
Parole
Other

16
19
11

Nevada
Tot a1
Parole
Other

19
19
a

New Hampshire
Total
Parole
Other

19
17
a

F i r s t Releaseb

A l l Releasesb

F i r s t Releasesb

S t a t e & Federal

S t a t e Only

S t a t e Only

-

S t a t e & Federal
1938

1940

1943

1953

1960

1964~

1981f
(31 S t a t e s
only)

1982~
(27 S t a t e s
only)

T a b l e 3-24 ( C o n t i n u e d )
Releasesb
S t a t e & Federal

st a t e C

1923~
(males
only

New J e r s e y
Tot a 1
Parole
Other

18
19
36

New Mexico
Total
Parole
Other

16
14
20

New York
Total
Parole
Other

16
18
11

North C a r o l i n a
Total
Parole
Other

18
32
16

North Dakota
Total
Parole
Other

11
18
10

Ohio
Total
Parole
Other

19
20
24

Oklahoma
Total
Parole
Other

18
19
17

Oregon
Total
Parole
Other

15
11
19

Pennsylvania
Tot a 1
Parole
Other

22
22
40

Rhode I s l a n d
Total
Parole
Other

24
23
36

South C a r o l i n a
Total
Parole
Other

8
8
24

South Dakota
Tot a 1
Parole
Other

16
20
16

Tennessee
Tot a1
Parole
Other

22
23
90

Texas
Total
Parole
Other

17
36
18

Utah
Tot a 1
Parole
Other

15
15
15

1938

First

ele ease^

S t a t e & Federal
1940

A l l F?eleasesb

F i r s t Releasesb

S t a t e Only
1943

S t a t e Only
1953

1960

1964~

l98lf
(31 S t a t e s
only)

1982~
(27 S t a t e s
only

T a b l e 3-24 ( C o n t i n u e d )
t?eleasesb
S t a t e Ci F e d e r a l

First

ele ease^

State & Federal

A l l ~e1ease.s~

F l r s t t?eleasesb

S t a t e Unly

S t a t e Only
-

stateC

1923~
(males
only )

Vermont
Total
Parole
Other

9
10
ti

Vlrglnla
Tot a1
Parole
Other

18
26
16

Weshlngton
Total
Parole
Other

1Y
20
a

West V l r g l n l a
Total
Parole
Other

17
15
18

Wisconsin
Total
Parole
Uther

15
16
I4

Wyoming
Total
Parole
Other

24
27
24

1938

1940

1943

1953

196U

1964~

-

1981'
(31 S t a t e s
only)

1982~

(27 States
only)

Notes:
a. 	 Information n o t available i n p u b l i s h e d n a t i o n a l r e p o r t s .
b . 	 D a t a v a r y on how t l m e s e r v e d was c a l c u l a t e d .
I n 1923 and 1933, t h e n a t l o n a l r e p o r t s used whatever d a t a were
p r o v i d e d by t h e institutions. I n 1940, a s p e c i a l a t t e m p t was made t o l n c l u d e o n l y f l r s t r e l e a s e s b u t t h i s was
n o t continued I n o t h e r y e a r s i n t h e 1 9 4 0 ' s .
I n 1943, t h e median i s r e p o r t e d t o be h i g h e r because t h e t i m e
s e r v e d i s based on t h e t l m e from s e n t e n c e t o most r e c e n t r e l e a s e f o r a l l r e l e a s e s and l n c l u d e s p e r i o d s o f t i m e
violators r e t u r n e d t o p r l s o n may have s p e n t o u t s i d e t h e institution on p a r o l e . A f t e r 1950, d a t a a r e f o r f i r s t
releases only.
c. 	 Alaska n o t i n c l u d e d .
d. 	 k d l a n c a l c u l a t e d f r m grouped d a t a f o r 6-month p e r i o d ; I n 1923, p a r o l e l n c l u d e s pardons.
e. 	 F i r s t r e l e a s e s w i t h sentences o f 1 y e a r o r l o n g e r .
f. 	 I n c l u d e s d a t a o n l y from s e l e c t e d S t a t e s .
g. 	 Computations based on o n l y 25 t o 5 U cases.
Sources:
U.S. 	 Department o f Comwrce, Bureau o f Census; Washington, U.C.
(1923) P r l s o n e r s 1923; 1926; pgs. 336, 337.
(1938) P r l s o n e r s I n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r l s o n s and K e f o r m a t o r l e s :
1938; 1941; pgs. 48, 49.
(1940) P r l s o n e r s I n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and H e f o r n ~ a t o r l e s : 194U; 1943; pgs. 53-54.
(1943) P r l s o n e r s Released f r m S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r l s o n s and Reformatories 1943 and 1942; 1945; pgs. 43-48.
U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t l c e , Bureau o f P r l s o n s ; N a t l o n a l P r l s o n e r S t a t l s t l c s ; Washington, U.C.
(1953) P r l s o n e r s Heleased f r m S t a t e and F e d e r a l I n s t l t u t l o n s , 1952 and 1953; pgs. 46-143.
(1960) C h a r a c t e r l s t l c s o f S t a t e P r l s o n e r s 1960; 1965; pg. 69.
(1964) S t a t e P r l s o n e r s :
Pdmlasions and Releases, 1964; 1967; pg. 52.
U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t l c e , Mureau o f J u s t l c e S t a t i s t l c s ; Washington, D.C.
(1981) Bureau o f J u s t l c e S t a t i s t l c s S p e c i a l R e p o r t :
P r i s o n Admlsslons and Keleases, 19til ; 1984; pg. 3.
(1982) eureau o f J u s t i c e Statistics S p e c l a 1 R e p o r t :
P r l s o n Hdmlsslons and Keleases, 1982; 1985; pg. 9.

Table 3-25. 	 Median Months Served i n S t a t e and Federsl Prisons and Reformatories by Offense by Type of Release, Selected Years:
1923 - 1982

ele ease'
S t a t e & Federal
Offense

A l l Offenses
Total
Parole
Other
Manslaughter
Total
Parole
Other
Murder (excludes
Manslaughter)
Total
Parole
Other

1923'

18
19
17

33
43
40

b
b
b

Assault
Total
Parole
Other

18
18
19

Rape
Total
Parole
Other

23
24
26

Robbery
Total
Parole
Other

23
24
35

Embezzlement,
Forgery, ~ r a u d
Total
Parole
Other

17
19
17

Burglary
Total
Parole
Other

19
19
20

Larceny
Tot a1
Parole
Other

17

Auto Theft
Total
Parole
Other

c

c
c

Stolen Property
Total
Parole
Other

16
17
16

Other SexRelated Crimes
Total
Parole
Other

16
19
26

Liquor-Law
Violations
Total
Parole
Other

9
8
10

1933

First

el ease^

S t a t e & Federal
1940
(male only)

All
~elesses~
State

1943
(male only)

1953

F i r s t Release o n l y a
Federal
1953"

State

State

State

State

1964

1974

1981
(31 S t a t e s )

1982
(27 S t a t e s )

T a b l e 3-25 ( C o n t i n u e d )

Offense

t?eleasea

F i r s t neleasea

S t a t e & Federal

State & Federal

1923'

1933

1940
(male o n l y )

Druq-Law
violations
Total
Parole
Other

9
12
9

17
16
20

I8
19
15

C a r r y i n g and
Possessing
Weapons
Total
Parole
Other

16
b
b

b
b
b

18
22
11

L2,U72

69,U22

64,L40

Total Releases

A11
Releasesa

F i r s t R e l e a s e Onlya
State

1943
(male o n l y )

54,bYl

1953

47,588

Federal
1953~

10,838

State

State

1964

1974

68,188

b

State

State

19111
(31 S t a t e s )

1982
(27 S t a t e s )

55,579

52,U08

Notes:
a. 	 Data vary on how t i m e s e r v e d was c a l c u l a t e d . I n 1923 and 1933, t h e n a t l o n a l r e p o r t s used whatever d a t a were provided by t h e
institutions.
I n 1940, a s p e c i a l a t t e m p t was made t o i n c l u d e o n l y f i r s t r e l e a s e s b u t t h i s was n o t continued i n o t h e r y e a r s
i n t h e 1 9 4 0 ' s . I n 1943, t h e median i s r e p o r t e d t o be h i g h e r because t h e t i m e s e r v e d i s based on t h e t i m e from s e n t e n c e t o
most r e c e n t r e l e a s e f o r a l l r e l e a s e s and I n c l u d e s p e r i o d s o f t l m e v i o l a t o r s r e t u r n e d t o p r i s o n may have s p e n t o u t s l d e t h e
I n s t i t u t i o n on p a r o l e . A f t e r 1950, d a t a a r e f o r f i r s t r e l e a s e s o n l y .
b. 	 Data not available, n o t s e p a r a t e l y enumerated o r not published I n n a t l o n a l r e p o r t s .
c . 	 In 1923, s t a t i s t i c s were not s e p a r a t e l y enumerated f o r females f o r a s s a u l t , b u r g l a r y , embezzlement, f o r g e r y , f r a u d , s t o l e n
p r o p e r t y , r o b b e r y , and weapons. Larceny i n c l u d e s a u t o t h e f t .
S t a t l s t l c s f o r p a r o l e I n c l u d e pardons.
PBdian c a l c u l a t e d
f r a n grouped d a t a .
d . 	 In 1933, f o r g e r y n o t i n c l u d e d w i t h embezzlement and f r a u d . Meaian tlme r e p o r t e d f o r f o r g e r y was 1 8 months t o t a l , 1 8 months
p a r o l e and 19 months o t h e r r e l e a s e .
e . 	 In 1953, F e d e r a l t o t a l s a r e f o r c l v i l comrmtment o n l y .
f . 	 In 1964, statistics f o r r a p e not s e p a r a t e l y enumerated, I n c l u d e d w l t h o t h e r sex o f f e n s e s .
g. 	 In 1940, manslaughter medlan tlme s e r v e d was 3 3 months t o t a l , 32 months p a r o l e , and 37 months o t h e r r e l e a s e .
h. 	 Defined a s Other Sexual A s s a u l t .
Sources:
Department of Commerce, Bureau o f Census; Washington, U . C .
(1923)
P r l s o n e r s 1923; 1926; pgs. 179-180.
(1933)
P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r l s o n s and Reformatories: 1933; 1935; pgs. 43.
(1940)
P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s : 1940; 1943; pgs. 55.
(1943)
P r i s o n e r s Released f r a n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r l s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s : 1943 and 1942; 1945; pgs. 29-34.
U.S. 	 Department of Justice, Bureau o f P r i s o n s ; (National P r l a o n e r S t a t l s t l c s ; Washington, U . C .
(1953)
P r i s o n e r s Released from S t a t e and F e d e r a l Institutions: 1952 and 1953; pgs. 41-44.
(1964)
State Prlsoners:
Admissions and R e l e a s e s , 1964; 1967; pg. 51.
U.S. Uepartment of J u s t l c e , Bureau of J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s ; Washington, D.C.
P r i s o n Admissions and R e l e a s e s , 1981 ; 1984; pg. 7.
(1974, 1981) 	 S p e c l a l Report:
S p e c i a l Report: P r i s o n Admlsslons and R e l e a s e s , 1982; 1985; pg. 7.
(1982)

Table 3-26. 	

Median Time Served i n Months by Sex f o r
Selected Offenses: 1923
A l l Releases

Offense

Male

Female

A l l Offenses

18

12

Homicide

36

23

Larceny

17

15

Other Sex Offenses

19

16

9

9

Drug Laws
L i q u o r Laws
Other and Unknown Offenses

9

7

20

11

Source:
U.S. 	 Department of Commerce, Bureau o f Census; Washington, D.C.
P r i s o n e r s 1923; 1926; pg. 179.

Table 3-27. 	

Median Time Served i n Months by F i r s t Releases on Sentences From S t a t e I n s t i t u t i o n s
by Region, Race, and Offense:
1952
A l l States
White
Black

Northeast
White
Black

North Central
White
Black

South
White
Black

West
White
Black

A l l Offenses
Murder
Manslaughter
Robbery
Aggravated
Assault
Burglary
Theft, Except
Auto
Auto T h e f t
Embezzlement
and Fraud
Forgery
Rape
Other Sex
Offenses
Drug Laws
Weapons
Other

Notes:
a. 	

Based on a c t u a l number o f 12 White and 2 B l a c k .

Source:
U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , Federal Bureau o f Prisons; N a t i o n a l P r i s o n e r S t a t i s t i c s ; Washington, D.C.
P r i s o n e r s Released from S t a t e and Federal I n s t i t u t i o n s :
1952 and 1953; pg. 32.

Table 3-28. 	

Median Time Served i n Months i n S t a t e I n s t i t u t i o n s by O f f e n s e by Race:
1937, 1952, and 1964

A l l r	e l e a s e s
Male f e l o n s , 14
Southern S t a t e s o n l y C

F i r s t Releases on sentenceC

1937~
Offense

White

Nonwhite

1952 	
White

Nonwhite

1964d
White

Nonwhite

A l l Offenses
	
Murder
Manslaughter
Homicide
Robbery
Aggravated A s s a u l t
Burglary
Larceny
Auto T h e f t
Embezzlement and Fraud
Forgery
Rape
Other Sex Offenses
Drug Laws
Weapons
A l l Other
	
Offenses
Notes:
a. 	 1937 s t a t i s t i c s a r e f o r male f e l o n s i n 1 4 s o u t h e r n S t a t e s o n l y .
b . 	 S t a t i s t i c s f o r 1937: Larceny i n c l u d e s Fraud and S t o l e n P r o p e r t y . 

1964: Murder and Manslaughter a r e n o t enumerated s e p a r a t e l y : 

Embezzlement and F r a u d a l s o i n c l u d e Forgery; Rape n o t enumerated 

separately. 

c. 	 F i r s t r e l e a s e d a t a e x c l u d e s p a r o l e v i o l a t e r s r e l e a s e d .
d. 	 F i r s t r e l e a s e s w i t h sentences o f 1 year o r l o n g e r .
e. 	 I n f o r m a t i o n n o t a v a i l a b l e o r n o t s e p a r a t e l y c a t e g o r i z e d .
Sources :
U.S. Department o f Commerce, Bureau o f Census: Washington, D.C.
(1937) 	 P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s : 1937;
1939: pg. 76.
U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , F e d e r a l Bureau o f P r i s o n s ; N a t i o n a l P r i s o n e r
S t a t i s t i c s ; Washington, D.C.
(1952) P r i s o n e r s Released f r o m S t a t e and F e d e r a l I n s t i t u t i o n s : 1952 and
1953: pg. 32.
(1964) S t a t e P r i s o n e r s : Admissions and Releases 1964: 1967; pgs. 53-55.

Table 3-29.

P r i o r Commitment Data, Selected Years:

1890 By Reqion:

1890-1938

Combined Data (Prisons and ~ a i l s ) ~

Reqion

Number Present

1926-1938 Percent of S t a t e and F e d e r a l
P r i s o n e r s Received w i t h P r i o r Commitment

Percent R e p o r t i n g One o r
More P r i o r P r i s o n Terms
Total

Male

Female

United States
North Atlantic
South A t l a n t i c
North Central
South C e n t r a l
Western

Notes:
a. 	

Separate d a t a unavailable.

Source:
U.S.

Department o f I n t e r i o r , Bureau o f Census; Washington, D.C.
(1890) Report 	on Crime, Pauperism, and Benevolence i n t h e U n i t e d
S t a t e s a t t h e Eleventh Census: 1890; 1895; pg. 421. 


Note: 

a. 	 Not enumerated.
Source:

1923 Pen al H i s t o r y :

State Prisoners

T o t a l commitments ( f i r s t 6 months)
T o t a l w i t h r e p o r t as t o p r i o r commitments

U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau o f Census;
Washington, D.C.
(1926-1938) P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and Federal
P r i s o n s and Reformatories:
1926; 1929; pg. 37.
1927; 1931; pgs. 26, 34.
1928; 1931; pg. 21.
1929 and 1930; 1932; pg. 29.
1931 and 1932; 1934; pg. 18.
1933; 1935; pg. 21.
1934; 1936;
1935;
1937; pg.
pgs. 25.
30-31.

(19,083)
(14,018)
Percent

P r e v i o u s l y committed t o penal
3 o r more t i m e s
2 times
1 time
Not p r e v i o u s l y committed t o penal 	

Nonpenal I n s t i t u t i o n H i s t o r y :

51
9
11
31
50 	

1936; 1938; pg. 31. 

1937; 1939; pg. 33. 

1938; 1941; pg. 31. 


1923

T o t a l 1923 commitments ( f i r s t 6 months)
T o t a l w i t h r e p o r t on nonpenal h i s t o r y
Percent

-

a l l nonpenal i n s t i t u t i o n s
Previously admitted
Mental h o s p i t a l s
Feeble-minded
Tuberculosis
Almshouses
Other nonpenal
Not p r e v i o u s l y admitted 	

5

1

.2 

.9 

.2 

2.8 

95

Source:
U.S. 	 Department o f Commerce, Bureau o f Census; Washington, D.C. 

(1923) The P r i s o n e r s Antecedents; 1929; pgs. 43, 46. 


Table 3-30A. 	

P r i o r C o n v i c t i o n H i s t o r y a t Time o f E n t r y t o S t a t e P r i s o n i n 1 9 7 9 ~

Number o f p r i o r c o n v i c t i o n s

~irst-timersb

Total

Number o f admissions
Percent o f Each Admission Type
w i t h P r i o r Convictions 

No P r i o r C o n v i c t i o n s 

1 P r i o r Conviction 

2

3

4


5

6-1 0 

11-20 

21+ 

Median Number of C o n v i c t i o n s per Offender

Notes:
a. 	 P r i o r conviction h i s t o r y i s defined as the sum o f a l l p r l o r j u v e n i l e o r 

a d u l t sentences t o probation, j a i l , p r i s o n , o r j u v e n l l e facilities. 

b. 	 Refers t o f i r s t i n c a r c e r a t i o n not c o n v i c t i o n .
Source:
U.S.

Complete t a b l e taken from

Department o f J u s t i c e , Bureau o f J u s t i c e S t a t i s t l c s ; Washington, D.C.
( t a b l e taken i n i t s e n t i r e t y ) 

Bureau o f J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s Special Report:
Examining Recldivlsm; 

1985; pg. 7. 


Table 3-308. 	

Percentage o f Releases Returned t o Prison, by S t a t e , Year of Release, and
Follow-up P e r i o d

S t a t e and Year o f
Release Reported

kmber o f
Releases

The Cumulative Percent o f P r l s o n Releases
Who Returned t o P r l s o n W i t h i n
2 years
3 years
1 year

Colorado, 1980 

Georgia, 1980 

Iowa, 1980 

Massachusetts, 1976 

Minnesota, 1980 

M i s s i s s i p p i , 1978 

Nebraska, 1979' 

New York, 1980 

N o r t h C a r o l i n a , 1979 

Oklahoma, 1976-1977 

Oregon, 1979 

Rhode I s l a n d , 1978 

Washington, 1979 

Wisconsin, 1980 

Median o f r e p o r t i n g S t a t e s 

Mean o f r e p o r t i n g S t a t e s 


Notes:
i h l e s s otherwise noted, number o f r e l e a s e s excludes persons being h e l d f o r another
agency, i n t e r i n s t i t u t i o n a l o r i n t e r s t a t e t r a n s f e r s , AWOLs, escapes, and deaths.
a. 	 Data are f o r J u l y 1, 1983, resulting i n a 2 1/2-year follow-up p e r i o d f o r t h e 

p o r t i o n o f t h e c o h o r t rel eased i n the second h a l f o f 1980. 

Estimate based on h a l f - y e a r t o t a l .
F i s c a l 1978-79.
F i g u r e i s h a l f o f a 2-year t o t a l o f 3,812, from whlch a 15 p e r c e n t sample was drawn.
Excludes 100 inmates w i t h o f f e n s e d a t a mlssing.
I n c l u d e s p r i s o n and j a i l inmates, as S t a t e has an i n t e g r a t e d j a i l - p r i s o n system.

b. 	
c. 	
d. 	
e. 	
f. 	

Source:

Complete t a b l e taken from

U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , Bureau o f J u s t l c e S t a t i s t l c s ; Washington, D.C. 

@ureau o f J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s S p e c l a l Report:
Returning t o P r i s o n ; 1984; pg. 2 . 


Recently BJS has published two special
reports devoted to recidivism. The percent
of those admitted with prior commitments
(either adult or juvenile) was reported to be
about 60 percent (three-fifths) of all
admissions for the year 1979, not very
different from the earlier Census Bureau
data.
The report also includes data
indicating that only about 16 percent of
those entering State prisons had no prior
adult or juvenile conviction (includes
probation as well as incarceration). In this
report, based primarily on the 1979 sample
survey of prisoners, extensive analysis is
done on projection of returns to prison and
on the number of offenses which presumably would have been avoided if release had
not occurred when it did.
Demographic and Other Characteristics of
State and Federal Prisoners
Table 3-3 1 summarizes Census Bureau
Institutional Population demographic data
available on persons present in State and
Federal prisons from 1910 to 1980. The
distribution between male and female
indicates the percent of women present has
ranged from 3 to 5 percent. In 1910, 4
percent were women; in
1980 the
corresponding figure was 5 percent, up
from a 3 percent low in 1970. The percent
foreign born has declined from 12 percent
in 1923 to 3 percent in 1980. The percent
white has declined from 68 percent in 1923
to just under half (47 percent in 1980).
Correspondingly, the percent black has
increased from 31 percent to 44 percent.
The percent under 18 was 2.0 percent in
1923 and 1.6 percent in 1980. Looking at
data available on those received (Table 332), from 1910 to 1981, we can see that the
median age has remained between 25 and
29, and the percent 18 and under has
ranged from 14 in 1910 to about 7 in 1980.
In both 1923 and 1979 more extensive
profiles of those admitted to prisons were
obtained (Tables 3-33 and 3-34).
These
present remarkably similar results for
certain items. In both years about 25 to 30
percent were unemployed prior to arrest and

educational levels were below the norm for
the time. About 20 to 25 percent had
military service and about 50 percent had
ever been married.
Facilities and Staff
Table 3-35 presents the number of institutions included in selected reports by the
Census Bureau and Justice Department over
the period 1880 to 1982/83. In 1960 and
1980 the number reported by the Census
Bureau is much larger than that reported in
comparable data from other sources. This is
apparently due to the fact that the Census
Bureau reports counted each budget unit
separately, so that in some cases what is
identified as part of one facility by the
Justice Department would be classified as
two or three by the Census Bureau. This
resulted in Census counts of 2090 State
institutions in 1980 compared to a count of
791 by Justice for 1979. Earlier Census
reports and the Census f o r 1970 were
apparently comparable to the Justice
Department in the way institutions were
counted. The data indicate that the number
of State and Federal institutions has
increased from about 62 in 1880 (Census),
to 850 in 1979 (Justice).
In 1926 the Census Bureau began to collect
data on correctional institutional staff. This
was continued by the Bureau of Prisons.
Tables 3-36 to 3-38 present summary
statistics on number of staff and inmatestaff ratio by State f o r selected years from
1926 to 1979. This illustrates the decline in
inmate-staff ratio, f r o m approximately 11/ 1
in 1926 to 3/1 in 1979. Because the earlier
rates are calculated based upon all staff and
later on full-time-equivalents, earlier rates
may slightly overestimate the ratio relative
to later reports. However, part-time staff
were never reported to be more than 4
percent of the total.

Table 3-32.

C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s o f P r i s o n e r s Received i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s by Age, Sex, and Race:
1910-1982

Male

1940
1941
194z9
1943~
1944~
1945~
19469
1950~
1951
1952
1953
1956
1957
1958
1959

Median Age
Female

28.6
29.0
29.0
27.2
27.1
26.9
26.6
23.3

-

28.4
28.2
27.3
27.6
26.0
25.8
26.4
28.5
h
h
h
h
h
h
h

Percent 18 and Under

9
9
10
12
12
12
11
8
h
h
h
h
h
h
h

Percent White

Percent Nonwhite

Percent Male

Percent Female

70
71
70
69
69
68
66
69
h
h
h
h
h
h
h

30
29
30
31
31
32
34
31
h
h
h
h
h
h
h

95
95
94
95
95
94
95
96
95
95
95
95
95
95
95

5

5

6

5

5

6

5

4

5

5

5

5

5

5

5


65
63
56
53

35
37
44
47

96
96
95
94

4

4

5

6


S t a t e P r i s o n s Only
1960f
1964'
1981
1982

27.0
26.1
25
25

1lc
1 2 ~
7C
9C

Notes:
Age n o t g i v e n by sex. 

T o t a l s do n o t equal 100 percent due t o rounding. 

C a l c u l a t e d from data grouped i n t o age c a t e g o r i e s . 

Only races c a t e g o r i z e d a r e White and B l a c k . 

For f e l o n s . 

For misdemeanors. 

1942, 1943, and 1945 exclude M i s s i s s i p p i , Georgis and Michigan: 1944 excludes M i s s i s s i p p i and Georgia; 1946 excludes 

M i s s i s s i p p i , Georgia and Pennsylvania f i g u r e s a d j u s t e d t o t h e calendar year: 1950 excludes Georgia and Michigan. 

Data n o t a v a i l a b l e o r n o t obtained. 

1960 and 1964 exclude New Jersey and A l s s k s and a r e f o r f e l o n s . 

Sources :
U.S. 	 Oepartment o f Commerce, Bureau o f Census: Washington, D.C. 

(1910)
P r i s o n e r s and J u v e n i l e D e l i n q u e n t s i n t h e U.S.:
1910: 1918; pgs. 79, 90,312, 344-345. 

(1923)
P r i s o n e r s 1923: 1926: pgs. 198, 247, 274. 

P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and Reformatories: 

(1926)
1926; 1929; p g s . 3 1 , 3 4 , 3 7 . 

(1927)
1927: 1931; pgs. 68, 70-71. 

(1928)
1928; 1931; pgs. 23, 24. 

(1929,1930)
1929 and 1930: 1932; pgs. 72, 74. 	
(1939)
1939: 1941; pgs. 10, 11.
(1931,1932) 	 1931 and 1932: 1934; pgs. 19, 56, 58, 61, 62.
(1940)
1940; 1943; pgs. 14, 17, 18.
(1933)
1933; 1935; pg. 33.
(1941)
1941; 1944; pgs. 11, 15, 16.
(1934)
1934: 1 9 3 6 ; p g s . 2 8 , 3 2 , 3 4 .
(1942)
1942; 1945; pg. 13.
(1935)
1935; 1937; pgs. 33, 37.
(1943)
1943; 1946: pgs. 15, 17, 23.
(1936)
1936: 1938: pgs. 33, 37.
(1944)
1944; 1946; pgs. 18, 23.
(1937)
1937: 1 9 3 9 : p g s . 8 , 1 1 , 1 2 .
(1945)
1945: 1947; pgs. 16, 18, 24.
(1938)
1938:1941:pgs.8,11,12.
(1946)
1946; 1948; pgs. 18, 22, 27.
U.S. Department o f J u s t i c e , Bureau o f P r i s o n s : N a t i o n a l P r i s o n e r S t s t i s t i c s : Washington, O.C.
P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l I n s t i t u t i o n s : 

(1950)
1950: 1954: pgs. 51,54. 

(1951)
1951: Number 7: 1952: Table 4. 

(1952)
1952: Number 9: 1953: Table 2. 

(1953)
1953; Number 11; 1954; Table 2. 

(1956)
1956: Number 17: 1957; Table 2. 

(1957)
1957; Number 19; 1958: Table 2. 

(1958)
1958; Number 21: 1959: Table 2. 

(1959)
1959: Number 24: 1960: Table 2. 

(1960)
C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s o f S t a t e P r i s o n e r s : 1960: 1965; pgs. 6 , 40. 

(1964)
S t a t e P r i s o n e r s : Admissions and Releases, 1964; 1967; pgs. 8, 16. 

U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , Bureau o f J u s t i c e S t s t i s t i c s : Washington, D.C.
P r i s o n Admissions and Releases, 1981; 1984; pg. 2.
(1981)
Bureau o f J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s S p e c i a l Report:
(1982)
P r i s o n Admissions and Releases, 1982; 1985; pgs. 2, 4.
Bureau o f J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s S p e c i a l Report:

Table 3-34.

P r o f i l e of S t a t e Prison Admissions:

Characteristic 	

1979
Total

Number of admissions
Median Age 	
Race
White
Black
G t her

24.9 years
Percent 

53.7 

43.5 

2.8 


Education 

0-6 vears 

7-8 years 

9-1 1 years 

12 years 

More than 12 years 

Median 	

10.4 years

Marital s t a t u s 

Married 

Widowed/divorced/separated
Never married
Military servlce 

Percent with m i l i t a r y s e r v i c e 

Percent of those serving with undesirable/ 

bad conduct/dishonorable discharges 

Percent of those serving who were sentenced 

to confinement i n t h e m i l i t a r y 

Employed p r i o r t o a r r e s t 

Not employed 

Full-time 

Part-t ime 

Famlly member ever i n c a r c e r a t e d
Drug user 

Ever used heroin r e g u l a r l y 

Use heroin month before a r r e s t 

Lhder i n f l u e n c e any drug a t time of o f f e n s e 

Lhder influence of heroin a t time of o f f e n s e 

Alcohol use 

Drinking a t time of o f f e n s e 

Very drunk a t time of offense (percent 

of those d r i n k i n g )
Source:
U.S. 	 Department of J u s t i c e , Bureau of J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s ; Washington, D.C.
Bureau of J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s S p e c i a l Report: Examining Recidivism;
1985; pg. 6.

T a b l e 3-35. 	

Number o f F e d e r a l and S t a t e I n s t i t u t i o n s R e p o r t e d by Census
Bureau and J u s t i c e D e p a r t m e n t , S e l e c t e d Years:
1880-1982/83
Federal

State

1880 (Census)
1890 ( c e n s u s )
1904 (Census)
1910 ( c e n s u s )
1923 (Census)
1933 (Census)
1940 (Census)
1950 (Census)
1960 ( c e n s u s )
1970 (Census)
1970 (Justice)
1972/74 ( J u s t i c e )
1978/79 ( J u s t i c e )
1980 (Census)
1982/83

(Justice)

Notes:
a. D a t a n o t 	a v a i l a b l e o r n o t p u b l i s h e d .
b. 	 M c N e i l I s l a n d F e d e r a l P r i s o n was opened i n 1865, b u t most F e d e r a l 

p r i s o n e r s were housed i n S t a t e facilities u n t i l a f t e r 1900. 

c. 	 The Census r e p o r t e s t i m a t e s a s u b s t a n t i a l l y l a r g e r number o f S t a t e
and F e d e r a l c o r r e c t i o n a l i n s t i t u t i o n s t h a n do B.J.S. f l g u r e s f o r
t h e same p e r i o d , a l t h o u g h e s t i m a t e s o f number o f p e r s o n s p r e s e n t i n
p r l s o n do n o t d i f f e r substantially. The difference i n t h e number
o f separate l n s t i t u t l o n s i s r e l a t e d t o separate c o u n t i n g o f budget
u n i t s r a t h e r t h a n b y i n s t i t u t i o n a d m i n i s t r a t i o n . The number o f
institutions a l s o d l f f e r s n o t a b l y f r o m t h e 1970 census t o t a l , w h l c h
1 s more c o n s i s t e n t w i t h LEAA d a t a from t h e same p e r i o d . Presumably.
1960 a l s o c o u n t e d each b u d g e t u n i t s e p a r a t e l y .
Sources:
U.S. 	 Department o f Commerce, Bureau o f t h e Census: Washington, D.C. 

(1880, 1890, 

1904, 1910, 

1923)
C h i l d r e n Under I n s t i t u t i o n a l Care, 1923: 1927; p g s 

262-263.
(1923)
P r i s o n e r s 1923: 1926: pg. 3.
(1933)
J u v e n i l e D e l i n q u e n t s i n P u b l i c I n s t i t u t i o n s 1933: 1936:
P9. 1 . 

P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s 

1933: 1935: ,D O . 1.

(1960)
U.S. Census o f P o ~ u l a t l o n1960: I n m a t e s o f I n s t i t u t i o n s :
1963: pg. 13.
(1970)
U.S. Census o f Population 1970: Persons i n I n s t i t u t i o n s
and
Grouo Q u a r t e r s : 1973: oo.
23.
- Other
~
(1980) 	
1980 Census o f ' p o p u l a t i o n :
Persons i n I n s t i t u t i o n s and
O t h e r Group Q u a r t e r s ; 1984; pg. 5 .
U.S. Department o f J u s t i c e , F e d e r a l Bureau o f P r i s o n s : Washlngton, D.C.
(1972-1983) 	 Statistical R e p o r t o f t h e F i s c a l Years 1981-1983:
pgs. 255-261.
U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , Law Enforcement A s s i s t a n c e A d m i n i s t r a t i o n :
N a t i o n a l C r i m i n a l J u s t i c e I n f o r m a t i o n and S t a t i s t i c s S e r v i c e :
Washlngton, D.C.
(1972-74) 	 Census o f S t a t e C o r r e c t i o n a l F a c i l i t i e s 1974: Advance
Report: N a t i o n a l P r i s o n e r S t a t i s t i c s S p e c i a l Report
Number SD-NPS-SR-I;
1975: T a b l e 1 .
U.S. Department o f J u s t i c e , Bureau o f J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s ; Washington D.C.
(1979) 	
Bureau o f J u s t i c e Statistics B u l l e t i n : P r i s o n s and
Prisoners: 1982: pg. 3 .
2

T a b l e 3-36.

S t a f f o f S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s :

1926-1958

U.S.

~otal'
Male
Female
Part-Time S t a f f
Federal Total

S t a t e Total

7,290
(Total Staff)

11,466
(Total S t a f f )

12,271
(Total S t a f f )

14,733
(Total S t a f f )

22,766'
32,912~
16,949~
(Full-Time S t a f f ) (Full-Time S t a f f ) (Full-Time S t a f f )

Alabama
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New J e r s e y
New Mexico
New York
North C a r o l i n a
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode I s l a n d
South C a r o l i n a
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West V i r g i n i a
Wisconsin
Wyoming
D i s t r i c t of
Columbia
Notes:
a. 	
b. 	
c. 	
d. 	
e. 	
f. 	

F u l l - t i m e and p a r t - t i m e s t a f f .
Data n o t s e o a r a t e l v enumerated o r n o t a v a i l a b l e .
Excludes ~ e b r g i a . '
Excludes 662 p a r t - t i m e S t a t e s t a f f and 158 p a r t - t i m e F e d e r a l s t a f f i n 1945.
Excludes 1 , 0 2 7 S t a t e p a r t - t i m e s t a f f and 235 F e d e r a l p a r t - t i m e s t a f f .
Covers Alabama S t a t e p e n i t e n t i a r i e s .

Sources:

U.S. 	 Department o f Commerce, Bureau o f Census; Washington, D.C.
(1926) P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and R e f o r ~ n a t o r i e s : 1926; 1929; pg. 128.
(1930) P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e end F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s : 1929 and 1930; 1932; pg. 154.
(1935) P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s : 1935; 1937; pgs. 81-84.
(1940) P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s : 1940; 1943; pgs. 76-77.
(1945) P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s : 1945; 1947; pgs. 98-99.
U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , F e d e r a l Bureau o f P r i s o n s ; N a t i o n a l P r i s o n e r S t a t i s t i c s ; Washington, D.C.
(1950) P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l I n s t i t u t i o n s : 1950; 1954; pgs. 75-77.
(1958) P e r s o n n e l i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l I n s t i t u t i o n s : 1958, Number 22; 1960; T a b l e s 1-4.

T a b l e 3-37.

Inmate-Staff R a t i o by S t a t e , F e d e r a l and S t a t e P r i s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s :

1926
Total S t a f f
U.S.

1930 	
Total S t a f f 	

1935~
Ratio
Total S t a f f

1940a
Ratio
Total S t a f f

1926-1958

1945~
Ratio
Full-Time S t a f f

195&
Ratio
Full-Time S t a f f

Total

Federal Total
S t a t e Total
Alabama 

Arizona 

ArkansasC 

California 

Colorado 

Connecticut 

Delaware 

Florida 

Georgia 

Idaho 

Illinois 

Indiana 

Iowa 

Kansas 

Kentucky 

~ouisiana' 

Maine 

Maryland 

Massachusetts 

Michigan 

Minnesota 

Mississippi 

Missouri 

bntana 

Nebraska 

Nevada 

New Hampshire 

New J e r s e y 

New Mexico 

New York 

North C a r o l i n a 

North Dakota 

Ohio 

Oklahoma 

Oregon 

Pennsylvania 


Rhode I s l a n d 

South C a r o l i n a 

South Dakota 

Tennessee 

Texas 

Utah 

Vermont 

Virginia 

Washington 

West V i r g i n i a 

Wisconsin 

woming 

D i s t r i c t of 

Columbia
Notes:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

	
	
	
	
	

C a l c u l a t i o n s based on t o t a l s t a f f and t o t a l population p r e s e n t on December 31 o f y e a r o r a v e r a g e f o r y e a r .
Calculations based on f u l l - t i m e s t a f f and t o t a l p o p u l a t i o n p r e s e n t on December 31 o f y e a r o r a v e r a g e f o r y e a r .
Katio u n u s u a l l y high p a r t l y due t o u s e of i n m a t e s a s s t a f f .
Data n o t s e p a r a t e l y enumerated o r not a v a i l a b l e .
Excludes D e t r o i t House of C o r r e c t i o n s f o r Women.

Sources:
U.S. 	 Department o f Commrce, Bureau o f Census; Washington, D.C. 

(1926) P r i s o n e r s I n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s : 1926; 1929; pg. 1L8. 

(1930) P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s : 1929 and 1930; 1932; pg. 154. 

(1935) P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s : 1935; 1937; pgs. 7, 82. 

(1940) Prisoners I n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s : 1940; 1943; pgs. 1 1 , 77. 

(1945) P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s : 1945; 1947; pgs. 7, 98, 99. 

U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , F e d e r a l Bureau o f P r i s o n s ; N a t i o n a l P r i s o n e r S t a t i s t i c s ; Washington, D.C. 

(1950) P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l I n s t i t u t i o n s : 1950; 1954; pgs. 76-77. 

(1958) P e r s o n n e l I n S t a t e and F e d e r a l Institutions: 1958, Number 22; 1960; T a b l e 1. 


1958~
Hat i o
Full-Time S t a f f

Table 3-38.

Number o f S t a f f and Inmate-Staff

Full-time
Equivalent
Stafa

Total
Present
inPrisonb

R a t i o i n S t a t e P r i s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s , by S t a t e :

Ratio

Full-time
Equivalent
staffa

Total
Present i n
P r i s o n on
12-31-75

Ratio

1971-1979

Full-time
Equivalent
staffa

Total
Present i n
P r i s o n on
12-31-79

State Total
Alabama 

Alaska 

Arizona 

Arkansas 

California 

Colorado 

Connecticut 

Delaware 

District of 

Columbia 

Florida 

Georgia 

Hawaii 

Idaho 

Illinois 

Indiana 

Iowa 

Kansas 

Kentucky 

Louisiana 

Maine 

Maryland 

Massachusetts 

Michigan 

Minnesota 

Mississippi 

Missouri 

bbntana 

Nebraska 

Nevada 

k w Hampshire 

New J e r s e y 

New Mexico 

New York 

bbrth Carolina 

b r t h Dakota 

Ohio 

Oklahoma 

Oregon 

Pennsylvania 

Rhode I s l a n d 

South C a r o l i n a 

South Dakota 

Tennessee 

Texas 

Utah 

Vermont 

Virginia 

Washington 

West V i r g i n i a 

Wisconsin 

Wyoming 

Notes:
a.
b.
c.

C a l c u l a t e d based on d a t a on t o t a l S t a t e c o r r e c t i o n s s t a f f e x c l u d i n g j u v e n i l e f a c i l i t i e s s t a f f .
Excludes p r i s o n e r s w i t h s e n t e n c e s o f 1 y e a r o r l e s s .
Data not a v a i l a b l e .

Sources:
U.S. D e ~ a r t m e n tof J u s t i c e , Law Enforcement A s s i s t a n c e A d m i n i s t r a t i o n , N a t i o n a l C r i m i n a l J u s t i c e I n f o r m a t i o n and
S t a t i i t i c s S e r v i c e , Washington, D.C. 

(1971) Sourcebook o f C r i m i n a l J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s : 1974; 1975; pgs. 126-127, 434. 

(1975) Sourcebook o f C r i m i n a l J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s : 1977; 1978; pgs. 172, 173. 

P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l I n s t i t u t i o n s on December 31, 1975; 1977; pgs. 36-37.
U.S. Department of J u s t i c e , Bureau o f J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s ; Washington, O.C.
(1979) 	 J u s t i c e E x p e n d i t u r e and Employment i n t h e U.S., 1979; 1983; pga. 325, 326. 

P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l I n s t i t u t i o n s on December 31, 1979; 1981; pgs. 16-17. 


Hatio

CHAPTER IV
JAIL STATISTICS
Although almost 40 percent of the total
number of persons in adult correctional
facilities in 1880 were in local jails, and
one-third were there in 1980, far fewer
national statistics exist on jails than other
forms of incarceration. Prior to 1970, all
national statistics came from the Census
Bureau
reports
on
the
institutional
population done only at 10-year intervals
between 1880 and 1980. Between 1880 and
1933 these reports did, however, contain a
significant
amount
of
detailed
jail
information.
This information has been
largely ignored. It is not uncommon to read
that the first jail census did not occur until
1970.
In 1970, the Law Enforcement Assistance
Administration (LEAA) conducted the first
national jail census to be completed under
the Justice Department. A sample survey
followed in 1972. Subsequently, jail studies
have been completed for the years 1978,
1982 and 1983 by the Bureau of Justice
Statistics. The Bulletin reporting the 1983
study includes data on commitments for the
first time since 1933 (which included only
commitment under sentence). The section
below presents a more detailed overview of
available national jail reports.
OVERVIEW OF REPORTS AVAILABLE
Census Bureau Reports
The Census reports of 1880 and 1890 were
published in volumes which also contained
statistics of the total institutional population.
While certain statistics such as race,
nativity, sex, and age are reported on local
facilities separate from other prisons, most
of the data specific to crime are reported
only for all prisoners (State, Federal, and
local) combined (see Chapter VIII). The
data which are separately presented are
broken down into counts for county jails,
city prisons,
workhouses, houses of
correction, and leased county prisoners.
The counts must be combined to obtain a

classification comparable to what is now
included under the title "jails." Not until
the 1923 report were totals from the
differing types of local facilities routinely
combined under the heading "jails."
Between 1904 and 1933 only sentenced jail
inmates were counted in the Census. The
1904 report was the first to report
commitments to jails, but this study
excluded those sentenced for nonpayment of
fine, a group which constituted 62 percent
of commitments under sentence in 1910.
The 1910 report is more complete in
including these inmates in totals present and
received, but the separate tables on sentence
length and offense of those received under
sentence in jails also exclude those received
for nonpayment of fine.
For 1923, a special report was published
entitled "Prisoners, 1923."
This report
included data on State and Federal facilities,
and jails. Information on juveniles was now
placed with a report on "Children Under
Institutional Care." In this report for the
first time all data are presented separately
for jails and State and Federal prisoners.
The 1923 report is very complete in the data
items covered and the analysis presented.
However, as is discussed in Chapter VIII, it
may be that there were undercounts of jail
prisoners both present and committed
during the year due to omissions of certain
jails thought not to contain sentenced jail
inmates. This report, like those in 1904,
1910, and 1933, excluded those not under
sentence. The 1923 report presented data
both on jail prisoners present on the day of
the survey and totals received for the first 6
months of the year by age, sex, race,
nativity, offense, and sentence. Data are
presented only on those received during the
period for number of prior commitments,
marital condition, and State or country of
birth. Discharge information is given for
the first time and includes sentence,
offense, time served, and type of discharge.
In 1933, a separate volume was issued by
the Census Bureau, entitled "County and
City Jails." In this report, as was the case
in 1923, commitment data were again based
on sentenced inmates received during the

first 6 months of the year, with estimates
made f o r the total year. Much the same
information was collected as in 1923, with
the addition of the amount of fine. Most
data on jail inmate characteristics are
presented f o r total number received during
the year rather than for the total present on
a given day of the year.
Census Bureau reports on jails from 1940 to
1980 were again combined with the general
Census
of
Institutional
Populations.
Unsentenced prisoners are again included,
but there is no differentiation as to legal
status reported. Data items are limited to
non-criminal-justice-specific items such as
race, age, ethnicity, sex, marital condition,
and sometimes education and employment.
Only those present on the day of the survey
were counted.
T h e Law Enforcement Assistance Administration and Bureau of Justice Statistics
Reports
For the year 1970, the Law Enforcement
Assistance
Administration
(LEAA)
sponsored the first special study of jails
since 1933. This was also conducted by the
Census Bureau but was a different survey
than the Institutional Population Survey
which was part of the decennial census of
population. The focus was on those present
on the day of the survey and on jail
characteristics.
Information published on
those present included data on legal status,
sentence length (1 year or longer), age, and
sex. Information on jails included age of
cells, overcrowding, use for juveniles,
expenditures, staff, and type of facilities
available (eg. recreational, educational).
In 1972 a more detailed sample survey was
conducted by the Census Bureau for LEAA.
This survey focused on the inmates and
their backgrounds, including data on
education, marital status, income, offense,
bail status, length of pretrial confinement,
and sentence length. Information on jails
included size, and extensive data on the
social and rehabilitative services available in
the jails.

In 1978 the census of jails and the sample
survey of characteristics were conducted in
the same year. In addition to the data items
collected in 1972, more extensive information was collected on prisoner characteristics
such as military service, drug and alcohol
use, and experience with counsel and
pleading. The sample was redesigned to be
able to produce estimates f o r females in
jails, something not available in previous
jail sample surveys. The focus was again
those present on the day of the survey. The
survey also collected extensive information
on jail facility characteristics.
Data published by BJS f o r the 1982 and
1983 jail surveys has included information
on juveniles present, inmates held because
of overcrowding in State and Federal
facilities, conviction status, inmate deaths,
operating expenses, staff, and admissions
and releases.
The tables to follow combine information
where possible from the national jail studies
since 1880. Because of the infrequency of
data available and differences in reporting
units for data on similar characteristics,
several tables summarize information from
one report for a number of different data
items.
SUMMARY OF NATIONAL JAIL
STATISTICS
Number of Persons Present in Jails: 18801983
Tables 4-1 and 4-2 present the total number
and rate per 100,000 reported present by
State for years available u p to 1983. Table
4-3 presents the number and rate by State
for those years in which data are available
only for those under sentence (1910, 1923,
1933), and 1970. Caution should be used in
making State
comparisons.
Notable
differences exist between States in the use
of jails versus other forms of incarceration.
In certain states such as Vermont, Rhode
Island, Connecticut, Delaware and Hawaii
there are State integrated jail systems and
they are sometimes either excluded or have
unusually low estimates reported.
Large

changes over the period by States often
reflect differences in the classification of
facilities.
In 1880 the rate per 100,000 population for
persons in jails was reported to be 37; in
1983 the rate was 98, the highest ever
reported. For the years in between, for
which data are available, the rate reported
ranged from 52 to 79. Reported rates were
lower in the years around 1923 (see Chapter
VIII, which discusses the possibility of
undercounts in the prisoner and jail census
of 1923) and increased in the period of the
Depression up to 1940. The rates then fell
during the 1940's up to 1950 and increased
again between 1950 and 1960. Since 1980
notable increases have occurred.
As can be seen from Tables 4-1 and 4-2,
there are differences in estimates for
surveys done in the same time period but
utilizing different methods.
The tables
include estimates from the 1970 Census
Report on Institutional Populations and
those for the LEAA/Justice Department
census of the same year (also done by the
Census Bureau). Nationally, the estimates
of number present differ by about 15
persons per 100,000 population. Probable
reasons for this include some sampling error
or undercounting in the Institutional
Population survey, and some differences in
classification. Estimates by the differing
studies for State and Federal prisoners in
the same years are much closer (see Chapter
111).
The Relative Use of Jails and
Adjudication Status of Those Present

the

Responding to the conditions apparent in
most jails and believing that State and
bette,r
Federal
facilities
presented
alternatives (in 1927, 1937, and as late as
1952), formal resolutions of the American
Prison Association, now the American
Correctional Association, called for work to
abolish the use of jails.
Eventually a
standing committee on jails became an
affiliate, the American Jail Association, and
resolutions calling for jail improvement took
the place of those calling for their
abolishment.

Table 4-4 gives indication of the extent to
which jails are still used relative to other
forms of incarceration by summarizing the
percentage distribution between local, State,
and Federal correctional facilities between
1880 and 1983. Table 4-5 presents the
adjudication status of persons present in
jails for years in which data are available.
As a proportion of the total number
incarcerated at a given time in State,
Federal, and local adult facilities, the jail
population has not declined substantially
since 1880. It has ranged from a high of 45
percent in 1970 to 34 percent in 1983,
reflecting the large increases in State prison
use in the late 1970's and early 1980's. In
1880, jails housed 39 percent of the total,
not too different from the percentage in
1983 (34 percent).
There have been,
however, significant changes in the
adjudication status of those present.
In
1880, 75 percent of those in jails were
under sentence. By 1970, slightly less than
half were under sentence, and in 1983 less
than half were convicted. In 1983 jails held
only 19 percent of those in adult facilities
who had been convicted of offenses. These
statistics reflect the increasing use of jails as
holding facilities.
Jail Commitments and Admissions
Limited information is available on total
numbers received in jails.
The first
national estimates found of the total
admitted to jails in a given year come from
the 1983 Jail Census (Table 4-6).
This
study reported that 8.1 million persons were
admitted to jails in 1983, and 7.9 million
were released in the same period. These
numbers were about 5 percent of the total
U.S. population over 18 in 1983.
The only other years for which commitment
data are available are 1904, 1910, 1923, and
1933 (Table 4-7). As previously discussed,
these reports include only those committed
under sentence, and 1904 excludes those
committed for nonpayment of fine. In 1923
there were 319,980 reported committed to
jails, and in 1933 there were 481,860
commitments.

T a b l e 4-1.

T o t a l Number o f J a i l I n m a t e s b y S t a t e :

United States

Northeast
Maine
New Hampshire
Vermont
Massachusetts
Rhode I s l a n d
Connecticut
New Y o r k
New J e r s e y
Pennsylvania

1880-1983

(CENSUS)

(CENSUS)

(CENSUS)

(CENSUS)

(CENSUS)

(LEAA)

(CENSUS)

18,686

33,093

99,249

86,492

119,671

160,863

129,189

158,394

163,994

223,551

8,362

13,199

24,934

19,854

26,322

31,458

21,891

24,228

27,507

36,634

361
223
140
2,267
72
1,531
11,662
3,256
6,810

242
333
2ze
2,126
a
a
17,399
4,436
6,900

21 6
21 7
103
2,093
38
79
10,040
3,266
5,839

325
370
b
2,317
b
b
10,936
3,873
6,407

450
21 5
19
2,732
a
243
12,883
4,013
6,952

560
475
b
3,304
b
b
16,154
5,971
10,170

179
101
80
2,307
205
421
1,954
322
2,793

319
192
88
3,608
438
686
2,979
820
4,069

582
343
145
2,039
202
1,226
9,418
2,615
8,364

394
298
131
2,113
166
993
7,983
1,907
5,869

(BJS)

(CENSUS)

(BJS)

North Central
Ohio 

Indiana 

Illinois 

Michigan 

Wisconsin 

Minnesota 

Iowa 

Missouri 

N o r t h Dakota 

South Dakota 

Nebraska 

Kansas 

South
Delaware 

Maryland 

D i s t r i c t o f Columbia 

Virginia 

West V i r g i n i a 

North Carolina 

South C a r o l i n a 

Georgia 

Florida 

Kentucky 

Tennessee 

Alabama 

Mississippi 

Arkansas 

Louisiana 

Oklahoma 

Texas 

West
Montana 

Idaho 

Wyoming 

Colorado 

New M e x i c o 

Arizona 

Utah 

Nevada 

Washington 

Oregon 

California 

Alaska 

Hawaii 


Notes:
a. 	 J a i l s a r e n o t l o c a l l y a d m i n i s t e r e d b u t r a t h e r a r e o p e r a t e d b y t h e S t a t e government.
b . 	 C o n n e c t i c u t , Delaware, H a w a i i , Rhode I s l a n d , and Vermont had S t a t e i n t e g r a t e d j a i l - p r i s o n systems and t h e r e f o r e , were e x c l u d e d from
the report.
A l a s k a , w h i c h had f i v e l o c a l l y o p e r a t e d j a i l s i n a d d i t i o n t o an i n t e g r a t e d j a l l - p r l s o n system, was ~ n c l u d e d .
c . 	 E x c l u d e s a number o f p e r s o n s who were m i s c l a s s i f i e d as n o t i n m a t e s o f institutions.
d. 	 I n s t i t u t i o n a l p o p u l a t i o n 1 4 y e a r s o l d and o v e r .
e. 	 Vermont t o t a l i s l o w due t o d i f f e r e n c e s i n classification between S t a t e and l o c a l j u r l s d l c t i o n .
f. 	 D a t a based on a 2 0 - p e r c e n t sample.
Sources:
U.S. 	 D e p a r t m e n t o f I n t e r i o r , Bureau o f Census; Washington, D.C.
(1880) D e f e c t i v e , Dependent, and D e l i n q u e n t C l a s s e s o f t h e P o p u l a t i o n o f t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s as R e t u r n e d a t t h e T e n t h Census. 1880:
1888; pgs. 502-503. 

(1890) R e p o r t on Crime, Pauperism and Benevolence i n t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s : 1890; 1895; pg. 11. 

U.S. 	 D e p a r t m e n t o f Commerce, Bureau o f Census; Washington, D.C.
(1940) S i x t e e n t h Census o f t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s 1940:
P o p u l a t i o n , S p e c i a l R e p o r t on Institutional P o p u l a t i o n ; 1943; pgs. 32-128.
(1950) U.S. Census o f P o p u l a t i o n ; 1950: I n s t i t u t i o n a l P o p u l a t i o n ; 1953; pgs. 2C-72 -- 2C-79.
( 1 9 6 0 ) U.S. Census o f P o p u l a t i o n , 1960: I n m a t e s o f Institutions; 1963; pgs. 66-82.
(1970) 1970 Census o f P o p u l a t i o n , P e r s o n s i n I n s t i t u t i o n s and O t h e r Group Q u a r t e r s ; 1973; pgs. 78-94.
( 1 9 8 0 ) 1980 Census o f P o p u l a t i o n , P e r s o n s i n I n s t i t u t i o n s and O t h e r Group Q u a r t e r s ; 1984; pgs. 78-110.
U.S. 	 D e p a r t m e n t o f J u s t i c e , Bureau o f J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s B u l l e t i n ; Washington, D.C. 

(1978, 1 9 8 3 ) The 1983 J a i l Census; 1984; pg. 2. 


T a b l e 4-2.

J a i l I n m a t e s b y S t a t e p e r 100,000

Population:

1880-1983

-

(Census)
United States
Northeast
Maine
New Hampshire
Vermont
Massachusetts
Rhode I s l a n d
Connecticut
New York
New J e r s e y
Pennsylvania

37

(Census)

(Census)

52

75

(Census)

(Census)

(LEAA)

(Census)

(BJS)

57

67

79

64

76

(Census)
72

-

(BJS)
98

57

76

69

50

59

64

45

54

56

82

28
29
24
124
74
68
38
28
65

48
51
27
161

69
70
40
47

43
56
35
45

37
37
36
44

24
45
5
37

22
29
23
37

30
43
a
40

40
23
4
48

49
50
a
57

35

53

59
67

21
67

48
62

87
96

72
76

61
86

51
76

67
97

North Central
Ohio
Indiana
Illinois
Michigan
Wisconsin
Minnesota
Iowa
Missouri
N o r t h Dakota
South Dakota
Nebraska
Kansas
South
Delaware
Maryland
D i s t r i c t o f Columbia
Virginia
West V i r g i n i a
North Carolina
South C a r o l i n a
Georgia
Florida
Kentucky
Tennessee
Alabama
Mississippi
Arkansas
Loulsians
Oklahoma
Texas
West
Montana
Idaho
Wyoming
Colorado
New Mexico
Arizona
Utah
Nevada
Washinaton
Oregon
California
Alaska
Hawaii

Notes:
a. 	 C o n n e c t i c u t , Delaware, H a w a i i , Rhode I s l a n d , and Vermont had i n t e g r a t e d j a i l - p r i s o n systems and, t h e r e f o r e , were e x c l u d e d f r o m
t h e r e p o r t . Alaska had f i v e l o c a l l y o p e r a t e d j a i l s i n a d d i t i o n t o an i n t e g r a t e d j a i l - p r i s o n system and was t h e r e f o r e i n c l u d e d .
b. 	 Delaware and t h e D i s t r i c t o f Columbia had e s t i m a t e s o f 22 and 25 p e r s o n s p r e s e n t i n j a i l s r e s p e c t i v e l y b y Census Bureau i n 1980.
Delaware i s u s u a l l y e x c l u d e d from j a i l s u r v e y s because o f i n t e g r a t e d systems.
I t i s n o t known why D.C. had such a l o w e s t i m a t e .
Sources:
U.S. 	 Department o f I n t e r i o r , Bureau o f Census; Washington, D.C.
(1880) D e f e c t i v e , Dependent, and D e l i n q u e n t C l a s s e s o f t h e P o p u l a t i o n o f t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s as R e t u r n e d a t t h e Tenth Census, 1880;
1888; pgs. 502-503.
(1890) R e p o r t on Crime, Pauperism and Benevolence i n t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s :
1890; 1895; pg. 11.
U.S. 	 Department o f Commerce, Bureau o f Census; Washington, D.C.
(1940) S i x t e e n t h Census o f t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s 1940: P o p u l a t i o n , S p e c i a l R e p o r t on I n s t i t u t i o n a l P o p u l a t i o n ; 1943; pgs. 32-128.
(1950) U.S. Census o f P o p u l a t i o n ; 1950:
I n s t i t u t i o n a l P o p u l a t i o n ; 1953; pgs. 2C-72 -- 2C-79.
(1960) U.S. Census o f P o p u l a t i o n , 1960:
Inmates o f I n s t i t u t i o n s ; 1963; pgs. 66-82.
U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , LEAA, Washington, D.C.
(1970) 1970 Census o f P o p u l a t i o n , Persons i n I n s t i t u t i o n s and Other Group Q u a r t e r s ; 1973; pgs. 78-94.
(1980) 1980 Census o f P o p u l a t i o n , Persons i n I n s t i t u t i o n s and Other Group Q u a r t e r s ; 1984; pgs. 78-110.
U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , Bureau o f J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s B u l l e t i n ; Washington, O.C.
(1978, 1983) The 1983 J a i l Census; 1984; pg. 2.

T a b l e 4-3.

Number and R a t e p e r 100,000 P o p u l a t i o n f o r Sentenced J a i l P r i s o n e r s P r e s e n t by
Region and S t a t e : 1910-1970

1910
Number

1910
Ratio

1923
Number

1923
Ratio

1 9 3 3 ~ 1933
Number
Ratio

1970
Number

United S t a t e s
Northeast
Maine
New Hampshire
Vermont
Massachusetts
Rhode I s l a n d
Connecticut
New York
New J e r s e y
Pennsylvania
North C e n t r a l
Ohio
Indiana
Illinois
Michigan
Wisconsin
Minnesota
Iowa
Missouri
North Dakota
S o u t h Dakota
Nebraska
Kansas
South
Delaware
Maryland
D i s t r i c t o f Col
Virginia
West V i r g i n i a
North C a r o l i n a
South C a r o l i n a
Georgia
Florida
Kentucky
Tennessee
Alabama
Mississippi
Arkansas
Louisiana
Oklahoma
Texas
West
Montana
Idaho
Wyoming
Colorado
New Mexico
Arizona
Utah
Nevada
Washington
Oregon
California
Alaska
Hawaii
Notes:
a.
b.
c.

F i g u r e s f o r j a i l s t h a t d i d n o t r e p o r t were e s t i m a t e d by Census Bureau.
J a i l s a r e S t a t e o p e r a t e d and were n o t i n c l u d e d .
Data n o t a v a i l a b l e .

Sources:
U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau o f Census, Washington, D.C.
(1910, 1923) 	 P r i s o n e r s , 1923; 1926; pgs. 15-17.
(1933)
County and C i t y J a i l s , 1933; 1935; pg. 2.
U.S. 	 Department of J u s t i c e , Law Enforcement A s s i s t a n c e A d m i n i s t r a t i o n ; Washington, O.C.
(1970)
N a t i o n a l J a i l Census 1970 Advance Report; 1970; pgs. 4-5.

1970
Ratio

Table 4-4. 	

Place o f I n c a r c e r a t i o n o f Persons Reported Present on a Given Day D u r i n g t h e Year:
1880, 1933, 1970, 1983
-

- -

Jaila

State
Prisons

Federal
Prisons

Leased

Total
Number

1880
T o t a l Number I n c a r c e r a t e d
Percent o f T o t a l I n c a r c e r a t e d
T o t a l Number Sentenced 

Percent o f T o t a l Sentenced 

1933
T o t a l Number Sentenced
Percent o f T o t a l Sentenced
1970
T o t a l Number I n c a r c e r a t e d
Percent o f T o t a l I n c a r c e r a t e d
T o t a l Number Sentenced 

Percent o f T o t a l Sentenced 

1983
T o t a l Number I n c a r c e r a t e d
Percent o f T o t a l I n c a r c e r a t e d
T o t a l Number Convicted 

Percent o f T o t a l Convicted 

Notes:
a. 	 I n c l u d e s o f f e n d e r s i n c i t y and county j a i l s and l o c a l f a c i l i t i e s .
b. 	 I n 1880, 2,162 persons, 3.7 p e r c e n t o f t h e t o t a l , were c l a s s i f i e d as F e d e r a l p r i s o n e r s .
However, t h e s e i n d i v i d u a l s were housed i n S t a t e p r i s o n s .
c. 	 Not i n c l u d e d i n census c l a s s i f i c a t i o n s a f t e r 1890.
I f these 

d. 	 Excludes 1,736 j u v e n i l e s i n j a i l s f o r whom c o n v i c t i o n s t a t u s was n o t given.
were i n c l u d e d as c o n v i c t e d , t h e p e r c e n t i n j a i l s becomes 19.0 o r 115,720/583,182. 

Sources:
U.S. 	 Department o f t h e I n t e r i o r , Bureau o f t h e Census; Washington, D.C.
(1880) Report on t h e D e f e c t i v e , Dependent and D e l i n q u e n t Classes o f t h e P o p u l a t i o n o f t h e
U.S. as Returned a t t h e Tenth Census: 1880; 1888; pg. 538.
U.S. 	 Department o f Commerce, Bureau o f Census; Washington, D.C.
(1933) S t a t i s t i c a l A b s t r a c t o f t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s :
1935; 1935; pg. 74.
(1970) H i s t o r i c a l S t a t i s t i c s o f t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s , C o l o n i a l Times t o 1970; 1976; pg. 420.
U.S. Department o f J u s t i c e , Law Enforcement Assistance A d m i n i s t r a t i o n , N a t i o n a l C r i m i n a l
J u s t i c e I n f o r m a t i o n and S t a t i s t i c s Service; 	 Washington, D.C. 

(1970) N a t i o n a l J a i l Census: 1970; 1971; pgs: 10-11. 

U.S. Department o f J u s t i c e , Bureau o f J u s t i c e Statistics; Washington, D.C.
(1983) Bureau o f J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s B u l l e t i n : The 1983 J a i l Census; 1984; pgs. 2, 6.
Bureau o f J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s B u l l e t i n : P r i s o n e r s i n 1984; 1985; pg. 2.

T a b l e 4-5.

A d j u d i c a t i o n S t a t u s o f J a i l Inmates, A v a i l a b l e Years:

Years

Tot a1
Present

1880: 	 Number
Percent

22,222

1890: 	 Number
Percent

33,093

1970: 	 Number
Percent

160,863

1972: 	 Number
Percent

141,600~

1978: 	 Number
Percent

158,783

1982: 	 Number
Percent

209,582

1983 : 	 Number
Percent

221,815~

Total
Unconvicted

Tota1
Convicted

1880-1983

Tota1
Sentenced

Other
Stages

Notes:
a. 	 U n a v a i l a b l e o r n o t p u b l i s h e d .
b . 	 I n c l u d e d i n t o t a l a r e 9,700 i n m a t e s a w a i t i n g t r a n s f e r f o r whom c o n v i c t i o n
s t a t u s was unknown.
c . 	 I n c l u d e s o n l y a d u l t i n m a t e s . A c t u a l t o t a l i n j a i l was 223,551.

Sources :
U.S. 	 D e p a r t m e n t o f Commerce, B u r e a u o f Census, W a s h i n g t o n , D.C. 

(1880-1890)
P r i s o n e r s , 1923; 1926; pg. 7. 

U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , Law E n f o r c e m e n t A s s i s t a n c e A d m i n i s t r a t i o n ;
Washington, 	 D.C.
(1970)
N a t i o n a l J a i l Census; F e b r u a r y 1971; pgs. 10-11.
(1972)
S u r v e y o f I n m a t e s o f L o c a l J a i l s ; 1972; 1976; T a b l e 1.
U.S. 	 D e p a r t m e n t o f J u s t i c e , B u r e a u o f J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s ; Washington, D.C.
(1978-1982) 	 J a i l I n m a t e s 1982; pgs. 1-2. 

(1983)
The 1983 J a i l Census; 1984; pg. 6. 


T a b l e 4-7.

J a i l Commitments Under Sentence b y Type o f Sentence:

1910-1933

P e r c e n t a g e D i s t r i b u t i o n o f Type o f Sentence

Estimated T o t a l
Commitments
Under Sentence

Death

Imprisonment O n l y

Imprisonment and
Fine

Imprisonment f o r
Nonpayment
o f Fine

Not
Reported

Notes:
a. 	

I n 1923 and 1933 commitments were r e p o r t e d o n l y f o r t h e f i r s t 6 months o f
Number g i v e n r e p r e s e n t s e s t i m a t e f o r t h e e n t i r e y e a r .
t h e year.
b. 	 There were 53 p e r s o n s i n 1910 and 28 p e r s o n s i n 1923 c o m m i t t e d u n d e r t h e
sentence o f death t o l o c a l f a c i l i t i e s .
Forty-one percent o f t h e t o t a l
r e c e i v e d u n d e r t h e s e n t e n c e o f d e a t h i n 1910 were c o m m i t t e d t o l o c a l
facilities.
c. 	 N o t enumerated.
Sources:
U.S. 	 Department o f Commerce, Bureau o f Census; Washington, D.C.
(1910) P r i s o n e r s and J u v e n i l e D e l i n q u e n t s , 1910; 1918; pg. 43.
(1923) P r i s o n e r s , 1923; 1926; pg. 113.
(1933) County and C i t y J a i l s , 1933; 1935; pgs. 33, 59.

Type and Length of Sentence
Table 4-7 presents information on sentence
type f o r jail commitments from 1910 to
1933. Most apparent is the decline in the
percent committed for nonpayment of fine,
from 62 percent in 1910 to 31 percent in
1933. The 1910 report included negative
reference to this practice, noting:
It is a fair presumption that
prisoners
committed
for
nonpayment of fine are with rare
exception unable to pay a fine
because of their poverty. Persons
of means committing the same
offense usually are able to pay
their fines and therefore do not
appear in prison records ...It is of
interest
to
know
the
facts
concerning this class of offenders
who are subject to imprisonment
because they are too poor to pay a
fine (Census Bureau, "Prisoners and
Juvenile Delinquents, 1910;" p.41).
Regionally, by 1923, the practice of
imprisonment for nonpayment was most
frequent in the South and the North Central
region (Table 4-8). In 1923 the average
fine was reported to be $45, and the most
common practice was to require 1 day of
time for each dollar of fine. Of those
sentenced for nonpayment of fine almost
two-thirds (64 percent) had sentences of less
than 1 month. The 1923 report also cites
the inequality of the fact that those able to
pay fines escape imprisonment while those
who are poor do not.
In 1923 the sentence length for those
committed to imprisonment only was also
relatively short.
Thirty percent had
sentences of less than 30 days and 82
percent of less than 6 months (Table 4-9).
However, it appears that sentence length in
jails was increasing somewhat over the
period up to 1933. In 1880, only 5 percent
of the total sentenced inmates present in
jails on the day of the survey had sentences
of more than 1 year. This compares to
about 27 percent in 1933. In 1970, 16
percent of the total under sentence were

reported to have sentences of more than 1
year.
Offense Distribution of Jail Inmates
Table 4- 10 presents the offense distribution
of those committed under sentence for the
years 1910 to 1933. Data were not located
on the offense distribution of jail
commitments after this date. Table 4- 1 1
presents the offense distribution of those
present on the day of the survey for 1923,
1933, 1972, and 1978. Since the data from
1923 and 1933 include only those under
sentence, they are not comparable to the
1978 data which include all present. For
1972, data are available and presented in
Table 4- 11, for both those under sentence
and the total number present.
As indicated in Chapter 111, in discussing
offense distribution it should be noted that
Federal government report classifications for
both prison and jail statistics and the F.B.I.
Uniform Crime Reports u p until the 1960's
used a different broad classification than is
currently in use. The three major categories
were offenses against the person, property,
In this
and society (morals/order).
classification, robbery was included as an
offense against property.
When the
classification "violent crime" came into use,
robbery was taken out of the property
category and included as a violent offense.
The most recent classifications also include
certain sex offenses previously included in
the morals category as violent offenses.
The data on jail commitments show the
predominance of morals and public order
commitments. For the years f o r which data
are available (1910, 1923, and 1933)
between 73 and 84 percent of commitments
fell into this category. The largest number
of commitments (71 percent of the total in
1910 and 53 percent in 1933) were for
drunkenness
and
disorderly
conduct.
Consistent with the fact that the percent
having sentences of more than 1 year rose
over the period of 1910 to 1933, the offense
distribution in 1933 reflects somewhat more
serious offenses than in 1910 or 1923.

Table 4-8. 	 Number and Rate per 100,000 J a i l Commitments Under Sentence by
Region: 1923 and 1933; and J a i l Commitments by Type of Sentence
and Region: 1923
Jail

1923 	

Region
Total 

New England 

Middle A t l a n t i c 

E a s t North C e n t r a l
West North C e n t r a l
South A t l a n t i c 

E a s t South C e n t r a l
West South C e n t r a l
Mountain 

Pacific 


Number

1933

Per
100,000

Per
100,000

Number










Sentence Type of J a i l Commitments:

Region

Imprisoned
On1y

Imprisoned
and Fined

Percent

Percent

1923~

Imprisoned f o r
Nonpayment
of F i n e

-

United S t a t e s 

New England 

Middle A t l a n t i c 

E a s t North C e n t r a l
West North C e n t r a l
South A t l a n t i c 

East South C e n t r a l
West South C e n t r a l
Mountain 

Pacific 

b
T o t a l Number

Percent










Notes:
a. 	 Not i n c l u d e d h e r e a r e 1 4 p r i s o n e r s s e n t e n c e d t o j a i l .
b. 	 T o t a l s a r e f o r f i r s t 6 months of year only.
Sources :
U.S. 	 Department of Commerce, Bureau of Census, Washington, D.C.
(1923) P r i s o n e r s , 1923; 1926; pgs. 24, 113.
(1933) County and C i t y J a i l s : P r i s o n e r s i n J a i l s and Other Penal
I n s t i t u t i o n s under County o r Municipal J u r i s d i c t i o n 1933; 1935;
Table 35.

T a b l e 4-10.

P e r c e n t a g e D i s t r i b u t i o n o f O f f e n s e s Reported f o r S e n t e n c e d O f f e n d e r s
Received i n J a i l s i n 1910, 1923, and 1 9 3 3 ~

Category and O f f e n s e

Offense of
Sentenced
J a i l Inmates
Received
1910

O f f e n s e of
Sentenced
J a i l Inmates
Receiv~d
1923

Offense o f
Sentenced
J a i l Inmates
Received
January-June
1933'

Person
Homicide, Manslaughter
Assault
Rape
Total
Property
Robbery
Embezzlement,
F o r g e r y , Fraud
Burglary
A l l Larceny
Total
Morals, O r d e r ,
Government Charges
Other S e x - r e l a t e d Crimes
Liquor-law V i o l a t i o n s
Drunkenness, Vagrancy,
D i s o r d e r l y Conduct
Drug-law V i o l a t i o n s
Traffic Violations
C a r r y i n g and P o s s e s s i n g
Weapons
Nonsupport
C i t y Ordinance V i o l a t i o n s
Malicious Mischief
Gambling
Total
Other
T o t a l Reported
U n c l a s s i f i e d and Unknown
Notes:
a . 	 These a r e t h e o n l y y e a r s f o r which n a t i o n a l r e p o r t s were a v a i l a b l e
d e s c r i b i n g t h e o f f e n s e of j a i l inmates received during t h e year.
b. 	 The j a i l s u r v e y f o r t h i s y e a r was b a s e d on r e p o r t s r e c e i v e d f o r t h e f i r s t
6 months o f t h e y e a r ; t h e y e a r ' s f i g u r e s were t h e n e s t i m a t e d by t h e Census
Bureau.
c . 	 The j a i l s u r v e y r e p o r t s were a g a i n b a s e d on t h e f i r s t 6 months o f t h e
y e a r , b u t o f f e n s e i n f o r m a t i o n was n o t o b t a i n e d from a l l r e p o r t i n g j u r i s d i c t i o n s . Because o f t h e i n c o m p l e t e j a i l r e p o r t s , i t i s n o t p o s s i b l e t o
combine a l l t h e l e v e l s t o e s t i m a t e t h e d i s t r i b u t i o n o f o f f e n s e s o f t h e
t o t a l number o f i n m a t e s r e c e i v e d .
d . 	 Not c a t e g o r i z e d .
e . 	 Less t h a n one-half o f j a i l i n m a t e s r e c e i v e d d u r i n g t h e y e a r .
f . 	 Content v a r i e s because of d e t a i l of c a t e g o r i z a t i o n .
Sources:
U.S. 	 Department o f Commerce, Bureau o f Census; Washington, D.C.
(1910, 1923) P r i s o n e r s 1923; 1926; p g s . 34-35.
County and C i t y J a i l s : P r i s o n e r s i n J a i l s and O t h e r Penal
(1933) 	
I n s t i t u t i o n s Under County o r M u n i c i p a l J u r i s d i c t i o n 1933;
1935; T a b l e 35.

T a b l e 4-11.

P e r c e n t a g e D i s t r i b u t i o n o f O f f e n s e s Reported f o r I n m a t e s P r e s e n t i n J a i l s on a Given Day:
1933, 1972, and 1978

Category and O f f e n s e

Offense o f
Sentenced
J a i l Inmates
1923

Offense o f
Sentenced
J a i l Inmates
1933

Most S e r i o u s
Offense o f
Sentenced
J a i l Inmates
1972

Most S e r i o u s
Offense o f
Total J a i l
Inmates
197zK

1923,

Most S e r i o u s
Offense o f
Total J a i l
Inmates
1978~

Person
Homicide, Manslaughter
Assault
Rape
otherC
Total
Property
Robbery
Embezzlement,
Forgery, ~ r a u d ~
Burglary
A l l Larceny
Arson
Stolen Property
Total
Morals, O r d e r ,
Government Charges
O t h e r S e x - r e l a t e d Crimes
Liquor-law V i o l a t i o n s
Drunkenness, Vagrancy
D i s o r d e r l y Conduct
Drug-law V i o l a t i o n
Traffic Violations
C a r r y i n g and P o s s e s s i n g
Weapons
Nonsupport
Other

B

T o t a l Reported
Unknown o r Unclear
Notes:
Includes kidnapping. 

In t h e 1972 s u r v e y , t h e p r e c i s e number o f o f f e n d e r s i n t h i s c a t e g o r y i s n o t g i v e n ; t h e f i g u r e is l i s t e d 

o n l y a t l e s s t h a n 300, o r . 5 p e r c e n t t o t a l . 

I n c l u d e s kidnapping ( e x c e p t 1 9 7 2 ) . 

Not c a t e g o r i z e d . 

I n c l u d e s c o u n t e r f e i t i n g and e x t o r t i o n . 

Usually d r i v i n g under t h e i n f l u e n c e o f a l c o h o l . 

Not comparable b e c a u s e of d i f f e r e n c e s i n c a t e g o r i z a t i o n . 

Content v a r i e s because o f d i f f e r e n c e s i n c a t e g o r i z a t i o n i n d i f f e r e n t y e a r s , b u t i s r e s t r i c t e d l a r g e l y t o 

o f f e n s e s c o m p r i s i n g l e s s t h a n 1 p e r c e n t o f t h e t o t a l . The 1972 j a i l s u r v e y had no c a t e g o r y f o r d i s o r d e r l y 

conduct. 

Includes neglect. 

Not s e p a r a t e l y enumerated. I n c l u d e d w i t h d r u n k e n n e s s . 

The 1978 s u r v e y i n c l u d e d s e v e r a l s e x u a l o f f e n s e s a s s e x u a l a s s a u l t , n o t s o c a t e g o r i z e d i n t h e 1972 r e p o r t . 

I t t h e r e f o r e r e p o r t s more under v i o l e n t o f f e n s e s t h a n d l d t h e 1972 r e p o r t . 

Sources:
U.S. 	 Department o f Commerce, Bureau o f Census; Washington, D.C.
(1923) P r i s o n e r s , 1923; 1926; pgs.198-199.
(1933) County and C i t y J a i l s : P r i s o n e r s i n J a i l s and O t h e r P e n a l I n s t i t u t i o n s Under County o r M u n i c i p a l
J u r i s d i c t i o n 1933; 1935; P Q . 9.
U.S. Department o f J u s t i c e , Law ~ n f o r c e m e n tA s s i s t a n c e A d m i n i s t r a t i o n , N a t i o n a l C r i m i n a l I n f o r m a t i o n and S t a t i s t i c s
S e r v l c e ; Washington, 	 D.C.
(1972) S o e c i a l Reoort: Survev o f I n m a t e s o f Local J a i l s : 1972:, on.
17.
, >
U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e ; 8urea; o f J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s ; Washington, D.C.
(1978) BJS, Unpublished d a t a .

Interestingly, the offense distributions of
those present under sentence in jails on the
day of the survey for 1923, 1933, and 1972
are remarkably similar.
About 8 to 9
percent were offenses against the person, 25
to 32 percent against property and about 60
percent were classified as public order or
"other" offenses.
The years 1972 and 1978 are the only two
for which data were found on offense of
total jail inmates (including those not under
sentence). (Data for 1983 is currently being
analyzed by BJS.) The 1972 classification
includes a large percent of offenses
classified as "other" as compared to 1978,
and several of the changes noticeable
between the two years may be due to
differences in detail and placement of
offenses in the two surveys rather than
actual changes in distribution. As noted
above, the 1978 classification included
certain sex offenses in the "other violent"
category which were classified as a general
"other" in the 1972 report, probably
accounting for some of the increase in the
violent offense category between 1972 and
1978.
There is also a decline in the drunkenness
category between the two dates and an
increase in burglary. These differences may
be
real
changes, reflective
of
the
decriminalization of public drunkenness in
certain jurisdictions and the increased use
of jails in 1978 to house State prisoners due
to overcrowding. In 1978, 6 percent of jail
inmates were reported to be there because
of overcrowding elsewhere (Table 4-4).
A slight decline in the percent of drug
offenders also occurred (11 to 9 percent).
This may be attributed partly to a decline in
jailing of persons implicated in drug
possession and prosecutorial attention to
violent crime.

Data on Release (Type of Release and Time
Served)
In 1983 it was reported that 7.9 million
persons were released and 8.1 million were
admitted (Table 4-6). But recent national
information on time served is not yet

available. Some data are available on the
type of release and time served for 1923
and 1933.
These data are presented in
Tables 4-12 to 4-14.
Table 4-12 presents type of release by sex
and type of sentence for 1923. As indicated
by the table, most jail inmates were released
when their sentence expired, but a certain
percentage were released under parole or
pardoned. Of those in jail f o r nonpayment
of fine, slightly over one-third were
released because their fine was paid. There
were no notable differences by sex overall,
but among those in jail for nonpayment of
fine,
women
were
somewhat
more
frequently released for payment of fine
rather than expiration of sentence (46
percent, compared to 35 percent of males).
Table 4-13 presents time served by offense
for 1923. Only 4 percent of the total served
more than 6 months, 67 percent served less
than 1 month, and 82 percent served 1
month or less. Table 4-14 gives median
time served in 1933 by region by
race/nativity by offense. This breakdown
reflects the concern with the extent to
which regional variation and racial/ethnic
discrimination existed in time served.
The median time served f o r the total was 17
days. For blacks the median was 2 days
longer, 19 days. Interestingly, there were
larger differences between whites and
blacks in time served in the North than in
the South. The median time served in the
North for whites was 18 days and f o r blacks
a full week longer, 25 days. In the South
the median was 17 days for blacks and 16
days for whites. Looking at time served by
offense, these differences continue.
Characteristics of Jail Prisoners
Table 4-15 summarizes jail inmate sex,
race/ethnicity, and juvenile status utilizing
Census and Justice Department data from
1910 to 1953.
T h e percent of female
inmates has ranged between a high of 9
percent (in 1910 and 1940) to a low of 5
percent (in 1933 and 1970-72). The most
recent data for the 1980's shows an increase
over the lows of the 1970's.

T a b l e 4-12. 	

P e r c e n t a g e D i s t r i b u t i o n o f P r i s o n e r s Released b y
Type o f R e l e a s e and Type o f Sentence:
1923
Sentence:

Type o f Release

Total

Sentence E x p i r e d
P a r o l e d o r Pardoned
O t h e r Reasons & Unknown

umber^ 	

Sentence:
Sentence E x p i r e d
F i n e Paid
P a r o l e d o r Pardoned
O t h e r Reasons & Unknown

umber^ 	

Sentence:

Imprisonment Only

75
16
9
44,24za

75
16
9
40,551 a

Female

74
17
10
3,691a

I m p r i s o n m e n t and F i n e
58
11
16
15
~2,697~

58
11
16
15
21,130~

56
11
19
13
1, 567a

I m p r i s o n e d f o r Nonpayment o f F i n e
49
36
7

Sentence E x p i r e d
Fine Paid
P a r o l e d o r Pardoned
O t h e r Reasons & Unknown

umber^ 	

Male

8
77,197~

49
35
7
9
71,057~

41
46
6
6
6,140~

Note:
a.

Number f o r f i r s t 6 months o f y e a r o n l y .

Source:
U.S. Department o f Commerce, Bureau o f Census;
Washington, 	 D.C.
(1923) P r i s o n e r s , 1923: 1926; pq. 159.

T a b l e 4-13. 	

P e r c e n t a g e Distribution o f Time Served by Those R e l e a s e d f r o m J a i l s b y O f f e n s e :
Offense 	

A l l Offenses
Agalnst Person
Assault
~omicide~
Against Property
Burglary
Embezzlement
Forgery
Fraud
Having S t o l e n P r o p e r t y
Larceny
Robbery
Trespassing
A g a i n s t Sex M o r a l i t y
F o r n l c a t l o n and P r o s t i t u t i o n
Rape
Other
A g a i n s t Administration o f Government
Contemot o f C o u r t
A g a i n s t P u b l i c H e a l t h and S a f e t y
C a r r y i n g Concealed Weapons
V i o l a t i n g C i t y Ordinance
V i o l a t i n g D r u g Laws
V i o l a t i n g T r a f f i c Laws
A g a i n s t S o b r i e t y , Good Order and P u b l i c P o l i c y
D i s o r d e r l y Conduct
Drunkenness
Gambling
Vagrancy
V i o l a t i n g L i q u o r Laws
A g a i n s t C h i l d r e n and P r i s o n e r ' s F a m i l y
Nonsupport o r N e g l e c t
O t h e r and Un nown
T o t a l Number 	

k

>6 months

2-5 months

12
0.1
21
1
1
0.1
1
1
4
15
I4
5,597b

Notes:
a.
b.

P e r c e n t n o t c a l c u l a t e d because base was l e s s t h a n 100.
Vumber o f commitment g i v e n i s f o r f i r s t 6 months o f y e a r o n l y .

Source:
U.S.

Department o f Commerce, Bureau o f Census; Washington, D.C.
( 1 9 2 3 ) P r i s o n e r s , 1923; 1926, pg. 160.

1 month

1923
10-29 days

< I 0 days

Table 4.14

.

Median Time Served by Male P r i s o n e r s Discharged. by C o l o r . N a t i v i t y . and Offense ( s e l e c t e d Offenses).
by Reqions: 1933
(Median n o t shown where base i s l e s s t h a n 25)
Median Time Served
(Days)

Offense and Regions

A l l
Classes

Native
White

ForeignBorn
White

Median Time Served
(Days)

Negro

Negro

D r i v i n g While I n t o x i cated
The N o r t h
The South
The West

................ 

........... 

........... 

............ 


33.01
33.94
34.70
28.71

32.24
35.83
28.15
18.87

Embezzlement and
Fraud
The N o r t h
The South
The West

40.75
46.16
39.56
26.42

32.29
42.57
19.65
28.79

Source:

ForeignBorn
White

Nonsupport & N e g l e c t
The N o r t h
The South
The West

Larceny. Except 	
Auto T h e f t
The N o r t h
The South
The West

..................
.............
.............
..............

Native
White

.. 

........... 

........... 

............ 

V i o l a t i n g L i q u o r Laws . 

The N o r t h ........... 

The South ........... 

The West ............ 


............ 16.79
The N o r t h ............. 17.96
The South ............. 15.75
The West .............. 16.02 

"Other" A s s a u l t ......... 25.89
The N o r t h ............. 30.05
The South ............. 21.70
The West .............. 24.85 

B u r g l a r y ................ 101.79 	
The N o r t h ............. 125.90
The South ............. 57.00
The West .............. 107.61 	

A l l Offenses
	

.............
.............
.............
..............

Offense and Regions

A11
Classes

29.31
29.04

---

32.93

38.02
32.55
43.06
28.87

51.33
56.58

---

38.15
58.42
24.17

28.00

---


D i s o r d e r l y Conduct
and Drunkenness
TheNorth
The South
The West

......
...........
...........

............
Vagrancy ..............
The N o r t h ...........
The South ...........
The West ............

Complete t a b l e t a k e n from
U.S. 	 Department o f Commerce. Bureau o f Census. Washington. D.C.
(1933) County and C i t y J a i l s . 1933; 1935; Table 79

.

13.09
15.17
12.14
7.81

12.86
14.72
12.03
7.50

15.84
16.82
12.11
7.55

13.57 

15.59 

12.89 

8.54 


19.04
30.59
14.51
18.96

18.36
27.33
13.76
18.98

29.84
40.47
15.00
17.74

18.92 

37.69 

15.73 

18.79 


T a b l e 4-15.

C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s of Persons i n J a i l s :

Number
ofJails
--

Inmates
presenta

1910-1983

Percent
Female

Percent
Foreign
Born

Percent
White

Percent
Black

Percent
Percent
Other
Spanish
~ a c e s ~o r i g i n C

Percent
Juvenile
(Under 1 8
Except
Where Noted)

-- -

1910 (Census)
1923 (Census)
1933 (Census)
1940 ensus us)^
1950

ensus us)^

1960

ensus us)^
ensu us)^

1970

1970 ( ~ u s t i c e ) ~
1972 ( J u s t i c e )
1978 ( J u s t i c e ) '
1980

ens us)^

1982 ( ~ u s t i c e ) '
1983 ( J u s t i c e ) '
Notes:
P e r c e n t a g e s g i v e n a r e on t h e b a s i s o f t o t a l i n m a t e s , e x c e p t where o n l y s e n t e n c e d p r i s o n e r s were c o u n t e d i n 1910 

t o 1933. In 1910, d a t a i n p a r e n t h e s e s were c a l c u l a t e d on b a s i s o f commitments r a t h e r t h a n t h o s e p r e s e n t on day o f 

survey. 

C a t e g o r i z a t i o n v a r i e s s l i g h t l y ; p r i m a r i l y i n c l u d e s I n d i a n s and Asians. 

P e r s o n s o f S p a n i s h o r i g i n may be o f any r a c e . 

Not a v a i l a b l e o r n o t y e t p u b l i s h e d . 

I n c l u d e s 1 , 9 0 0 county j a i l s and 339 m u n i c i p a l j a i l s ; 480 j a i l s had no p r i s o n e r s , and 750 j a i l s d i d n o t r e p o r t . 

P e r c e n t a g e s c a l c u l a t e d on b a s i s o f 46,292 i n m a t e s f o r whom demographic i n f o r m a t i o n was a v a i l a b l e . 

F i g u r e s c o v e r i n s t i t u t i o n a l p o p u l a t i o n 1 4 y e a r s and o l d e r o n l y . 

Data based on 3-1/2 p e r c e n t sample. 

Data based on 25 p e r c e n t sample. 

Data based on 20 p e r c e n t sample. 

Does n o t i n c l u d e C o n n e c t i c u t , Delaware, and Rhode I s l a n d because j a i l s a r e o p e r a t e d by t h e S t a t e . 

S t a t e s with i n t e g r a t e d j a i l - p r i s o n s y s t e m s were e x c l u d e d : C o n n e c t i c u t , Delaware, Hawaii, Rhode I s l a n d , and 

Vermont. Alaska, with both i n t e g r a t e d and l o c a l l y o p e r a t e d j a i l s , i s i n c l u d e d . 

Inmates were c l a s s i f i e d a s w h i t e and nonwhite o n l y . S p a n i s h o r i g i n i n m a t e s who were n o t I n d i a n o r o t h e r nonwhite 

r a c e were c a t e g o r i z e d a s w h i t e . 

n. 	 Of t h e 7,800 j u v e n i l e s c o n f i n e d i n j a i l s i n 1970, 51 p e r c e n t ( 3 , 9 4 3 ) were c o n f i n e d i n t h e New York C i t y Reformatory
and N Y C i t y Remand s h e l t e r . I n c l u d e s t h o s e 16-21, c o n f i n e d under y o u t h f u l o f f e n d e r .
p. 	 I n t h e s e y e a r s , j u v e n i l e is d e f i n e d a s p e r s o n s u b j e c t t o j u v e n i l e c o u r t j u r i s d i c t i o n based on a g e and o f f e n s e 

l i m i t a t i o n , a s d e f i n e d by e a c h i n d i v i d u a l S t a t e l a w , and i s n o t p e r c e n t under 18. 

Sources:
U.S. Department o f I n t e r i o r , Census O f f i c e ; Washington, D.C.
(1880) 	 Report on t h e D e f e c t i v e , Oefendent, and D e l i n q u e n t C l a s s e s o f t h e Unlted S t a t e s a s Returned a t t h e Tenth
Census: 1880; 1888; pg. 485.
U.S. 	 Department o f Commerce, Bureau o f Census; Washington, D.C.
(1904) P r i s o n e r s and J u v e n i l e D e l i n q u e n t s i n I n s t i t u t i o n s : 1904; 1907; pgs. 13, 65.
(1910) P r i s o n e r s and J u v e n i l e D e l i n q u e n t s i n t h e United S t a t e s : 1910; 1918; pgs. 22-23, 26, 79, 90.
(1923, 1910, 1904) C h i l d r e n Under I n s t i t u t i o n a l C a r e , 1923: S e c t i o n I 1 1 J u v e n i l e D e l i n q u e n t s ; 1927; p. 295.
(1923, 1910) P r i s o n e r s 1923; 1926; pgs. 3 , 1 5 , 24, 48, 58, 60, 61.
(1933) County and C i t y J a i l s 1933; 1935; pgs. 2, 5 , 15.
(1940) S i x t e e n t h Census o f t h e United S t a t e s P o u p l a t i o n 1940: I n s t i t u t i o n a l P o p u l a t i o n ; 1943; p g s . 2-4, 6 , 10.
(1950) U.S. Census o f P o p u l a t i o n 1950: I n s t i t u t i o n a l P o p u l a t i o n ; 1953; pgs. 2C-16, 2C-47.
(1960) U.S. Census o f P o p u l a t i o n 1960: I n m a t e s o f I n s t i t u t i o n s ; 1963; pgs. 4 , 12-13, 21.
(1970) 1970 Census o f P o p u l a t i o n : P e r s o n s i n I n s t i t u t i o n s and Dther Group Q u a r t e r s ; 1973; pgs. 5-6, 23.
U.S. Department o f J u s t i c e , Law Enforcement A s s i s t a n c e A d m i n i s t r a t i o n , N a t i o n a l C r i m i n a l J u s t i c e I n f o r m a t i o n and
S t a t i s t i c a l 	S e r v i c e ; Washington, D.C. 

(1970) N a t i o n a l J a i l Census, 1970; 1971; pgs. 2, 9-11. 

(1972) Survey o f Inmates o f Local J a i l s , 1972; 1974; pgs. 3 , 17. 

(1972) The N a t i o n ' s J a i l 1972; 1975; pgs. 22-23. 

U.S. 	 Department o f Commerce, Bureau o f S t a t i s t i c s ; Washington, D . C .
(1980) 1980 Census o f P o p u l a t i o n : P e r s o n s i n I n s t i t u t i o n s and Other Group Q u a r t e r s ; 1984; pgs. 4-5, 19-20, 23.
U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , Bureau o f J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s ; Washington, D.C. 

(1982, 1978) J a i l Inmates 1982; 1983; pgs. 1-2. 

(1983, 1978) The 1983 J a i l Census; 1984; pgs. 2-4, 6. 


It appears that the percent of the total jail
population who were under 18 years of age
on the day of the survey has declined from
about 9 percent in 1910 to about 4 percent
in 1980. Comparisons are difficult because
of differences in what was included under
the heading jails in the each survey. In
1970, the Census Bureau noted that 51
percent of the 5 percent of the total under
18 in jails were in the New York City
Reformatory and Remand Shelter. In recent
years, the Justice reports have used State
legal classifications of juvenile, rather than
the age-based classification of those under
18. This results in a much lower estimate
of the percent juvenile, less than 1 percent.
Minorities
have
consistently
been
imprisoned in jails, as in other forms of
incarceration, at a higher rate than others.
The earliest reports on those in prisons, do
not give separate jail data. But the report
from 1850 categorized 36 percent of those
in prisons as foreign-born at a time when
the foreign-born were about 10 percent of
the population.
After 1850 the overrepresentation of foreign-born declined
consistently and had disappeared by 1923.
Attention continued, however, to be paid to
the topic. Table 4-16 presents comparisons
made for
1910 and 1923 of jail
commitments by race and nativity, and for
1923 by country of birth of foreign-born
prisoners.
As the over-representation of foreign-born
has declined, the over-representation of
blacks has increased. Separate data on race
for jail inmates prior to 1910 are
unavailable, but in 1880 blacks were 13
percent of the U.S. population and 29
percent of the total prison population (see
Chapter VIII). In 1923, blacks were 10
percent of the U.S. population and 32
percent of the jail population, and in 1970
blacks were 11 percent of the population
and 41 percent of the jail inmates (Table 415).
As can be seen from Table 4-16, blacks
were more over-represented in the number
present on the day of the survey than in the
number of commitments.
Twenty-three

percent of commitments to jails in 1923
were black, compared to 32 percent of those
present, indicating that blacks on the
average served more time in jail (Table 414).
Prior Commitments
Data on prior commitments of those
received under sentence in jails is available
for 1923 and 1933.
Of the total
commitments for which information was
obtained in 1923 (64 percent) about 50
percent of persons received had at least one
previous commitment (Table 4- 17). Data
broken down by offense for 1933 indicate
that in general those committed for morals
offenses had more prior commitments than
those committed for more serious offenses.
Those received for prostitution and drug
law violations had the most previous
commitments.
Twenty-eight percent of
drug law violators and 23 percent of
prostitution commitments had three or more
previous commitments, and almost 60
percent had at least one prior commitment
(Table 4- 18).
The Number of Jails
Table 4-15 includes information on the
number of jails reported at each of the
national jail studies. The number of jails
reported for 1923 (3469), is not very
different from the nurt~ber reported for
1983 (3338). The variation appears to be
due more to differences in reporting
coverage and estimation procedures than
changes over time. This is especially so
because there are a large number of jails
that often contain no prisoners on the day
of the survey, and their inclusion varies.
This makes it difficult to answer a question
as to whether the number of jails has
increased or decreased over the period.
The largest differences occur not over time
but in different reports done for the same
year. The Census of Institutional Population
for 1970 estimated 2317 jails, and the
LEAA jail census of 1970 reported 4037.
This difference may have arisen because the
Institutional Population Census estimation

T a b l e 6-17. 	

Percentage D i s t r i b u t i o n o f P r i o r Commitments o f Those Received
Under Sentence i n J a i l s :
1923

P e r c e n t D i s t r i b u t i o n o f Commitments w i t h P r i o r Commitments:
Number o f P r i o r Commitments
R e p o r t e d as t o P r i o r Commitments
P r e v i o u s l y Committed
10 Times o r More
6-9 Times
5 Times
6 Times
3 Times
2 Times
1 Time
Number o f Times Unknown
Not P r e v i o u s l y Committed
Not Reported as t o P r i o r Commitments
T o t a l umber^

Total

Male

64
30
3
2
1
2
3
7
12

64
29
3
2
1
2
3
6
12

1923
Female

.3
.3
34
35
36
36
1 4 7 , ~ 7 6 ~ 135,134~

Note:
a. 	 Based on commitments f o r f i r s t h a l f o f y e a r o n l y .
Source:
U.S. 	 Department o f Commerce, Bureau o f Census; Washington, D.C.
(1923) P r i s o n e r s , 1923; 1926; pgs. 150, 159.

T a b l e 4-18. 	

J a i l P r i s o n e r s Received, b y Offense and P r e v i o u s Commitments:

Number

Percent

Homicide
Total 	

Not R e p o r t i n g

11
4

--

10.7
3.9

34
41

10.6
12.8

--

Forgery

--

718

Total 	

281
157
65
27
32

Not R e p o r t i n g

437

100.0
55.9
23.1
9.6
11.4

--

Nonsupport 	
o r Neglect
Total

--

462

158
114
23
10
11
190

Percent

Aggravated
Assault
1,572

--

78
81

11.6
12.0

899

--

Prostitution
and Commerc i a l i z e d Vice

Rape
348

Number

-100.0
72.2
1.6
6.3
7.0

--

D r i v i n g While
Intoxicated

1,677
1,056
424
268
123
241
621

-100.0
60.2
25.6
11.6
22.8

--

Road and
D r i v i n g Laws

Number

1,350
653
314
159
224

Not R e p o r t i n g

1,036

Percent

Auto T h e f t
637

26
21
420

--

12.0
9.7

--

Other Sex
Offenses
2,757
1,576
737
279
183
377
1,181

-100.0
46.8
17.7
11.6
23.9

--

Other Motor
V e h i c l e Laws

2,386

Reporting Status
None
One
Two
Three o r More

Source:

Robbery
782

259

Reporting Status
None
One
Two
Three o r More

Percent

--

362

Reporting Status
None
One
Two
Three o r More

Nurnber

1933

Complete t a b l e t a k e n from
U.S. 	 Department o f Commerce, Bureau o f Census; Washington, D.C. 

(1933) C i t y and County J a i l s , 1933, 1935; T a b l e 64. 


Number

Percent

Embezzlement, E t c .
3,496

174
228
1,939

656
288
104
83
181
805

Percent

Stolen
Property

--

584

--

11.2
146

26
26

10.1
10.1

--

327

--

Violating
D r u g Laws
1,461

Nurnber

-100.0
43.9
15.9
12.7
27.6

--

Gambling

Carrying
Weapons, E t c .
2,114
883
459
189
117
118
1,231

-100.0
52.0
21.4
13.3
13.4

--

Other
Offenses

procedure is based on persons present, and
may have excluded those not having inmates
on the day of the census. However, the
total count of persons present is also lower
for the Institutional Population report than
in the Justice report. The Census reports
f o r 1970 contain no notes discussing these
differences. In 1980 when separate budget
units were counted as separate institutions,
Census estimates were closer to those of
Justice f o r jails (they are more different for
State and Federal facilities). If one used
only the Institutional Population Census
reports, it would appear that the number of
jails almost doubled between 1970 and 1980.
Again, the Census reports provide no
explanatory notes on this. Assuming that
Justice Department procedures have been
consistent over the last few years, there
appears to be a small decline in the number
of jails since the early 19703, although the
number of persons present has increased by
almost 40 percent. This is attributed to the
trend to merge small- or medium-sized
facilities into larger complexes.
Characteristics of Jails and Jail Inmates as
Reported in the Surveys of the 1970's and
1980's
Tables 4-19 to 4-23 present summary results
of data not already included in prior tables
from the Jail surveys between 1970 and
1983.
These surveys collected extensive
information on the characteristics of the

facilities and of those present. The 1970
Jail Census reported that 5 percent of jails
were over capacity and that one-fourth
were more than 50 years old.
Most jails in 1972 (63 percent) were housed
in police stations, sheriffs' offices, or court
houses, and only about one-third were
separate structures. A concern in 1972 was
the extent to which jails attempted to
provide
humane
conditions and any
rehabilitative services. This is evidenced by
the extensive information gathered on
programs and services (Table 4-20). Sixtytwo percent of jails reported having at least
one recreational facility.
However, this
most frequently was only a radio. Only 16
percent of those with recreational facilities,
or 10 percent of the total jails, reported
having an exercise yard.
In 1978, demographic information was
collected from jail inmates (Table 4-21).
The study reported that only 57 percent
were working (45 percent full time) at the
time of arrest. The median income was
$3714. Almost 70 percent reported ever
using drugs and 40 percent reported being
daily users. The median age was 25.
Tables 4-22 and 4-23 are taken from the
1983 Jail study. This report for the first
time presented data on admissions and
departures (Table 4-6).

(D

m

Table 4-19.

Selected J a i l C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s Reported by the 1970 J a i l Census

Percent of J a i l s Over Capacity

Total Inmates 	
Total Number of J a i l s

Cell Aae:
Ratio of Inmates t o Full-Time
Equivalent Employees

5.6

Type of Retention of Inmates:

Percentaqe Distribution

Held f o r Other Authorities

17

Arraigned and Awaiting T r i a l

35 	

Convicted Awaiting Further Legal
Action
Sentences of 1 Year or Less
Percent Serving Sentences of More 

Than 1 Year

5
36

I

Percentaae Distribution

0-25 years
26-50 years
51-75 years
76-100 years
Over 100 years
Percent of J a i l s w i t h Some:
Recreational F a c i l i t i e s 

Educational F a c i l i t i e s 

Medical F a c i l i t i e s 

Visiting F a c i l i t i e s 

Toilet F a c i l i t i e s 


7


Source :
U.S. 	 Department of J u s t i c e , L E A A , National Criminal J u s t i c e Information and S t a t i s t i c s Service, Washington, D.C.
(1970) 1970 National J a i l Census; 1971; pgs. 1-19.

T a b l e 4-20.

S e l e c t e d J a i l C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s a s R e p o r t e d i n 1972 J a i l Survey
Characteristics

Number of J a i l s
Average Number o f Inmates
Size
-

Fewer t h a n 21 I n m a t e s
21-249 I n m a t e s
250 o r More Inmates

percenta
(3,921 )
(36)
74
23
3

percenta

Personnel U t i l i z e d
T o t a l Number o f J a i l s With Programs
J a i l s Wlth Programs U t i l i z i n g :
Communitv V o l u n t e e r s
EX-offenders
Both of Above
Not A v a i l a b l e (Number)

(2,646)
64

Amenities Availableb
J a i l s With Drunk Tank
Beds o r M a t t r e s s e s
S e a t i n g Space ( e x c l u d i n g b e d s o r
mattresses)
Operating T o i l e t ( s )
Operating Shower(s)
D r i n k i n g Water Always A v a i l a b l e
Heat
Light(s)
Air C o n d i t i o n i n g
V e n t i l a t i o n - Windows and/or Fan
None of t h e Above
Not A v a i l a b l e (Number)
J a i l s Without Orunk Tank

R a t i o o f I n m a t e s t o Employees
Total Em~lovees
Type o f P h y s i c a l F a c i l i t y
P -o-l i c e S t a t i o n . S h e r i f f ' s
O f f i c e , o r Court House
Separate Structure
Other
Not A v a i l a b l e (Number)
Type o f 4 u a r t e r s b
One-inmate C e l l s
Two-inmate C e l l s
Three- o r Four-inmate C e l l s
~ormitories~

D e t e n t i o n Arranqements
P r e t r i a l Inmates From S e n t e n c e d Inmates
Detained Separately
Not D e t a i n e d S e o a r a t e l v
Not A v a i l a b l e o r Not ~ b p l i c a b l e(Number)

Frequency o f Meal S e r v i c e
Once D a i l y
Twice D a i l y
Three o r More Times O a i l y
No Meals Served
Not A v a i l a b l e (Number)
Medical F a c i l i t y
J a i l s With Medical F a c i l i t y
I n f i r m a r y With Beds
I n f i r m a r y Without Beds
Other
Without Medical F a c i l i t y
Not A v a i l a b l e (Number)

Characteristics

41
59
(513)

P l a c e o f D e t e n t i o n o f Orunk T r a f f i c O f f e n d e r s
50
Detained S e p a r a t e l y
50
Not D e t a i n e d S e ~ a r a t e l v
Not A v a i l a b l e o r Not A b p l i c a b l e (Number) ( 3 0 8 )
12
6
5

Recreation F a c i l i t y b
J a i l s with Recreational F a c i l i t i e s
Record P l a y e r
Radio
Motion P i c t u r e s
Television Set
S p o r t s Equipment
E x e r c i s e Yard
Other
J a i l s Without R e c r e a t i o n a l F a c i l i t i e s

62
7
50
4
25
10
16
16
38

S e l e c t e d P r o f e s s i o n a l Employees
Medical Doctor
Nurse
Psychiatrist
Psychologist
S o c i a l Worker
Teacher (academic)
Teacher ( v o c a t i o n a l )

19
6
3
2
5
3
2

R e h a b i l i t a t i v e Proqrams/Services
J a i l s With Programs
Group Counseling
Assessment o f V o c a t i o n a l P o t e n t i a l s
Remedial Education
Vocational Training
Prevocational Training
Job Development and Placement
A l c o h o l i c Treatment
Drug A d d i c t i o n Treatment
Religious Services
Other
J a i l s Without Programs

67
17
9
11
14
7
13
35
26
59
3
33

Place of Detention of J u v e n i l e s
Detained Separately
Not D e t a i n e d S e o a r a t e l v
e
Not Available o r Not ~ b ~ l i c a b l(Number)

(613)

F e d e r a l l y Funded ~ r o q r a m s / ~ e r v i c e s ~
J a i l s w i t h Programs
Adult Based E d u c a t i o n (ABE)
Apprenticeship Training
Community A c t i o n (CAP)
C o n c e n t r a t e d Employment (CEP)
Employment A s s i s t a n c e f o r I n d i a n s
S t a t e Employment S e r v i c e s
Job Corps
Job Opportunity i n t h e Business
S e c t o r (JOBS)
MDTA I n s t i t u t i o n a l T r a i n i n g
Public Service Careers
O p e r a t i o n Mainstream
S p e c i a l Impact
Vocational Training
Social Rehabilitation
Work I n c e n t i v e (WIN)
Pretrial Intervention
Other
J a i l s Without Proqrams
J a i l s With Weekend S e n t e n c e Programs

Notes:
a . 	 A l l numbers g i v e n a r e p e r c e n t a g e s e x c e p t numbers i n p a r e n t h e s e s . P e r c e n t a g e s c a l c u l a t e d on t h e b a s i s o f
a v a i l a b l e / r e p o r t e d numbers, and d e t a i l s may n o t add t o 100 p e r c e n t b e c a u s e o f rounding.
b . 	 The a g g r e g a t e number o f j a i l s w i t h s p e c i f i c a m e n i t i e s , f a c i l i t i e s , o r programs e x c e e d s t h e t o t a l number o f
j a i l s b e c a u s e a j a i l may have o r o f f e r more t h a n one t y p e o f a m e n i t y , f a c i l i t y , o r program.
c . 	 The term "dormitory" c a n o f t e n a p p l y t o an a r e a c o n t a i n i n g c e l l s .
Source:
U.S. Department o f J u s t i c e , Law Enforcement A s s i s t a n c e A d m i n i s t r a t i o n (LEAA), N a t i o n a l C r i z i n a l J u s t i c e I n f o r m a t i o n
and S t a t i s t i c s S e r v i c e ; Washington, 	 0.C.
(1972) The N a t i o n ' s J a i l s ; 1975; pgs. 2 2 , 25-30, 32, 37, 39, 44, 48.

T a b l e 4-21.

S e l e c t e d Demographic and P r e a r r e s t C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s o f J a i l I n m a t e s as R e p o r t e d i n t h e 1978 J a i l Survey

Characteristic
Sex
-

Race
White
Black
Other




Under 30 

30 and Over 

55 and Over 

Median Age 


Marital Status
Married
Separated/Divorced
Widowed
Never M a r r i e d
Number N o t R e p o r t e d
Dependents a t Time o f
Admission
With De~endents
w i t h o u t ' Dependents
Number N o t R e p o r t e d
H i g h e s t Grade o f S c h o o l
Completed
0-8
9-1 1
12
13 o r More
Number N o t R e p o r t e d
Median Grade
M i l i t a r y Service
No S e r v i c e
Service
Number N o t R e p o r t e d

Total

Male

Female

Characteristic

Total

Male

Female

Employment S t a t u s
Working 

Full-Time 

Part-Time 

Not Working
L o o k i n g f o r Work
N o t L o o k i n g f o r Work
Not R e p o r t e d
Number N o t R e p o r t e d

Male
Female

9

Total

A n n u a l Income
W i t h Income
W i t h o u t Income
Number N o t R e p o r t e d
Median Income

93
7

(7,947) 

$3,714 


M a i n S o u r c e o f Income
Wages and S a l a r i e
T r a n s f e r Payments
No I n d e o e n d e n t 1ncomeC
~ l l e q a l Income
'
other
Number N o t R e p o r t e d

69 

12 

14 

4

I 

(1,564) 


Drug Experience
Never Used
Used Drugs
Daily
Weekly
L e s s t h a n Weeklye
Number N o t R e p o r t e d

69
40
8
21
(1,784)

8

D r u g I n f l u e n c e a t Time o f
Offense f o r C o n v i c t e d I n m a t e s
T o t a l Number
Under I n f l u e n c e 

H e r o i n Only 

Marijuana O n l y 

O t h e r D r u g s Only 

M u l t i p l e Drugs 

H e r o i n and O t h e r
A l l O t h e r Combinations
N o t Under I n f l u e n c e
Number N o t R e p o r t e d
Alcohol Influence Just P r i o r t o
Offense f o r Convicted Inmates
(. 9 1,. 4 1 1. ) ~
T o t a l Number
~onsurned' 

47
L e s s t h a n 4 Dunces 

16
4 Ounces o r More 

29
Amount Unknown 

2
N o t Consumed 

52
Number N o t R e p o r t e d 

(2,412)
Total 	

(158,394~)

Notes:
a.

b.
c.
d.
e.
f.

D e t a i l s may n o t add t o t o t a l shown due t o r o u n d i n g t h a t t a k e s p l a c e i n t h e e s t i m a t i o n p r o c e d u r e .
E s t i m a t e s o f l e s s t h a n 300 on
a l l i n m a t e s (and m a l e i n m a t e s ) and o f l e s s t h a n 100 on f e m a l e i n m a t e s a r e based on t o o few s a m ~ l ec a s e s t o be s t a t i s t i c a l l v
reliable.
S o c i a l S e c u r i t y , unemployment b e n e f i t s , e d u c a t i o n g r a n t s , and w e l f a r e .
I n c l u d e s b o r r o w i n g from and s u p p o r t by f a m i l y o r f r i e n d s .
P e r c e n t a g e s c a l c u l a t e d on r e p o r t e d numbers.
I n c l u d e s insignificant numbers o f c a s e s f o r w h i c h f r e q u e n c y o f u s e was n o t r e p o r t e d .
I n ounces o f e t h a n o l ( a b s o l u t e a l c o h o l ) .

Source:
U.S.

D e p a r t m e n t o f J u s t i c e , Bureau o f J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s , Washington, D.C.
(1978) 	 P r o f i l e o f J a i l I n m a t e s : Sociodemographic F i n d i n g s f r o m t h e 1978 Survey o f I n m a t e s o f L o c a l J a i l s ; 1980;
pgs. 12, 14, 16-17.

Table 4-22. 	

A d u l t I n m a t e s H e l d Because o f Crowding a t t i t h e r Facilities, b y Type o f J u r i s d l c t l o n f o r
Which Held, and Region, F e b r u a r y 1 5 , 1978 and June 30, 1983

I n m a t e s H e l d Because o f Crowdinq E l s e w h e r e
All
Inmates

Number

Percent
of All
Inmates

P e r c e n t o f Those H e l d Due t o Crowding f o r :
All
Federal
State
Other L o c a l
Authorities
Authorltles
Authorities
Authorities

United States

1978
1983
Northeast

1978
1983
North Central

1978
1983
South

1978
1983
West

Source:

IOU
100

2
1

1978
1983
Complete t a b l e t a k e n from

U.S. Department o f J u s t i c e , Bureau o f J u s t i c e S t a t l s t l c s :
Census; November 1984, T a b l e 11.

Table 4-23. 	

The 1983 J a l l

Number o f I n m a t e s p e r Employee, b y O c c u p a t i o n a l Category and S i r e o f F a c i l i t y , June 30, 1 9 8 3 ~

Size o f i a c i l l t y b

Occupational Category
Total 	

All
Facilities

3.5

Less t h a n
50 I n m a t e s

2.2

50-249
Inmates

3.8

250 o r More
Inmates

4.1

Admlnlstrative
Custody
C l e r i c a l and Maintenance
Educational
P r o f e s s i o n a l and Technical
Notes:
a. 	 The r a t i o o f i n m a t e s t o s t a f f was o b t a l n e d by d i v i d i n g t h e average d a i l y population b y t h e number
o f employees i n each occupational c a t e g o r y .
Based on average d a i l y p o p u l a t i o n .

b.

Source:

Complete t a b l e t a k e n from

U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , Bureau o f J u s t i c e Statistics:
Census; November 1984, T a b l e 15.

The 1983 J a l l

CHAPTER V
STATISTICS OF INSTITUTIONS FOR
JUVENILE DELINQUENTS

Of all correctional facilities, those for
juveniles are the most diverse and the only
ones which may include persons who have
not committed nor been accused of
committing any illegal act or status offense.
As described by the 1923 Census Report,
the laws under which juvenile reformatories
were established made it possible for them
to receive not only children who had
committed specific offenses, "but also
children who were deemed
to be
incorrigible, destitute of suitable homes, or
in danger of being brought up to lead idle
or vicious lives," (Census, "Children Under
Institutional Care, 1923;" 1926, p.260).
Because of the nature of these laws, there
has always been overlap between juvenile
correctional facilities and those facilities for
children in need of care or services for
other reasons.
Reflecting this mixture,
government
agencies
concerned
with
education, social welfare, and criminal
justice (in addition to the Census Bureau)
have at various times collected information
on juvenile correctional facilities. Each of
these series utilized somewhat different, not
always clearly defined, inclusion criteria.
There were two periods (one between 1880
and 1917 and another more recently) when
differing agencies collected information for
similar years. Not surprisingly, because of
the mixture in facility functions, these
studies did not always yield completely
consistent figures, especially with regard to
private facilities.
In this chapter, information is summarized
from the following government series:
The
Annual
Reports
to
the
Commissioner of Education (18681917);

The Census Bureau Reports from the
decennial census of Institutional
Population (1880- 1980);
The Children's Bureau series on
Children in Public Institutions for
Delinquent Children (1945-1967);
The Children in Custody Series (1971current).
In addition, information is included from
studies done by the University of Chicago
School of Social Work in 1966 and 1981. A
brief overview of each series is given and
then a summary of information is presented.
OVERVIEW OF AVAILABLE DATA
Barnard and
Reports

the

Bureau

of

Education

The earliest national information on
reformatories for juveniles comes from the
work of Henry Barnard in the 1850's and in
the Annual Reports of the United States
Commissioner of Education, which included
a section on reform schools between 1870
and 1917.
In 1857, Barnard published a book called
Reformatorv Education, which included a
statistical table covering 16 reformatory
institutions. The establishment of special
institutions for care of juvenile delinquents
preceded by almost three-quarters of a
century the juvenile court movement, which
began around
1900 (Census Bureau,
"Children Under Institutional Care, 1923;"
p.260). The first public reformatory, the
New York House of Refuge, was organized
in New York City in 1825. Barnard's table
includes seven other institutions opened
before 1850.
In 1867 the U.S. Office of Education (later
the Bureau of Education) was established.
One of the congressionally mandated
purposes was the collection of statistics on
all types of schools. Henry Barnard, the
first commissioner, set forth an inclusive

plan for education statistics in 1868, which
incorporated statistics on what was called
"class education." "Class education" referred
to education of the deaf, blind, juvenile
offenders, orphans, girls, and "colored" or
"freedmen."
The earliest Bureau of
Education figures published in 1870, just
after Barnard left his post, were based on
data collected by Wines and Dwight in 1867
and included facilities in 20 States (Marks,
Rachel B. "Institutions for Dependent and
Delinquent Children: Histories, NineteenthCentury Statistics, and Recurrent Goals"; in
Pappenfort,
Kilpatric, Roberts,
Child
Caring, 1973, Aldine, p.9).
Data were
collected on both the school and the
children, and especially on factors thought
to be
related
to delinquency and
reformation. Many of these items remain
the focus of today's reports; others would no
longer warrant notice.
These included
idleness, use of profane language, use of
tobacco and alcohol, visiting theaters,
parent's employment, parent's marital status,
parent's quarreling, church attendance, and
truancy.
The series continued until 1917 with
variations in the type of facility and data
items covered. Yearly reports at times also
covered items such as the annual cost of
care,
earnings
of
inmates,
staff,
commitments, ages accepted, trades taught,
number made literate, discharges, number
known to be orderly when discharged, sex,
race, nativity, conditions of commitment,
and parent's literacy and nativity.

from 25 States and D.C. It is probable that
these reports covered most institutions
operating specifically for delinquents at the
time, as they are comparable with the
Office of Education reports of similar years
which were only slightly more inclusive.
In 1910, the Census Bureau juvenile
institution survey included 100 facilities,
and the analysis departed from previous
reports by looking at juveniles also present
in other types of institutions. The report
States:
It appeared that the very diversity of
methods existing between the States in
the treatment of their juvenile offenders was itself a fact of considerable
significance which the limitation of the
presentation to inmates of juvenile
reformatories almost entirely obscured
(Census
Bureau,
"Prisoners
and
Juvenile Delinquents in the United
States, 1910;" 1918, p. 154).
Hence the report presented data on all
persons under 18 according to the type of
correctional facility in which they were
found. This method was also followed in
the studies of 1923 and 1933.
Recent
critiques of the Children in Custody Series
have called for a similar approach to current
data collection.

It is uncertain whether Census reports prior
to 1880 included inmates of juvenile
reformatories in the enumeration of
prisoners (Census Bureau, "Children Under
Institutional Care, 1923;" p.260); however, in
1880 and thereafter juvenile facilities were
included and separately tallied.

By 1923 the report included 145 juvenile
facilities, 22 of which were private. In
keeping with the strong verbal emphasis
that juveniles should be treated differently
than adults, the 1923 report was enfolded in
a volume that included statistics on children
in other forms of care as well. In 1933 the
Census Bureau published a separate volume
on juvenile delinquents but included only
public facilities. The data are presented
almost entirely for those committed during
the year rather than those present on the
day of the study.

The Census of 1880 included 53 institutions
from 23 States and the District of Columbia,
and the 1890 report included 58 institutions

Between 1940 and 1980 the reports are part
of the single report devoted to institutional
populations and include much less detailed

The Census Bureau Reports

information. In 1940 the analysis for the
entire institutional population report is
presented only for those 14 years of age and
older; therefore, it has very limited value
for juvenile facility statistics.
The U.S. Children's Bureau
In 1927 the Children's Bureau began to
collect voluntary data on the juvenile courts.
Then in the early 1940's they began the
series on Children Served by Public
Institutions. Initially, voluntary reporting
was
limited,
with
only
36
States
participating; however, these data were used
to make some national estimates. By 1967,
when the series was transferred to LEAA,
all States but Nevada were reporting. In
later years separate reports were issued for
delinquent and dependent children. Data
items collected and frequency of reports
varied, but information is available for
certain years on the number present,
number served, age, sex, length of stay,
facility type, staff, overcrowding, and
runaways.

istration
conducted
censuses
of
all
residential facilities serving children and
youth with special needs. In 1966 the study
was funded by the Children's Bureau and
conducted under the auspices of the Center
for Urban Studies. In 1981 the study was
funded by the National Institute for
Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
(NIJJDP).
Institutions whose primary
function was to care for the physically
handicapped, chronically ill, or mentally
retarded were not included in the censuses.
These surveys provide extensive data on
facilities, residents, program, and staff
categorized by primary function, as well as
information on the overlap of functions
between facilities under correctional, mental
health, and social welfare auspices.
The tables that follow summarize and
compare the results of these varying reports
on juvenile correctional facilities.
SUMMARY OF NATIONAL STATISTICS
ON JUVENILE CORRECTIONAL
FACILITIES

The Children in Custody Reports
In 1971, the Juvenile Detention and
Correctional Facility Census was initiated.
Prior to 1977 the survey included all
facilities caring for a minimum of about 10
percent delinquent children. Currently the
series includes any facility which receives
delinquent children.
The Census was
initially designed by LEAA and HEW and
carried out by the Census Bureau. Surveys
were conducted in 1974, 1975, 1977, 1979,
and 1982.
Beginning in 1974 private
facilities were included, but reports
continue to be published separately. The
series is currently under the Office of
Juvenile
Justice
and
Delinquency
Prevention.
The National Survey of Residential Group
Care Facilities
In 1966 and in 1981 the University of
Chicago School of Social Service Admin-

The Number and Rate per 100,000 Present
Table
5-1
presents
Census
Bureau
Institutional Population data on the number
of persons present in juvenile correctional
facilities by State for the years 1880 to
1980, and Table 5-2
presents
the
corresponding rates per 100,000 U.S.
Table 5-3
population aged 10 to 20.
presents recent figures on the average
number present by State and corresponding
rates from the combined public and private
Children in Custody reports for 1979 and
1982/83. The statistics reflect the fact that
States established separate facilities for
juveniles at different times, as much as
actual change in the rate of juveniles in
correctional facilities.
Moreover, i t is
apparent from examination of the data by
State that considerable differences have
existed in the inclusiveness and estimation
procedures over the period.
The data

T a b l e 5-1.

Number P r e s e n t i n I n s t i t u t i o n s f o r J u v e n i l e D e l i n q u e n t s b y S t a t e , Census Data:

1880

1890

1904

1910

1923

1933
Public
Only

1950

1880-1980

1960

1970

1980

United Statesa
Northeast
Maine
New Hampshire
Vermont
Massachusetts
Rhode I s l a n d
Connecticut
New York
New J e r s e y
Pennsylvania
North Central
Ohio
Indiana
Illinois
Michigan
Wisconsin
Minnesota
Iowa
Missouri
N o r t h Dakota
South Dakota
Nebraska
Kansas
South
Delaware
Maryland
D i s t r i c t o f Columbia
Virginia
West V i r g i n i a
North Carolina
South C a r o l i n a
Georgia
Florida
Kentucky
Tennessee
Alabama
Mississippi
Arkansas
Louisiana
Oklahoma
Texas
West
Montana
Idaho
Wyoming
Colorado
New Mexico
Arizona
Utah
Nevada
Washington
Oregon
California
Alaska
Hawaii

Note:
a. 	 F i g u r e s f o r 1880-1910 i n c l u d e n o n d e l i n q u e n t s i n i n s t i t u t i o n s f o r j u v e n i l e d e l i n q u e n t s .
The t o t a l f o r 1923
does n o t i n c l u d e 2,147 n o n d e l i n q u e n t c h i l d r e n .
b. 	 D a t a n o t a v a i l a b l e o r S t a t e had n o j u v e n i l e f a c i l i t y .
c . 	 Rate appears o u t o f n o r m a l r a n g e p r e s u m a b l y because o f s a m p l i n g e r r o r o r d i f f e r e n c e s i n c l a s s i f i c a t i o n .
d. 	 R a t e s i n D i s t r i c t o f Columbia r e f l e c t t h e f a c t t h a t d i f f e r e n c e s have o c c u r r e d i n c l a s s i f i c a t i o n and t h a t
f a c i l i t i e s housing j u v e n i l e s a r e l o c a t e d o u t s i d e t h e D i s t r i c t i n Maryland o r V i r g i n i a .
Sources:
U.S. 	 Department o f Commerce, Bureau o f Census; Washington, D.C.
(1880, 1890, 1904, 1910, 1923) C h i l d r e n Under I n s t i t u t i o n a l Care, 1923; 1927; pgs. 291-293, 343, 372-373.
(1923, 1933)
J u v e n i l e D e l i n q u e n t s i n P u b l i c I n s t i t u t i o n s , 1933; 1936; pg. 6.
(1950) 1950 U n i t e d S t a t e s Census o f P o p u l a t i o n :
I n s t i t u t i o n a l P o p u l a t i o n ; 1953; pgs. 2C-11, 2C-155-161.
(1960) U n i t e d S t a t e s Census o f P o p u l a t i o n 1960: I n m a t e s o f I n s t i t u t i o n s ; 1963; pgs. 11, 198-218.
(1970) 1970 Census o f P o p u l a t i o n :
P e r s o n s i n I n s t i t u t i o n s and O t h e r Group Q u a r t e r s ; 1973; pgs. 20-21,
280-31 3.
(1980) 1980 Census o f P o p u l a t i o n :
P e r s o n s i n I n s t i t u t i o n s and O t h e r Group Q u a r t e r s ; 1984; pgs. 4, 349-399.
U.S. Department o f H e a l t h , E d u c a t i o n and W e l f a r e ; W e l f a r e A d m i n i s t r a t i o n ; C h i l d r e n ' s Bureau; ( S e t h Low); Washington,

-U.L.- 


(1960)

A m e r i c a ' s C h i l d r e n and Y o u t h i n I n s t i t u t i o n s 1950-1960-1964;

1965; pgs. 44-45. 


T a b l e 5-2. 	

P e r s o n s P r e s e n t i n Facilities f o r J u v e n i l e D e l i n q u e n t s p e r 100,OUU U.S.
Census Oata: 1880-1980

1880

1890

1904

1910

1923~ 1933~
Public
Only

P o p u l a t i o n Aged 10-20 by S t a t e ,

1950

1960

1970

1980

United S t a t e s
Northeast
Maine 

New Hampshire 

Vermont 

Massachusetts 

Rhode I s l a n d 

Connecticut 

New York 

New J e r s e y 

Pennsylvania 

North C e n t r a l
Ohio 

Indiana 

Illinois 

Michlgan 

Wisconsin 

Minnesota 

Iowa 

Missouri 

North Dakota 

S o u t h Dakota 

Nebraska 

Kansas 

South
Delaware 

Maryland 

D i s t r i c t o f Colu 

Virginia 

West V i r g i n i a 

North C a r o l i n a 

South C a r o l i n a 

Georgla 

Florida 

Kentucky 

Tennessee 

Alabama 

Misslssippl 

Arkansas 

Louisiana 

Oklahoma 

Texas 

West
Montana 

Idaho 

Wyoming 

Colorado 

New Mexico 

Arizona 

Utah 

Nevada 

Washington 

Oregon 

California 

Alaska 

Hawaii 

Notes:
a. 	
b. 	
c. 	
d. 	
e. 	

Does n o t i n c l u d e 2,147 n o n d e l i n q u e n t c h i l d r e n .
o n l y . C a l c u l a t i o n based on population f o r 1930.
Oata n o t a v a i l a b l e o r no f a c i l i t i e s .
Rate a p p e a r s o u t o f normal r a n g e presumably b e c a u s e o f sampling e r r o r o r differences i n c l a s s i f l c a t l o n .
R a t e s i n D i s t r i c t o f Columbla r e f l e c t t h e f a c t t h a t d i f f e r e n c e s have o c c u r r e d i n c l a s s i f l c a t l o n and t h a t 

f a c i l i t i e s housing j u v e n i l e s a r e l o c a t e d o u t s l d e t h e D i s t r i c t i n Maryland o r V i r g i n i a . Oata f o r 198U 

t n u s u a l l y low. 


Public f a c i l i t y

Sources:
U.S. 	 Department o f Commerce, Bureau o f Census; Washington, D.C. 

(1880, 1890, 1904, 1910, 1923) C h i l d r e n Under I n s t i t u t i o n a l C a r e , 1923; 1927; pgs. 291-293, 343, 372-373. 

(1923, 1933) J u v e n i l e D e l i n q u e n t s i n P u b l i c I n s t i t u t i o n s , 1933; 1936; pg. 6. 

(1950) 1950 United S t a t e s Census o f P o p u l a t i o n :
I n s t i t u t i o n a l P o p u l a t i o n ; 1953; p g s . 2C-11, 2C-155-161. 

(1960) United S t a t e s Census o f P o p u l a t i o n 1960: Inmates of I n s t i t u t i o n s ; 1963; pgs. 11, 198-218. 

(1970) 1970 Census o f P o p u l a t i o n :
Persons i n I n s t i t u t i o n s and O t h e r Group Q u a r t e r s ; 1973; p g s . 20-21, 

280-313. 

(1980) 1980 Census o f P o p u l a t i o n :
Persons i n I n s t i t u t i o n s and O t h e r Group Q u a r t e r s 198 

U.S. 	 Department o f H e a l t h , Education and W e l f a r e , Welfare A d m i n i s t r a t i o n ; C h i l d r e n ' s 8 u r k a u ; f ~ e ? ~ ~ o ? j ; ~ ~ ~ - ~ ~ ~ '
Washington, D.C.
(1960) A m e r i c a a a C h i l d r e n and Youth i n I n s t i t u t i o n s 1950-1960-1964; 1965; pgs. 44-45.

T a b l e 5-3.

Average D a i l y P o p u l a t i o n P r e s e n t and Rates p e r 100,000 U.S. P o p u l a t i o n Aged 10-20 i n P u b l i c and
P r i v a t e J u v e n i l e C o r r e c t i o n a l F a c i l i t i e s a s Reported b y C h i l d r e n i n Custody:
1979 and 1982

U.S.
Po~ulation
~ g k d10-20

Average
0aily
Count
Juveniles
and A d u l t s

Rate
Per 100.000
Aged 10120

Po~ulation
Aged 10-20

Average
0aily
Number
Juveniles
and A d u l t s

Rate
Per 100.000
Aged 10120

United States
Northeast
Maine
New Hampshirea
Vermont
Massachusetts
Rhode I s l a n d
Connecticut
New York
New J e r s e y
Pennsylvania
North Central
Ohio
Indiana
Illinois
Michigan
Wisconsin
Minnesota
Iowa
Missouri
N o r t h Dakota
South Dakota
Nebraska
Kansas
South

ela aware^
Maryland
D i s t r i c t o f Columbia
Virginia
West v i r g i n i a a
North Carolina
South C a r o l i n a
Georgia
Florida
Kentucky
Tennessee
Alabama
~ i s s i s s i ~ ~ i ~
Arkansas
Louisiana
Oklahoma
Texas
West
Montana
ldahoa
wyominga
Colorado
New Mexico
Arizona
Utah
Nevada
Washington
Oregon
California
Alaska
Hawaii

Notes:
a. 	 Does n o t i n c l u d e p r i v a t e f a c i l i t i e s i n New Hampshire, West V i r g i n i a , M i s s i s s i p p i ,
Does n o t i n c l u d e p r i v a t e f a c i l i t i e s i n New Hampshire and Wyoming i n 1982.
b. 	 Delaware i n 1979 i s t h o s e r e p o r t e d p r e s e n t .

I d a h o , and Wyoming i n 1979.

Sources:
U.S.

Department o f J u s t i c e , O f f i c e o f J u v e n i l e J u s t i c e and D e l i n q u e n c y P r e v e n t i o n ; Washington, O.C.
(1979, 	 1982) C h i l d r e n i n Custody: Advance R e p o r t on t h e 1982 Census o f P u b l i c J u v e n i l e F a c i l i t i e s ; 1983;
Table 4.
C h i l d r e n i n Custody:
Advance R e p o r t on t h e 1982 Census o f P r i v a t e J u v e n i l e F a c i l i t i e s ; 1983;
T a b l e 4.
U.S. Department o f Commerce, Bureau o f Census; Washington, D.C.
(1979)
S t a t i s t i c a l A b s t r a c t o f t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s : 1980; 1980; pg. 32.
1982-83; 1982; pg. 34.
S t a t i s t i c a l Abstract o f t h e United States:
(1982)

therefore have limited value for State or
time comparisons.
They do, however,
indicate the problems of using Census data
for these types of comparisons.
Nationally, Census Bureau statistics indicate
a steady increase in the rate per 100,000
population present in juvenile correctional
facilities up to 1960, a leveling by 1970, and
then a decrease between 1970 and 1980.
The rate for 1880 was 97 per 100,000 aged
10 to 20. The rate for 1960 was 180 (almost
double the 1880 rate), and the rate for 1980
was 136. Studies done by differing groups
did not always arrive at similar estimates.
Comparison of Early Series
Table 5-4 compares the numbers of
facilities included and persons reported
present in the Bureau of Education series
between 1868 and 1917 with those of the
Census Bureau reports for the years between
1880 and 1923. The two series initially
were fairly consistent, with the Bureau of
Education being
only slightly more
inclusive. For example, in 1880 the Office
of Education reported 68 facilities and
11,921 residents, while the Census Bureau
reported 53 facilities with 11,468 residents.
A comparison of the school names indicates
that the same facilities were included in
both series. Over the period in which the
Bureau of Education Reform School reports
were issued, coverage was expanded to
include facilities other than reformatories.
By 1912 the actual title was changed to
"State Industrial Schools." According to the
introductory text, many of the facilities
insisted that their schools not be classified
as reform schools. While almost all the
children were admitted through legal
commitment, they were not necessarily
committed on account of criminal acts. The
text notes that, "some are dependent and illtreated
and
rescued
from
criminal
surroundings," (United States Bureau of
Education,
"Annual
Report
to
the
Commissioner;" 1912, p.595). In 1912, of
the 117 facilities included, only 20 retained
the title reformatory. In 1917, the last year

in which the Education series was issued,
the average enrollment was reported to be
35,603. The number reported by the Census
Bureau 5 years later in facilities for
delinquents was about 8000 less (27,238). It
is clear that the Census Bureau classified
certain facilities included in the reform
school series elsewhere, if at all.
Comparison of Recent Studies
As was the case with some of the early
reports, recent studies undertaken by
separate agencies have also differed in
inclusiveness. Variation found among these
reports demonstrates the fragility of time
series estimates which use differing data
sources to represent time point changes.
Table 5-5 compares the results of three
recent series: the censuses done in 1966 and
1981 by the University of Chicago School of
Social Service Administration, the Census
Bureau decennial Institutional Population
surveys from 1960 to 1980 and the Children
in Custody series in 1974, 1979, and
1982/83.
Table 5-6 compares the
corresponding rates per 100,000 aged 15 to
19.
The comparison indicates that the
Census Bureau and the University of
Chicago studies report rather similar overall
figures for the total present in public and
private facilities.
For example Census
reported 59,414 for 1980 and Chicago
60,512 for 1981.
The overall figure
obtained by combining the total present in
the Children in Custody separate reports for
public and private facilities is much higher
(74,113 for 1979 and 82,272 for 1982/83).
Both Census Bureau and University of
Chicago include all present regardless of
age. The Children in Custody total also
counts all present; but in presenting many
statistics such as breakdowns by type of
facility, only those legally classified as
juveniles are included.
Therefore, for
Children in Custody counts, Table 5-5
includes all present in the totals but only
juveniles by facility type in the breakdowns.
Because there are only a small percentage of

Table 5-4.

Comparison o f Number o f F a c i l i t i e s and R e s i d e n t s Present i n O f f i c e
o f E d u c a t i o n Reports o f 1868, 1872, 1880, 1890, 1904, 1910, and
1917 w i t h Census Report o f 1880, 1890, 1904, 1910, and 1923
- - -- -

O f f i c e o f Education

p
p

Bureau o f Census

Year
Facilities

Residents

Facilities

~esidents~

Notes:
a. 	 Number p r e s e n t on
b. 	 Not enumerated o r
o f Education data
(35,134).
c. 	 Number r e p r e s e n t s

day o f survey.
survey n o t conducted i n year l i s t e d ; i n 1904, O f f i c e
a r e a v a i l a b l e o n l y f o r t o t a l served d u r i n g t h e year
average number e n r o l l e d d u r i n g year.

Sources:
U.S. 	 O f f i c e o f Education; Washington, D.C.
( 1 868)
Annual Report o f t h e Commissioner o f Education.
( 1 880)
Report o f t h e Commissioner o f Education; Table 21.
( 1 890)
E d u c a t i o n Report; 1890-91 : S t a t i s t i c s o f Reform
Schools; pg. 1505.
(1904)
E d u c a t i o n Report, 1904: Reform Schools; pg. 2209.
(1910)
E d u c a t i o n Report, 1910: Reform Schools; pg. 1278.
(1917)
Education, Report, 1917: S t a t e I n d u s t r i a l Schools;
pg. 	 625.
U.S. Department o f Commerce, Bureau o f Census; Washington, D.C.
(1880, 	 1890, 1904, C h i l d r e n Under I n s t i t u t i o n a l Care, 1923; 1927;
1910, 1923)
pgs. 262-263.

T a b l e 5-5.

Comparison o f Number o f R e s i d e n t s and F a c i l i t i e s R e p o r t e d by Census (1960-19801,
and C h i l d r e n i n Custody (1974, 1979 and 1 9 8 2 )

Type o f F a c i l i t y

Census
Bureau

University
o f Chicago

Census
Bureau

Children
i n Custody

Children
i n Custody

U n i v e r s i t y o f C h i c a g o (1966 and 1 9 8 1 ) ,

Census
Bureau

University
o f Chicago

Children
i n Custody

Residents
Total
Public
Private
F a c i l i t i e s f o r Delinquents
(longer t e d t r a i n i n g
schools, o t h e r )
Public
Private
Detention Centers
( s h o r t term)
Public
Private

Facilities
Total Institutions
Public
Private
Facilities for ~ e l i n a u e n t s ~
(longer term)
Public
Private
D e t e n t i o n Centersa
( s h o r t term)
Public
Private

Notes:
a. 	 S i g n i f i c a n t d i f f e r e n c e s e x i s t between t h e C h i l d r e n i n Custody number o f r e s i d e n t s i n f a c i l i t i e s f o r d e l i n q u e n t s and b o t h
t h e Census and U n i v e r s i t y o f Chicago r e p o r t s because t h e C h i l d r e n i n Custody r e p o r t s i n c l u d e any f a c i l i t y t h a t c a r e s f o r
I n 1982, 45 p e r c e n t
d e l i n q u e n t s : t h e o t h e r two s u r v e y s i n c l u d e o n l y t h o s e whose p r i m a r y p u r p o s e i s c a r e o f d e l i n q u e n t s .
o f j u v e n i l e s i n t h e p r i v a t e f a c i l i t i e s i n c l u d e d i n C h i l d r e n i n Custody c o u n t were n e i t h e r d e l i n q u e n t n o r s t a t u s o f f e n d e r s .
b . 	 D e t e n t i o n C e n t e r i n c l u d e s 11 d i a g n o s t i c o r r e c e p t i o n c e n t e r s and t h e 1,367 ~ u v e n i l e si n d i a g n o s t i c o r r e c e p t i o n c e n t e r s .
c. 	 I n c l u d e s 4,754 r e s i d e n t s i n f a c i l i t i e s f o r s t a t u s o f f e n d e r s :
2,330 i n p u b l i c f a c i l i t i e s and 2,424 p r i v a t e f a c i l i t i e s .
d. 	 I n c l u d e s 221 f a c i l i t i e s f o r s t a t u s o f f e n d e r s :
82 p u b l i c and 145 p r i v a t e .
e. 	 I n 1980 each b u d g e t u n i t s e p a r a t e l y c a t e g o r i z e d .
f. 	 Breakdowns o f number o f r e s i d e n t s b y f a c i l i t y t y p e f o r C h i l d r e n i n Custody ( l o n g e r t e r m , s h o r t t e r m ) e x c l u d e a d u l t s 

p r e s e n t (2,346 i n 1974: 2,191 i n 1979 and 2,181 i n 1 9 8 2 ) . These a d u l t s a r e i n c l u d e d i n r e p o r t i n g t h e t o t a l r e s i d e n t s , 

so f i g u r e s do n o t sum t o t o t a l . 

g . 	 Not enumerated o r n o t a v a i l a b l e .
Sources:
U.S. 	 Department o f Commerce, Bureau o f Census; Washington, D.C.
(1960)
U.S. Census o f P o p u l a t i o n , 1960: S u b j e c t R e p o r t s , I n m a t e s o f I n s t i t u t i o n s : 1963; pg. 11.
(1970)
U.S. Census o f P o p u l a t i o n , 1970: Sub,lect R e p o r t s , Persons i n I n s t i t u t i o n s and O t h e r Group Q u a r t e r s ; 1973;
pgs. 5, 20.
(1980)
1980 Census o f P o p u l a t i o n : Persons i n I n s t i t u t i o n s and O t h e r Group Q u a r t e r s ; 1984; pgs. 19, 69.
U.S. Department o f J u s t i c e , Law Enforcement A s s i s t a n c e A d m i n i s t r a t i o n , N a t i o n a l C r i m i n a l J u s t i c e I n f o r m a t i o n and S t a t i s t i c s
S e r v i c e , Washington, D.C.
(1974)
C h i l d r e n i n Custody:
A R e p o r t on t h e J u v e n i l e D e t e n t i o n and C o r r e c t i o n F a c i l i t y Census o f 1975; 1979; pg. 49.
U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , O f f i c e o f J u v e n i l e J u s t i c e and D e l i n q u e n c y P r e v e n t i o n ; Washington, D.C. 

11974)
C h i l d r e n i n Custodv: Advance R e ~ o r ton t h e 1979 Census o f P u b l i c J u v e n i l e F a c i l i t i e s ; 1980; T a b l e 1. 

,
,
~ h i i d r e ni n c u s t o d y : Advance ~ e b o r ton t h e 1979 Census o f P r i v a t e J u v e n i l e F a c i l i t i e s ; 1980; T a b l e 1.
(1979, 1982) 	 C h i l d r e n i n Custody:
Advance R e p o r t on t h e 1982 Census o f P u b l i c J u v e n i l e F a c i l i t i e s ; 1983; T a b l e 4.
C h i l d r e n i n Custody: Advance R e p o r t on t h e 1982 Census o f P r i v a t e J u v e n i l e F a c i l i t i e s ; 1984; T a b l e 4 unpublished, (Draft).
U n i v e r s i t y o f Chicago, S c h o o l o f S o c i a l S e r v i c e A d m i n i s t r a t i o n ; Young, Thomas M.; P a p p e n f o r t , D o n n e l l M.; Marlow, C h r i s t i n e R.;
Chicago, I L .
(1981)
R e s i d e n t i a l Group Care, 1966 and 1981: F a c i l i t i e s f o r C h i l d r e n and Youth w i t h S p e c i a l P r o b l e m s and Needs;
1983: pg. 53.
(Preliminary report)
U n i v e r s i t y o f Chicago, S c h o o l o f S o c i a l S c i e n c e A d m i n i s t r a t i o n ; P a p p e n f o r t , O o n n e l l : K i l p a t r i c k , Dee Morgan; K i r b y , Alma;
Chicago, I L .
(1966)
A Census o f C h i l d r e n ' s R e s i d e n t i a l I n s t i t u t i o n s i n t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s , P u e r t o R i c o , and t h e V i r g i n I s l a n d s :
1966; 1970; T a b l e 1 and T a b l e 17.

adults present, this number does not make a
large difference in the comparisons. For
example, in 1982 about 2000 of the 82,000
counted by the Children in Custody series
were legally classified as adults.
A closer look indicates that the differences
between Children in Custody and the
studies done by the Census Bureau and
University of Chicago are almost entirely in
the number reported present in private
facilities, with public facility totals being
relatively consistent for all three studies.
For public longer term facilities, the Census
Bureau reported 33,184 children present in
1980; the University of Chicago, 34,375 for
1981; and the Children in Custody series,
33,498 for 1983 (juveniles only). In the
same years for private longer term facilities,
the Census Bureau reported 8,761; the
University of Chicago 10,714; and the
Children in Custody 29,723 (juveniles only)
present.
One reason for the discrepancy among the
Children in Custody Series and the other
two series is that since 1977, the Children in
Custody survey includes any facility housing
more than three persons which cares for
delinquents even if they are only 1 percent
of the total. Prior to 1977 a facility had to
include at least 10 percent delinquents to be
included. This inclusiveness has resulted in
larger totals being reported for private
facilities, and the difference between the
Census Bureau and the Children in Custody
series has grown. In 1983, 45 percent of
juveniles reported present in private longerterm facilities by the Children in Custody
series
were
categorized
as
neither
delinquents nor status offenders (see Table
5- 18). This categorization is indicative of
the intermixture of facility functions for
children with problems.
Recent studies, such as that done by the
University of Chicago, indicate that this
intermixture is growing. This study found
that more than three-fourths of all facilities
stated they had other functions in addition
to their primary function, compared to less

than half in 1966.
Frequently these
additional functions were the care of status
offenders and children who were substance
abusers. In 1981 the University of Chicago
study found that 40 percent of the facilities
that cared for dependent and neglected
children, and half of those for emotionally
disturbed children, listed care of status
offenders as a secondary function.
The
study report States that "nearly seven times
as many facilities designated care of status
offenders as an additional function as did
places designating it as a primary function,"
(Young, Thomas, Pappenfort, Donnell, and
Marlow Christine, "Preliminary Report of
Selected Findings From the National Survey
of Residential Group Care Facilities;"
November, 1983, University of Chicago
School of Social Service Administration).
In both the Census Bureau and University
of Chicago studies, those facilities which do
not have care of delinquents as a primary
function were classified elsewhere.
The
complete University of Chicago study
included all residential facilities for children
and youth with special problems or needs,
with the exception of schools for the
mentally
or
physically
handicapped.
Included were facilities housing more than
six children who were in need of care
because of mental illness, delinquency,
dependency, pregnancy, or substance abuse.
Data in Table 5-5 include information only
on the number of children in facilities
which classified themselves as having a
primary function of caring for children or
youth who were delinquent or status
offenders.
The Census Bureau classification scheme for
juveniles in institutions and group quarters
classifies separately only training schools for
delinquent children, juvenile detention
facilities, and homes for dependent children
if their primary status is to care for
children and youth. Facilities for mentally
or emotionally ill children are included with
mental health facilities. Halfway houses are

not categorized by age of population served.
All facilities providing care and custody
were reportedly included regardless of size.
Because of the differences in the types of
facilities included in the various surveys, it
is somewhat difficult to answer the question
about trends in the area of incarceration of
juveniles in correctional facilities. Over the
longer term, both Census data and Office of
Education data indicate an increase in the
rate per 100,000 population of persons held
in juvenile correctional facilities from 1880
to 1923, which Census data indicate
continued until the 1960's.
The University of Chicago study which
employed similar classification procedures in
1966 and 1981 found a small decrease
between 1966 and 1981 in the number
present (65,875 to 60,512) which results in a
larger decrease in the rate per 100,000 aged
15-19 (412 to 280). In addition, a decrease
was found in the overall population present
in all institutions that care for children and
youth covered by this study (155,905 to
125,323, or 974 to 579 per 100,000 aged 15
to 19).
A Note on the Number of Facilities

Although their counts of children present
are very similar, the University of Chicago
reported
only
1445
total
juvenile
correctional facilities in 198 1, while the
Census Bureau for 1980 reported a much
larger number, 2383. This difference may
be due to the Census Bureau's categorization
of each budget unit as a separate facility
and inclusion of very small (capacity under
six) care-giving facilities excluded from the
University of Chicago study. The Children
in Custody series reported a total of 2551
facilities for 1979, a number closer to that
of the Census. However, it appears that the
similarity between the numbers reported by
Census and Children in Custody may be
accidental.
This is indicated by the
differences in numbers of youths reported
present by the two series. The Children in
Custody series included more facilities,

while, as indicated above, the Census of
Institutional Population counted each budget
unit as a separate institution. As previously
noted, this also resulted in Census estimates
of a much larger number of State and
Federal prisons for adults than the counts of
the Department of Justice or the American
Correctional Association. Currently these
and other classification procedures used in
the 1980 Institutional Population Census are
under review in planning for the 1990
census. Because of the fact that tables in
the varying reports often bear very similar
labels, the person looking for data on this
topic finds these discrepancies without
adequate explanation for their occurrence.
Location of Juveniles in Correctional
Facilities

One of the reform movements of the 20th
century has been the attempt to remove
juveniles from jails and adult prisons. In
1923 the Census report noted that:
The care of delinquent children is
increasingly
being
recognized
as
protective and educative rather than a
penal function of the State or local
community. Juvenile court laws affirm
that the delinquent child shall not be
deemed a criminal, but a child in need
of the care and protection of the State
(Census, "Children Under Institutional
Care, 1923;" 1926, p.261) .
Because of this concern, census takers
between 1910 and 1933 focused especially
on the location of juveniles within the
correctional system.
They asked, "What
percent of the total juveniles in correctional
facilities are in institutions designed for
juveniles?" Table 5-7 presents Census data
for those years in which age information is
available for those present.
These data,
spanning the period from 1880 to 1980,
indicate that in 1880 about 19 percent of
the total under 18 who were in correctional
facilities were in jails or prisons.
One
hundred
years later,
in
1980, the
distribution was about the same, with 18

T a b l e 5-7.

L o c a t i o n o f J u v e n i l e s i n C o r r e c t i o n a l F a c i l i t i e s , Census Data:
1880

U.S. p o p u l a t i o n 10-17 y e a r s o f a g e

1890

8,586,107

10,969,203

69,228

95,480

12,314
143

16,363
I49

Total persons i n correctional f a c i l i t i e s
(census estimates)
Total under 18 i n c o r r e c t i o n a l f a c i l i t i e s
R a t i o p e r 1 0 0 , 0 0 0 aged 10-17
P e r c e n t o f t o t a l number I n c o r r e c t i o n a l
f a c i l i t i e s who a r e under 1 8 	

18

T o t a l under 1 8 i n p r i s o n s and j a i l s
R a t i o p e r 100,000 aged 10-17
Percent of t o t a l juveniles i n correctional
i n s t i t u t i o n s who a r e i n p r i s o n s and j a i l s

3,813
35

19

23

a
a

T o t a l under 1 8 i n j a i l s
R a t i o p e r 100,000 aged 10-17
Percent of t o t a l j u v e n i l e s i n c o r r e c t i o n a l
i n s t i t u t i o n s who a r e i n j a i l s 	

a
a

1923

1960

1970

1980

17

2,324'
27

T o t a l under 1 8 i n p r i s o n s
R a t i o p e r 100,000 aged 10-17
Percent of t o t a l j u v e n i l e s i n c o r r e c t i o n a l
i n s t i t u t i o n s who a r e i n p r l s o n s

1880, 1890, 1923, 1960, 1970, 1980

a

a

Total under 18 i n i n s t i t u t i o n s f o r j u v e n i l e
delinouents
9.990~'~
R a t i o ' p e r 100,000 aged 10-17
i16
Percent o f t o t a l j u v e n i l e s i n c o r r e c t i o n a l
i n s t i t u t i o n s who a r e i n institutions f o r j u v e n i l e s 81

12.550~'~
i14

77

Notes:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

	
	
	
	

Not 	 a v a i l a b l e o r n o t o b t a i n e d .
I n c l u d e s o n l y t h o s e under s e n t e n c e f o r 1923. An a d d i t i o n a l 636 j u v e n i l e s were r e p o r t e d p r e s e n t i n d e t e n t i o n f a c i l i t i e s .
I n c l u d e s j u v e n i l e s a w a i t i n g t r i a l o r s e n t e n c e , and h e l d a s w i t n e s s e s .
I n c l u d e s a l l p e r s o n s o f t h e s e a g e s e n u m e r a t e d , whether d e l i n q u e n t o r n o n d e l l n q u e n t .
T h i s number e x c l u d e s t h o s e 1 8 o r o l d e r i n j u v e n i l e f a c i l i t i e s . For example i n 1980, 1 0 , 8 1 6 were 1 8 o r o l d e r .

Sources:
U.S. Department
(1880, 1890,
(1970)
(1980)
(1960, 1970,
U.S. 	 Department
( 1 960)

Table 5-8.

o f Commerce, Bureau o f Census; Washington, D.C.
1923) C h i l d r e n Under I n s t i t u t i o n a l Care 1923; 1927; pg. 289.
1970 U n i t e d S t a t e s Census o f P o p u l a t i o n : P e r s o n s i n I n s t i t u t i o n s and O t h e r Group Q u a r t e r s ; 1973; pgs. 5 , 20.
1980 Census o f P o p u l a t i o n : P e r s o n s i n I n s t i t u t i o n s and O t h e r Group Q u a r t e r s ; 1984; p g s . 1 9 , 69.
1980) S t a t i s t i c a l A b s t r a c t s o f t h e United S t a t e s 1984; 1983; pg. 31.
o f H e a l t h , E d u c a t i o n and W e l f a r e ; C h i l d r e n ' s Bureau; ( S e t h Low); Washington, D.C.
A m e r i c a ' s C h i l d r e n and Youth i n I n s t i t u t i o n s 1950-1960-1964; 1965; pg. 31.

Comparison by Race and by Region of P l a c e of Commitment o f Those Under 1 8 :

1910

J u v e n i l e O f f e n d e r Under Age 1 8 Committed i n 1910
White

United S t a t e s

Total
Number

Percent
of Total t o
Prisons, J a i l s
and Workhouses

17,972

31

Northeast

8,353

32

North C e n t r a l

5,500

24

southa

2,798

40

West

1,317

24

Black

Percent o f Total t o Reformatories
For A d u l t s
and J u v e n i l e s

For J u v e n i l e s

Total
Number

Percent
of Total t o
Prisons, J a l l s
and Workhouses

Percent of Total t o Reformatories
For A d u l t s
and J u v e n i l e s

Note:
a . 	 These d i f f e r e n c e s r e f l e c t t h e f a c t t h a t t h e r e were few f a c i l i t i e s f o r b l a c k j u v e n i l e s i n t h e South.
Source:
U.S. 	 Department o f Commerce, Bureau o f Census; Washington, D.C.
P r i s o n e r s and J u v e n i l e D e l i n q u e n t s i n t h e United S t a t e s : 1910; 1918; pg. 192.

For J u v e n i l e s

T a b l e 5-9. 	

L o c a t i o n o f Admissions o f J u v e n i l e s t o C o r r e c t i o n a l F a c i l i t i e s :
1904-1 923

T o t a l Number o f J u v e n i l e A d m i s s i o n s

b

Percent Admitted to: 

I n s t i t u t i o n s f o r Juvenile Delinquents

a

53

73 


Penal I n s t i t u t i o n s 

P r i s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s
J a i l s and Workhouses
A d m i s s i o n s E x c l u d i n g Non-payment o f F i n e

(16,972)

(19,364)

(23,248)

I n s t i t u t i o n s f o r Juvenile Delinquents

66

70

80

Penal I n s t i t u t i o n s 

P r i s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s 

J a i l s and Workhouses 


Notes:
a. 	 Not enumerated.
b. 	 Under 18 a d m i s s i o n s i n 1904-1923.

Source:
U.S. 	 Department o f Commerce, h r e a u o f Census; Washington, D.C. 

P r i s o n e r s 1923; 1926; pgs. 295-296. 


T a b l e 5-10.

Comparison o f Number P r e s e n t w i t h Number
Admitted:
S e l e c t e d Years 1904-1982
Number P r e s e n t on
Day o f s t u d y a

Number A d m i i t e d /
i n Year

Notes:
a. 	

Numbers n o t comparable f o r change o v e r t i m e :
o n l y u s e f u l t o demonstrate
changes i n r a t i o o f t h o s e p r e s e n t t o commitments.
b. 	 P u b l i c f a c i l i t i e s o n l y :
1953 p a r t i a l d a t a o n l y .
c. 	 I n c l u d e s j u v e n i l e s and a d u l t s .
I n 1977 and 1982 a b o u t 2,000 p r e s e n t were
c l a s s i f i e d as a d u l t s .
O t h e r y e a r s do n o t d i s t i n g u i s h l e g a l age s t a t u s o f
those present.
Source :
U.S. 	 Department o f Commerce, Bureau o f Census; Washington, D.C.
( 1 904-1 923) C h i l d r e n Under' I n s t i t u t i o n a l Care 1923; 1927; pg. 295.
(1933) 	
J u v e n i l e D e l i n q u e n t s i n P u b l i c I n s t i t u t i o n s 1933; 1936;
P 9 * 7.
U.S. 	 D e p a r t m e n t o f H e a l t h , E d u c a t i o n , and W e l f a r e S o c i a l S e c u r i t y A d m i n i s t r a t i o n ; C h i l d r e n ' s Bureau S t a t i s t i c a l S e r i e s ; Washington, D.C.
Some F a c t s About P u b l i c S t a t e T r a i n i n g S c h o o l s f o r J u v e n i l e
(1953) 	
Delinquents:
1956, Number 33; pg. 11.
U.S. 	 Department o f H e a l t h , E d u c a t i o n , and W e l f a r e , S o c i a l and R e h a b i l i t a t i o n
S e r v i c e ; C h i l d r e n ' s Bureau S t a t i s t i c a l S e r i e s ; Washington, D.C.
(1967) 	
S t a t i s t i c s on P u b l i c I n s t i t u t i o n s f o r D e l i n q u e n t C h i l d r e n :
1967, Number 94; 1969; pg. 1.
U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , O f f i c e o f J u v e n i l e J u s t i c e and D e l i n q u e n c y
P r e v e n t i o n ; Washington, D.C.
C h i l d r e n i n Custody:
Advance R e p o r t on t h e 1979 Census o f
(1977) 	
P u b l i c J u v e n i l e F a c i l i t i e s ; 1980; T a b l e 1.
C h i l d r e n i n Custody: Advance R e p o r t on t h e 1979 Census o f
P r i v a t e J u v e n i l e F a c i l i t i e s ; 1980; T a b l e 1.
C h i l d r e n i n Custody: Advance R e p o r t o n t h e 1982 Census o f
(1982) 	
P u b l i c J u v e n i l e F a c i l i t i e s ; 1983; T a b l e 1.
C h i l d r e n i n Custody:
Advance R e p o r t on t h e 1982 Census o f
P r i v a t e J u v e n i l e F a c i l i t i e s ; 1984; T a b l e 1.

T a b l e 5-11. 	

Admissions and D e p a r t u r e s f r o m P u b l i c and P r i v a t e J u v e n i l e
C o r r e c t i o n a l F a c i l i t i e s , C h i l d r e n i n Custody:
1971-1982

1971 

Public 

Private 

Tot a1 

1974 

Public 

Private 

Total 

1975 

Public 

Private 

Total 

1977 

Public 

Private 

Total 

1979 

Public 

Private 

Tota1 

1982 

Public 

Private 

Total 


Notes:
a.
b.

I n c l u d e s a l l j u v e n i l e and a d u l t a d m i s s i o n s and d e p a r t u r e s .
N o t enumerated.

Sources:

U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , LEAA, NCJISS; Washington, D.C.
(1971)
C h i l d r e n i n Custody:
A Report t o t h e Juvenile Detention
and C o r r e c t i o n F a c i l i t y Census o f 1971 ; 1974.
A Report t o t h e Juvenile Detention
(1975) 	
C h i l d r e n i n Custody:
and C o r r e c t i o n F a c i l i t y Census o f 1975; 1979.
U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , O f f i c e o f J u v e n i l e J u s t i c e and D e l i n q u e n c y 

P r e v e n t i o n ; Washington, D.C. 

Advance R e p o r t o n t h e 1979 Census o f
C h i l d r e n i n Custody:
(1977) 	
P u b l i c J u v e n i l e F a c i l i t i e s ; 1980; T a b l e 1, T a b l e 1 .
Advance R e p o r t o n t h e 1979 Census o f
C h i l d r e n i n Custody:
P r i v a t e J u v e n i l e F a c i l i t i e s ; T a b l e 1 , T a b l e 1.
Advance R e p o r t o n t h e 1982 Census o f
(1979,1982) 	 C h i l d r e n i n Custody:
P u b l i c J u v e n i l e F a c i l i t i e s ; 1983; T a b l e 1, T a b l e 1.
Advance R e p o r t on t h e 1982 Census o f
C h i l d r e n i n Custody:
P r i v a t e J u v e n i l e F a c i l i t i e s ; 1984; T a b l e 1, T a b l e I.

percent of those under 18 who were
sentenced to correctional facilities found
housed in prisons or jails. The low point
was in 1923 when only about 10 percent of
those under 18 in correctional institutions
were reported to be in jails or prisons.
However, in 1980, of the total in any type
of correctional facility (adult or juvenile),
those under 18 were 11 percent, down from
18 percent in 1970.
This figure is
consistent with the fact that since 1970 the
use of prison for young adults (those over
18) has increased much more substantially
than use of juvenile facilities.
Table 5-8 presents data on the location of
juveniles committed by race and region for
the year 1910. These data indicate that
initially juvenile facilities were used more
frequently for white than for black juvenile
offenders. Of white youth committed to
correctional facilities, 69 percent were
committed to facilities for delinquents and
31 percent to prisons and jails. For black
youths it was the reverse.
Twenty-nine
percent of black youth were committed to
juvenile facilities and 71 percent to prisons
and jails.

admissions f o r a calendar year was f a r
fewer than the number reported present o n
the day of the survey (for Bureau o f
Education data see Table 5-25). By 1 9 3 3
the number admitted in a year and t h e
number present on the day of the s u r v e y
were about the same.
By the 1950's
admissions had increased to double t h e
number present. By the 1970's admissions
had increased even more dramatically a n d
outnumbered those present by almost e i g h t
to one. The Children in Custody series
reported over one-half million admissions
(624,928) in 1982 compared to about 82,000
present. This is about one admission f o r
every 30 youths aged 15 to 19. As L e r m a n
has indicated, while there may have b e e n
some impact of deinstitutionalization on t h e
total number of juveniles present i n
institutions over the last 30 years, t h e
number of episodes of admissions t o
juvenile facilities has not declined ( L e r m a n ,
P., Deinstitutionalization and the Welfare
State; 1982). Within the last few years,
however, admissions as reported by Children
in Custody have shown a small decrease
(Table 5- 11).

Committnents to Juvenile Facilities

Type and Length of Sentence

Table 5-9 presents the distribution of
commitments for the years 1904 to 1923 as
reported by the Census Bureau. This table
indicates the growth in the use of juvenile
facilities. Forty-seven percent of juvenile
commitments were to prisons and jails in
1910, while in 1923 the corresponding
figure was 26 percent.

The first data on type of sentence c o m e
from the 1868 report in the Bureau o f
Education series (Table 5- 12). Almost a l l
facilities listed "the minority of the youth o r
until reformed" as the type of sentence.
Only five of the 30 institutions mentioned
ever having specific term sentences as w e l l
as minority duration sentences. Data f o r
1910 on all aged under 18 who w e r e
committed to correctional facilities indicate
that juveniles who went to jails and prisons
more frequently had definite sentences
(Table 5-13). Of those committed to jails,
92 percent had sentences of under 1 y e a r .
In 1933, 91 percent of the youth received i n
juvenile facilities had commitments e i t h e r
for minority or for an indefinite t e r m
(Table 5 - 14).

While the data on the number present are
somewhat unclear concerning continuing
trends. the national data on admissions
indicate dramatic increases.
Table 5- 10
compares the nun71.r.1 admitted with the
number reported plcsent for selected years
between 1904 and 1982. It is striking that
the number of c~cl~nissions
has grown so
much, especially as a ratio of those present.
In early reports of both the Census Bureau
and the Office of Education. the number of

T a b l e 5-12.

Terms o f S e n t e n c e a s R e p o r t e d i n O f f i c e o f E d u c a t i o n R e p o r t on Reform
Schools: 1868

State
California
Connecticut
Illinois
Indiana
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts

Michigan
Missouri
New Hampshire
New J e r s e y
New York

Ohio
Pennsylvania
Rhode I s l a n d
Vermont
Wisconsin

School
I n d u s t r i a l School
S t a t e Reform S c h o o l
C h i c a g o Reform S c h o o l
House o f Refuge
House o f Refuge
House o f R e f u g e
S t a t e Reform S c h o o l
House o f Refuge
S t a t e Reform S c h o o l
N a u t i c a l Reform S c h o o l
S t a t e I n d u s t r i a l Girl's School
House o f R e f o r m a t i o n
S t a t e Reform S c h o o l
House o f Refuge
S t a t e Reform S c h o o l
S t a t e Reform S c h o o l
Catholic Protectory
House o f Refuge
J u v e n i l e Asylum
W e s t e r n House o f R e f u g e
House o f Refuge
S t a t e Reform S c h o o l
House o f R e f u g e , ( w h i t e d e p ' t )
House o f R e f u g e , ( c o l o r e d d e p ' t )
Western House o f R e f u g e
P r o v i d e n c e Reform S c h o o l
S t a t e Reform S c h o o l
S t a t e Reform S c h o o l

Terms o f S e n t e n c e

Minority
Minority
Minority
Minority
Minority



o r s p e c i f i c term 



o r u n t i l reformed 




Minority o r s p e c i f i c term
Minority
Minority
Minority
U n t i l 1 8 ; power t o r e t a i n u n t i l 21
Minority o r s p e c i f i c term
Minority
Minority
Minority o r s p e c i f i c term
Minority
Minority
Minority
I n d e f i n i t e or during minority
Minority
Minority
Minority
Minority
Minority
Minority
Minority o r s p e c i f i c term
Minority
Minority

Source :
U.S.

O f f i c e o f E d u c a t i o n ; W a s h i n g t o n , D.C.
( 1 8 6 8 ) Annual R e p o r t o f t h e Commissioner o f E d u c a t i o n ; 1 8 7 0 ; pg. 545.

T a b l e 5-13. 	

Sentence L e n g t h and Type by P l a c e o f Commitment f o r Those Under 18:

1910

J u v e n i l e O f f e n d e r s Under Age 1 8 Committed i n 1910 Under Sentence o f I m p r i s o n m e n t
P e r c e n t D i s t r i b u t i o n b y L e n g t h o f Sentence

Total
T o t a l Number 	
Life
D e f i n i t e Term
1 Year o r Over 	
L e s s t h a n 1 Year 	
1 Month o r Over
Leas t h a n 1 Month
Minority
Indeterminate
L e n g t h o f Sentence N o t R e p o r t e d

Notes:

a.

19,336
1
31
11
20
(12)
(8)
46
22
2

To S t a t e
P r i s o n s and
Penitentiaries

To R e f o r m a t o r i e s
f o r A d u l t s and
Juveniles

897

To R e f o r m a t o r i e s
for Juveniles

1,078

2
92
84
8
(7)
(1)
1
7
a

13,555

a
6

a
9

To County
J a i l s and
Work Houses

To M u n i c i p a l
J a i l s and
Work Houses

3,068

738
1

98

N o t a v a i l a b l e o r n o t enumerated.

Source:
U.S. 	 D e p a r t m e n t o f Commerce, Bureau o f Census; Washington, D.C.
P r i s o n e r s and J u v e n i l e D e l i n q u e n t s i n t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s :
1910; 1918; pg. 170.

T a b l e 5-14. 	

P e r c e n t a g e D i s t r i b u t i o n b y Term o f Commitment o f J u v e n i l e D e l i n q u e n t s R e c e i v e d f r o m C o u r t b y Sex and
S e l e c t e d O f f e n s e s and Reasons f o r Commitment:
1933

D e f i n i t e Term
T o t a1
Number

Under
1 Year

Over
1 Year

U n t i l Age
16, 17, o r
18 Years

Male
Robbery
Assault
Burglary
Larceny, Except Auto Theft
Auto T h e f t
Sex O f f e n s e s
D i s o r d e r l y Conduct and Vagrancy
V i o l a t i n g Parole o r Probation
R u n n i n g Away
Incorrigibility
Delinquency
Truancy f r o m S c h o o l

Female
Larceny, Except Auto Theft
Sex O f f e n s e s
I m m o r a l i t y and Sex D e l i n q u e n c y
I n Danger o f L e a d i n g Immoral L i f e
Running Away
Incorrigibility
Delinquency

Notes:

a.

N o t a v a i l a b l e o r n o t enumerated.

Source:
U.S. 	 D e p a r t m e n t o f Commerce, Bureau o f Census; Washington, D.C.
J u v e n i l e D e l i n q u e n t s i n P u b l i c I n s t i t u t i o n s : 1933; 1936; pgs. 34-35.

-

19 o r
20 Years

Indeterminate
21 Years

a
99

More recent series do not report data on
sentences in the same way. Information is
available in the Children in Custody series
on the "custodial status" of those present
(Table 5-15). These data indicate that for
the 1970's about 75 percent of those present
are classified as committed, a little less than
20 percent as detained, and about 8 percent
as voluntary admissions.
In private
facilities, voluntary admissions made up
almost 20 percent of the total.
Offense Information
Offense information for juveniles is limited,
and difficult to evaluate and compare.
Table 5-16 presents Census Bureau data on
the offense distribution for juveniles present
on the day of the survey in public and
private facilities for the years 1880, 1890,
and 1910.
Table 5-17 presents similar
information for the total committed over a
year in 1910 and, for public facilities only,
in 1933. These distributions indicate that
for the years 1880 to 1933, about 25 to 40
percent were reported there for property
offenses; and about 50 to 60 percent for
offenses such as incorrigibility, immorality,
running
away,
vagrancy,
truancy,
homelessness,
vicious
habits
or
surroundings, and delinquency. Very few
were classified as having committed violent
offenses.
Between
1940 and
1970, data are
unavailable on the offense distribution of
those present in juvenile facilities, and data
published more recently have not been in a
form comparable to the early Census
reports. Table 5-18 presents a summary of
the "reason held" divided into three
categories (delinquency, status, and other
non-offenders) for public and private
facilities in the Children in Custody Series
from 1977 to 1983. In keeping with the
policy and legislative thrust to remove status
offenders from public juvenile correctional
facilities, a major focus has been looking at
the percent of youth held who are status
offenders or non-offenders.
The data
would seem to indicate that there has been a

decline in the use of public facilities for
status offenders over the period. In 1977,
status offenders and the category "other
non-offenders and voluntary admissions"
were 14 percent of those held in public
facilities; in 1983 they were only 7 percent.
If one looks only at the private facilities
included in the Children in Custody Series,
one sees a very different distribution from
that of the public facilities. The "status
offense" and "other non-offender category"
continue to make up two-thirds of those
present.
Tables 5-19A and 5-19B present data on
offense for only those classified as
delinquent (not status offense or other nonoffense) for public and private facilities for
1983. These data indicate that for public
facilities about half of those classified as
delinquent were there for property offenses
and almost one-fourth for "violent offenses,"
a category which included robbery.
While these data would seem to indicate that
the juvenile facilities now have youths who
have committed more serious crimes than
previously, paucity of data and differences
in classification make it very difficult to
make comparisons, especially because the
early data are available only for combined
public and private facilities and do not
separate delinquents from other residents.
Length of Stay and Type of Release
Table 5-20 summarizes data on length of
stay from several sources since 1868. While
data are sporadic, it is clear that there has
been a decline in the average length of stay.
In 1868, at a time when commitments to
juvenile facilities were frequently for the
youth's remaining minority, the average
length of stay was reported as 22 months.
The next available data indicate that this
average had fallen to about 17 months by
1923.
The Children's Bureau series on
public facilities in the 1950's and 1960's
reported averages of 9 to 11 months.

Table 5-16.

Offenses D i s t r i b u t i o n o f Those Present i n J u v e n i l e F a c i l i t i e s f o r 1880, 1890, and 1910

Offense 	

Percent

T o t a l Number 	

Percent

Percent

(11,468)

Murder
Manslaughter
.Assault
S u i c i d e o r Threat To Do B o d i l y Harm
Robbery
Embezzlement, Forgery, Fraud and
Counterfeiting
Burglary
Larceny
Receiving S t o l e n Goods
V i o l a t i n g Revenue Laws
Arson
Trespassing and M a l i c i o u s M i s c h i e f
Rape
Other Sex Offenses
Escaping Custody; E f f e c t i n g and A i d i n g
P r i s o n e r Escape
C a r r y i n g Concealed Weapon, V i o l a t i n g
C i t y Ordinances
V i o l a t i n g L i q u o r Laws, Gambling, C r u e l t y
t o Animals
Drunk and D i s o r d e r l y , D i s o r d e r l y Conduct
Vagrancy
Disobedience, I n c o r r i g i b i l i t y , Running
Away, Delinquency
Truancy
Homeless, V i c i o u s H a b i t s o r Surroundings,
Dependency
Offense Not Stated, U n c l a s s i f i e d , Other

Notes:
a. 	

Not s e p a r a t e l y enumerated.

There were 16 homicides o r .I percent o f t o t a l offenses i n 1890.

Sources:
U.S. 	 Department o f t h e I n t e r i o r , Bureau o f Census; Washington, D.C.
(1880) Report on t h e D e f e c t i v e , Dependent and Delinquent Classes o f t h e P o p u l a t i o n o f t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s as
Returned a t t h e Tenth Census:
1880; 1888; pg. 562.
(1890) 	 Report on Crime, Pauperism and Benevolence i n t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s a t t h e E l e v e n t h Census:
1890; 1895;
pg. 593.
U.S.	 Department o f Commerce, Bureau o f Census; Washington, D.C. 

(1910) P r i s o n e r s and J u v e n i l e D e l i n q u e n t s i n t h e U n i t e d States:
1910; 1918; pgs. 28-29. 


T a b l e 5-17.

P e r c e n t a g e D i s t r i b u t i o n o f O f f e n s e o f J u v e n i l e s Committed t o
Juvenile F a c i l i t i e s :
1910 and 1933

Offense 	
T o t a l Number 	

1910

1933 ( p u b l i c o n l y )

14,147

(17,017)

Homicide
Assault
S u i c i d e 	o r T h r e a t To Do B o d i l y Harm
Robbery
Forgery
Burglary
Larceny
R e c e i v i n g S t o l e n Goods
V i o l a t i n g Revenue Laws
V i o l a t i n g T r a f f i c and M o t o r V e h i c l e Laws
Arson
T r e s p a s s i n g and M a l i c i o u s M i s c h i e f
Rape
O t h e r Sex O f f e n s e s
V i o l a t i n g Parole o r Probation
C a r r y i n g Weapons
V i o l a t i n g L i q u o r Laws, Gambling, e t c .
V i o l a t i n g D r u g Laws
D r u n k and D i s o r d e r l y , D i s o r d e r l y Conduct,
Drunkenness, Vagrancy
Delinquency
Incorrigibility
R u n n i n g Away
Truancy
I m m o r a l i t y , Sex D e l i n q u e n c y , i n Danger o f
Leading Immoral L i f e
Dependency
Other Offenses Peculiar t o C h i l d r e n
Other, Offense Not Stated, U n c l a s s i f i e d

Notes:
a. 	
b. 	
c. 	
d. 	
e. 	

Murder was 3 o r .02 p e r c e n t o f t o t a l , and m a n s l a u g h t e r was 23 o r .2 

percent o f t o t a l offenders. 

N o t s e p a r a t e l y enumerated f o r t h i s y e a r .
L a r c e n y c a t e g o r y i n c l u d e s e x t o r t i o n , embezzlement, f r a u d , and f o r g e r y
i n 1933.
Vagrancy c o n s t i t u t e d 632 o f f e n d e r s o r 4.5 p e r c e n t o f t o t a l o f f e n d e r s .
L a r c e n y was 3,876 o r 22.8 p e r c e n t o f t o t a l 

Includes auto t h e f t .
o f f e n s e s and a u t o t h e f t was 579, o r 3.4 p e r c e n t o f t o t a l o f f e n s e s . 


Sources:
U.S. 	 D e p a r t m e n t o f Commerce, B u r e a u o f Census; Washington, D.C.
( 1 9 1 0 ) P r i s o n e r s and J u v e n i l e D e l i n q u e n t s i n t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s :
1910;
191 8; pgs. 28-29.
(1933) 	 J u v e n i l e D e l i n q u e n t s i n P u b l i c I n s t i t u t i o n s :
1933; 1936;
pgs. 16-17.

T a b l e 5-18. 	

Reason H e l d f o r J u v e n i l e s P r e s e n t i n P u b l i c and P r i v a t e
Juvenile Correctional F a c i l i t i e s :
1977-1 9 8 2 / ~ 3 ~

Delinquency
Total
Number

Status Offense

Percent

Number

Percent

otherb

Number

Percent

1977
Public
Private
Total
1979
Public
Private
Total
1982/83
Public
Private
Total
Notes:
a. 	 I n c l u d e s j u v e n i l e s p r e s e n t o n l y .
b . 	 The b u l k o f t h i s c a t e g o r y c o n s i s t s o f p e r s o n s h e l d f o r dependency,
n e g l e c t , abuse, e m o t i o n a l d i s t u r b a n c e , o r m e n t a l r e t a r d a t i o n ; a n
i n s i g n i f i c a n t p o r t i o n c o n s i s t s o f d e t a i n e d o r committed j u v e n i l e s
f o r whom t h e r e a s o n h e l d was n o t a v a i l a b l e .
Sources:
U.S. 	 D e p a r t m e n t o f J u s t i c e , O f f i c e o f J u v e n i l e J u s t i c e and 

D e l i n q u e n c y P r e v e n t i o n ; W a s h i n g t o n , D.C. 

(1977) 	
C h i l d r e n i n Custody:
Advance R e p o r t on t h e 1979
Census o f P u b l i c J u v e n i l e F a c i l i t i e s ; 1980;
T a b l e 1 , T a b l e 2.
Advance R e p o r t o n t h e 1979
C h i l d r e n i n Custody:
Census o f P r i v a t e J u v e n i l e F a c i l i t i e s ; 1980;
T a b l e 1 , T a b l e 2.
(1979-1982/83) 	 C h i l d r e n i n C u s t o d y :
Advance R e p o r t o n t h e 1982
Census o f P u b l i c J u v e n i l e F a c i l i t i e s ; 1983;
T a b l e 1 T a b l e 3.
C h i l d r e n i n Custody:
Advance R e p o r t on t h e 1982
Census o f P r i v a t e J u v e n i l e F a c i l i t i e s ; 1984;
Table 1, Table 3.

,

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Table 5-20.

I n f o r m a t i o n on Time i n Care and Type o f Release f r a n D i f f e r i n g Sources:

Average Length o f Stay

1977-1982,

and 1966 and 1981

C h i l d r e n i n custodya

C h i l d r e n ' s 8ureaua 	

Bureau o f Education
1868

1868, 1923, 1953-1967,

-

22.2 mo. 	
Average Length o f
Stay (Months)

Based on 28 P u b l i c and P r i v a t e
Institutions

Number o f S t a t e s
and Territories
Reporting

Type o f
Institution
1977

Average Length o f Stay i n Months

Public
Private

1979

Public 

Private 


1982

Public
Prlvate 


Bureau o f censusa
1923

Average Length o f Stay

-

16.8 mo. 	
Average l e n g t h o f s t a y i s f o r those present, n o t
those released. 


Excludes M i s s i s s i p p i and Utah.
C a l c u l a t i o n s from group d a t a . 


U n i v e r s i t y o f chicagoC
1966 	

F a c i l i t y Average Length o f Stay

-

6.4 mo.

1981 	

F a c i l i t y Average Length o f Stay

-

6.3 mo.

C a l c u l a t e d f r a n group d a t a

Notes:
a. 	 Rates based on number o f c h i l d r e n .
b. 	 kt a v a i l a b l e o r n o t s e p a r a t e l y enumerated.
c. 	 Rates based on f a c i l i t i e s .
Sources:
U.S.	

O f f i c e o f Education; Washington, D.C.

(1868) Annual Report o f t h e Cmmissioner o f Education; pg. 545. 

U.S.	 Department o f Commerce, Bureau o f Census; Washington, D.C.

(1923) C h i l d r e n h d e r I n s t i t u t i o n a l Care:
1923; 1927; pg. 374. 

U.S.	 Department o f Health, Education, and Welfare, C h i l d r e n ' s Bureau S t a t i s t i c a l Series; Washington, O.C.

(1953) Sane F a c t s About P u b l i c S t a t e T r a i n i n g Schools f o r J u v e n i l e Delinquents:
1956, Number 33; pq. 15. 

S t a t i s t i c s on P u b l i c I n s t i t u t i o n s f o r Delinquent C h i l d r e n ; 

(1956)
(1962)
(1963)

Number 48; 1958; pg. 7. 

Number 70; 1963; pg. 1. 

Number 78; 1964; pg. 1. 


(1964)

Number81; 1965; pg.

1. 


(1967)
Number 94; 1969; pg. 10. 

U.S.	 Department o f J u s t i c e , O f f i c e o f J u v e n i l e J u s t i c e and Delinquency Prevention; Washington, D.C.

(1977)
C h i l d r e n i n Custody:
Advance Report on t h e 1979 Census o f P u b l i c J u v e n i l e F a c i l i t i e s ; 1980; Table 2.

Advance Report on t h e 1979 Census o f P r i v a t e J u v e n i l e F a c i l i t i e s ; 1980; Table 2.

C h i l d r e n i n Custody:
(1977)

.

(1979,

1982)

C h i l d r e n i n Custody:

(1979,

1982)

C h i l d r e n i n Custody:

Advance Report on t h e 1982 Census o f P u b l i c J u v e n i l e F a c i l i t i e s ; 1983; Table 3. 

Advance Report on t h e 1982 Census o f P r i v a t e J u v e n i l e F a c i l i t i e s ; 1984; Table 3. 


h i v e r s i t y o f Chicago, School o f S o c i a l S e r v i c e s A d m i n i s t r a t i o n ; Yomg, Thomas M.; Pappenfort, Donne11 M.; Marlow, C h r i s t i n e R.; Chlcago, IL. 

(1966, 1981) R e s i d e n t i a l Group Care, 1966 and 1981: F a c i l i t i e s f o r C h i l d r e n and Youth w i t h Special Problems and Needs; 1983; pgs. 107, 109. 


Tot a1

Det alned

Cmmlted

Recently the Children in Custody Series
reports averages of about 4 months for
public and 9 months for private facilities.
If only those committed were included, and
those merely detained were excluded, the
average length of stay in public facilities
was reported as about 6 months in 1982 by
Children in Custody. The University of
Chicago study, which reported facility
averages from grouped categories, reported
averages for public and private combined of
about 6 months of stay for both 1966 and
1981. These data on the decline in time in
care are consistent with the fact that
admissions have dramatically increased over
the period while the number present has not
shown these dramatic increases.
Type-of-release data are limited. Table 521 presents information for the year 1868
and Table 5-22 for 1933. As can be seen,
in 1868 the usual type of release was
indenture. By 1933, a majority of youths
were released on parole.
Of the total
discharges for this year, 11 percent were
escapes and 8 percent UC the admissions
were recaptures.
Additional Characteristics of
Present and of the Facilities

the Youth

Table 5-23
presents
Census Bureau
demographics for youth present in juvenile
correctional facilities from 1880 to 1980.
The largest change is the decrease in the
percent that is white and corresponding
increase in the percent that is nonwhite.
When these facilities were first established
as alternatives to prisons for juveniles, they
were more frequently used for white youth.
Correspondingly, the percent that is white
in juvenile facilities remains higher than the
percent that is white in State and Federal
prisons, despite the fact that the increase in
percent nonwhite has been more pronounced
over the 100-year period among juvenile
facilities than State and Federal facilities.

Age comparisons indicate an increase in age.
The median age for 1890 was 14.0; in 1980
it was 16.6.
Table 5-24 presents a summary of data
collected for the earliest report of the
Office of Education Reform School Series,
that of 1868. This report included extensive
information on the 30 facilities then
operating. Information on how time was
spent indicates that the average resident
spent about 6 1/4 hours working, 4 1/4
hours studying, 4 1/4 hours in meals and 9
1/4 hours in sleep. The average age at
admission was 13. While in almost all cases
the child was committed for the term of his
or her minority, the average length of stay
was reported to be 1 year and 10 months.
The most frequent method of discharge was
indenture. Employment in the institution
was reported to be shoemaking, tailoring, or
basket and broom making.
The usual
method
listed
for
punishment
for
disciplinary
infractions
was
corporal
punishment or diminution of food. In some
places punishment was solitary confinement
or loss of correspondence.
Somewhat
surprisingly, on the average 71 percent of
the residents were reported "reformed,"
although most schools left this item blank.
Fifty-five percent of the children were
either half or full orphans, and almost onethird were reported to be homeless. About
27 percent were reported to be wholly
illiterate. As can be seen from Table 5-25,
which summarizes data from subsequent
Office of Education reports, the percent
reported illiterate had declined to 6 percent
by 1912.
Tables 5-26 and 5-27 present summaries of
data on characteristics of persons present in
juvenile facilities in 1890 and 1923
respectively. In 1923 over 60 percent of
those admitted had previously been under
some form of institutional care or on
probation. Similar data were reported for
1933 (Table 5-28).
In 1933, about 40
percent of the youths admitted were living
with both parents (Table 5-29).

Table 5-21. 	

Reform Schools I n c l u d e d and Method of Release, O f f i c e o f Education Report:

State

School 	

California
Connecticut
Illinois
Indiana
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts

Michigan
Missouri
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York

Ohio 	
Pennsylvania 	

Rhode I s l a n d
Vermont
Wisconsin

Method o f Release

I n d u s t r i a l School
S t a t e Reform School
Chicago Reform School
House o f Refuge
House of Refuge
House o f Refuge 

S t a t e Reform School
House o f Refuge
S t a t e Reform School
N a u t i c a l Reform School
S t a t e I n d u s t r i a l G i r l ' s School
House o f R e f o r m a t i o n
S t a t e Reform School 

House of Refuge
S t a t e Reform School 

S t a t e Reform School 

Catholic Protectory 

House o f Refuge
J u v e n i l e Asylum
Western House of Refuge
House o f Refuge
S t a t e Reform School
House o f Refuge, ( w h i t e d e p t . )
House o f Refuge, ( c o l o r e d d e p t .. )
Western House o f Refuge
Providence Reform School
S t a t e Reform School 

S t a t e Reform School

I n d e n t u r e , p r o b a t i o n , and d i s c h a r g e 

I n d e n t u r e and discharge 

I n d e n t u r e , discharge, and t i c k e t - o f - l e a v e 

I n d e n t u r e and discharge 

I n d e n t u r e and discharge 

Indenture, discharge, and
Indenture, ticket-of-leave,
I n d e n t u r e and discharge 

I n d e n t u r e , dlscharge, and
I n d e n t u r e , discharge, and
I n d e n t u r e , p r o b a t i o n , and

Indenture
Placed i n
Indenture
Indenture
Indenture
Indenture
Indenture
Indenture
Indenture

and dlscharge
homes and s e n t t o f r i e n d s
and discharge
and discharge 

and dlscharge 

and discharge & s e n t t o alms house
and discharge
and dlscharge
and discharge 


1870; pg. 545. 


Movement o f P o p u l a t i o n i n P u b l i c I n s t i t u t i o n s f o r J u v e n l l e
D e l i n q u e n t s by Sex:
1933

Percent: 

From Courts
Transferred from Other I n s t i t u t i o n s
By V o l u n t a r y Agreement
Parole V i o l a t o r s Returned
Escaped D e l i n q u e n t s Recaptured
Uther Admissions

Total

Male

25,329

18,807

67
2
2
16
8
5

probation
probation
discharge

Discharge and t i c k e t - o f - l e a v e 


U.S. 	 O f f i c e of Education; Washington, D.C. 

(1868) Annual Report o f t h e Commissions o f Education;

Number of Admissions D u r i n g t h e Year

probation 

and d i s c h a r g e 


I n d e n t u r e and discharge 


Source:

Table 5-22. 	

1868

Female
6,522

7U
2
3
I4
9
3

Number o f Discharges D u r l n g t h e Year
Percent: 

Term E x p l r e d 

Paroled 

Pardoned 

T r a n s f e r r e d t o Other I n s t i t u t i o n s 

Escaped 

Died 

Otherwise Discharged 


Source:
U.S. 	 Department o f Commerce, Bureau o f t h e Census; Washington, D.C. 

Jvvenile Delinquents i n Public I n s t i t u t i o n s :
1933; 1936; pg. 7. 


59 

1

1

19 

7

12 


Table 5-23.

Number Present, Rate per 100,000 P o p u l a t i o n Aged 15-19, Sex, Race, N a t i v i t y , and Age o f
Persons i n J u v e n i l e C o r r e c t i o n a l F a c i l i t i e s , Census Data: 1880-1980

Number
Present

Rate Per 100,000
Population
Aged 15-19

Male
Percent

Female
Percent

White
Percent

Nonwhite
Percent

Foreign Born
Percent

Median
Age i n
Years

Notes:
a. 	 Not enumerated o r i n f o r m a t i o n n o t a v a i l a b l e .
b. 	 I n 1933 i n c l u d e s p u b l i c f a c i l i t i e s o n l y .
c . 	 For 1933 c h a r a c t e r i s t i c data on sex, race, n a t i v i t y , and age c a l c u l a t e d on b a s i s o f t o t a l r e c e i v e d
i n year (17,017) r a t h e r th an number present. This d a t a was u n a v a i l a b l e f o r number present.
d. 	 F o r e i g n born d a t a i s f o r P u b l i c T r a i n i n g Schools o n l y .
e. 	 C l a s s i f i e d by w h i t e (61L), Negro (36E), and o t h e r race (4%).
f. 	 C l a s s i f i e d by white, b l a c k , and Spanish o r i g i n :
persons o f Spanish o r i g i n may be of any race 

(11%). 

This a e r i e s
C h i l d r e n i n Custody estima ted 71,992 i n j u v e n i l e c o r r e c t i o n f a c i l i t i e s i n 1979.
g.
i n c l u d e s c h i l d r e n i n f a c i l i t i e s having any delinquents.
Sources:
U.S. 	 Department of t h e I n t e r i o r , Census Office; Washington, D.C. 

(1880) Report on t h e D e f e c t i v e , Dependent and Delinquent Classes o f t h e Population o f t h e 

United S t a t e s as Returned a t t h e Tenth Census (June 1, 1880); 1888; pg. 561. 

(1890) 	 Report on Crime, Pauperism, and Benevolence i n t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s a t t h e Eleventh
Census:
1890, P a r t I; 1896; pgs. 515, 528, 561.
U.S. 	 Department o f Commerce, Bureau o f Census; Washington, D.C. 

(1904) P r i s o n e r s and J u v e n i l e Delinquents i n I n s t i t u t i o n s 1904; 1907; pgs. 250, 270. 

(1910) P r i s o n e r s and J u v e n i l e Delinquents i n t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s 1910; 1918; pg. 191. 

(1923) C h i l d r e n Under I n s t i t u t i o n a l Care 1923; 1927; pg. 301. 

(1933) J u v e n i l e Delinquents i n P u b l l c I n s t i t u t i o n s 1933; 1936; pgs. 7, 12. 

(1950) 1950 U n i t e d States Census o f Population:
I n s t i t u t i o n a l Population; 1953; pgs. 2C-19, 


--

7r-67 


(1960)
(1970)
(1980)

7 , .

1960 U n i t e d S t a t e s Census o f Population:
Inmates o f I n s t i t u t i o n s ; 1963; pgs. 11, 47.
1970 U n i t e d S t a t e s Census of Population:
Persons I n Institutions and Other Group
Quarters; 1973; pgs. 20, 71.
1980 Census o f Pop ulation:
Persons i n I n s t i t u t i o n s and Other Group Quarters; 1984;
pgs. 69, 71.

T a b l e 5-24.

Summary o f S t a t i s t i c s R e p o r t e d t o O f f i c e o f E d u c a t i o n Concerning Reform Schools:

Resident C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s

Percent

Foreign born
Foreign parents
Orphans
Half-orphans
Intemperate parents
Fathers without occupation
Parents separated
Parents quarreled
Parents i r r e l i g i o u s
P a r e n t s had been i n p r i s o n
R e l a t i v e s had been i n p r i s o n
Had s t e p p a r e n t s
Previously arrested

Resident C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s

1868

Percent

Those who had been i d l e
Those who had been p r o f a n e
Those n o t r e g u l a r a t Sunday s c h o o l
Those n o t r e g u l a r a t c h u r c h
Those who used i n t o x i c a t i n g d r i n k s
Those who used t o b a c c o
Those who v i s i t e d t h e a t e r s
Those who had been t r u a n t s
Those who had s l e p t i n b a r n s , e t c .
Those who had been homeless
Average age r e c e i v e d
Average l e n g t h o f s t a y
Average number r e f o r m a t i o n s a

47
67
59
53
15
31
31
34
24
29
12 y r . 11 mo.
1 y r . 10 mo.
71

Punishment i n O r d e r o f Frequency ~ i s t e d : ~
C o r p o r a l punishment
D i m i n u t i o n o f food
S o l i t a r y confinement
Grades
D e p r i v a t i o n o f amusements
Demerits
S c h o o l room punishments
D e p r i v a t i o n o f correspondence
Moral agencies

Total present

Notes:
a.
b.

Average number o f r e f o r m a t i o n s based on 8 r e p o r t i n g s c h o o l s .
Schools l i s t e d more t h a n one f o r m o f punishment and each f o r m o f punishment was counted.

Source:
U.S.

O f f i c e o f E d u c a t i o n ; Washington, O.C.
(1868) Annual R e p o r t o f t h e Commissioner o f E d u c a t i o n ;

T a b l e 5-25.

1870; pgs. 546-547.

Summary o f Data R e p o r t e d by O f f i c e o f E d u c a t i o n Annual R e p o r t s :

Number o f
Facilities

Number o f
Students
Present

Number
Served
i n yeara

Percent
Male

Percent
Female

Percent
White

1868-1912

Percent
Black

Number
Admitted

Notes:
a.
b.
c.

C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s based on number s e r v e d e x c e p t i n 1868 when based on number p r e s e n t .
I l l i t e r a t e d e f i n e d as n e i t h e r r e a d i n g o r w r i t i n g .
Not enumerated.

Sources:
U.S. 	 O f f i c e o f E d u c a t i o n ; Washington, O.C.
(1868)
Annual Report o f t h e Commissioner o f E d u c a t i o n ; 1870; pgs. 542-547.
(1892)
E d u c a t i o n R e p o r t 1892-93:
Reform S c h o o l s ; pgs. 2067-2068.
(1902)
E d u c a t i o n R e p o r t , 1902; pgs. 2097-2099.
(1907, 	 1912) E d u c a t i o n Report, 1912; pgs. 595-601.

Number
Discharged

Percent o f
Students
Teachers

illiterateb

T a b l e 5-26.

C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s o f Persons P r e s e n t i n C o r r e c t i o n a l F a c i l i t i e s f o r J u v e n i l e s b y
Region: 1890
Total

Region

United
States

North
Atlantic

South
Atlantic

North
Central

South
Central

Western

Percent

Percent

Percent

Percent

Percent

Percent

Male
Female
Race
-

White
Black
O t h e r r a c e s (Number)
Foreign born

English ~ a n ~ u a ~ e ~
Speak E n g l i s h

20-29 ;ears
M a r i t a l Statusa
Single
Married
Widowed
Divorced

ducati ion^
Can r e a d and w r i t e b
Can r e a d o n l y
Can n e i t h e r r e a d n o r w r i t e

ma
Mechanics
Apprentices
No t r a d e
~ m ~ l o ~ m e n t ~
Employed
Idle
Occupations i n institutionsa
B o o t s and Shoes
Clothing
Furniture
Chairs
Wagons
Brushes
C a r p e n t e r Work
Brick
Farming
Miscellaneous
I n s t i t u t i o n a l Duties
Not s t a t e d (number)
Ardent S p i r i t s a
Total Abstainers
Moderate/Occasional D r i n k e r s
Drunkards
~esidence~
Reside i n t h e s t a t e
Reside elsewhere
Health

Good

tIealthC
I11
Blind
Deaf-Mutes
Idiots
Crippled

O f f e n s e s Charged
A g a i n s t t h e Government
Against s o c i e t y
Against t h e person
Against p r o p e r t y
Miscellaneous
T o t a l Number P r e s e n t
Notes:
a. 	 Percentage c a l c u l a t e d on t h e b a s i s o f r e p o r t e d numbers and d e t a i l s may n o t add up t o t o t a l
because o f r o u n d i n g .
b. 	 The persons r e p o r t e d t o be a b l e t o b o t h r e a d and w r i t e a l s o i n c l u d e a l l t h o s e f o r whom
l i t e r a c y was n o t r e p o r t e d because i t i s assumed b y t h e Census O f f i c e t h a t when t h e enumera t o r s d i d n o t r e p o r t an i n d i v i d u a l as u n a b l e t o r e a d o r w r i t e , t h e a f f i r m a t i v e answer was
intended.
c. 	 The number r e p o r t e d i n good h e a l t h a l s o i n c l u d e s t h o s e f o r whom h e a l t h s t a t u s was n o t
r e p o r t e d because Census Bureau assumed t h a t when t h e h e a l t h q u e s t i o n was n o t answered, t h e
i n d i v i d u a l was i n good h e a l t h .
d. 	 Data n o t enumerated o r n o t a v a i l a b l e .
Source:
U.5. 	 Deoartment o f t h e I n t e r i o r . Census O f f i c e : Washinuton. O.C.
(1890) R e p o r t on Crime, ~ a b ~ e r i s mand
Benevolence i n ' t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s a t t h e E l e v e n t h
,
Census: 1890; 1896; pgs. 211, 213-215, 224, 235, 238, 241, 244, 247, 249, 252, 255.

T a b l e 5-27.

S e l e c t e d C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s o f J u v e n i l e D e l i n q u e n t s A d m i t t e d t o and R e l e a s e d from I n s t i t u t i o n s f o r J u v e n ~ l eD e l i n q u e n t s :

Characteristic
Sex
-

Male
Female

b E

Under 1 2 y e a r s 

12 - 1 4 v e a r s 

15 - 17 years 

1 8 and o v e r 

Age Unknown (Number) 


Nonwhite
Commitment
For Period of Minority o r Indeterminate Period
Period of Minority
Indeterminate periodd
For D e f i n i t e ~ e r m ~
Less than 1 year
1 - 2 years
Over 2 y e a r s
Not R e p o r t e d (Number)
P e r s o n s w i t h Whom L i v i n q a t Time o f ~ o m m i t m e n t ~ ' ~ 

Both P a r e n t s 

Mother and S t e p f a t h e r 

F a t h e r and S t e p m o t h e r 

Mother Only 

F a t h e r Only 

Other Relative 

Foster Parents 

Other 

Not R e p o r t e d (Number) 


percenta

Characteristic 	

F i r s t 6 Months o f 1 9 2 3
percenta

Type o f c a r e g
C h i l d - P l a c i n g o r C h i l d - P r o t e c t i v e Agency
I n s t i t u t i o n f o r Dependent o r N e g l e c t e d C h i l d r e n
Institution f o r Juvenile Delinauents
I n s t i t u t i o n f o r Feebleminded, i p i l e p t i c , o r I n s a n e
Other I n s t i t u t i o n
~ i t e r a c y ~ ' ~
White
Literate
Illiterate
Not R e p o r t e d (Number)
Black
Literate
Illiterate
Not R e p o r t e d (Number)
S c h o o l A t t e n d a n c e by Aqe
Not A t t e n d i n g P r i o r t o Commitment ( T o t a l )
12 y e a r s of age
13 y e a r s o f age
14 y e a r s o f age
15 y e a r s of age
16 y e a r s o f age
17 y e a r s o f a g e
18 y e a r s of a g e and o l d e r J
S c h o o l A t t e n d a n c e f o r t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s by
Not A t t e n d i n g
12 y e a r s o f a g e
13 y e a r s o f age
14 y e a r s o f age
15 y e a r s of age
16 y e a r s o f age
17 y e a r s o f a g e
18 t o 20 y e a r s o f a g e J

P r e v i o u s Care
whlteC 

On P r o b a t i o n P r e v l o u s t o Admission 

Black 

On P r o b a t l o n P r e v i o u s t o Admission 

P r e v i o u s I n s t i t u t i o n a l and Aqency c a r e e
WhiteC
Never Under I n s t i t u t l o n / A g e n c y o r on P r o b a t i o n
P r e v i o u s l y Under One I n s t i t u t i o n / A g e n c y o r on P r o b a t i o n
Previously Under Two o r More I n s t i t u t i o n s / A g e n c i e s o r
P r o b a t l o n Departments 

Not R e p o r t e d (Number) 

Black
Never Under I n s t i t u t i o n / A g e n c y o r on P r o b a t i o n
P r e v i o u s l y Under One I n s t i t u t i o n / A g e n c y o r on P r o b a t i o n
P r e v i o u s l y Under Two o r More I n s t i t u t i o n s / A g e n c i e s o r
P r o b a t i o n Departments 

Not R e p o r t e d (Number) 


Employment P r l o r t o commitmente
Em~loved
~ r k v i b u s ~Employed
y


Never Employed 

Not R e p o r t e d (Number) 

J u v e n i l e s Leavlnq I n s t i t u t i o n
Time i n C a r e
Male
Less than 1 year
1 - 2 years
Over 2 y e a r s
Female
Less than 1 year
2 years
1
Over 2 y e a r s

-

T o t a l Number Admitted
T o t a l Number R e l e a s e d

Notes:
D e t a i l s may n o t add up t o 1 0 0 p e r c e n t b e c a u s e o f r o u n d i n g . 

J u v e n ~ l ed e l i n q u e n t s u n d e r 1 8 y e a r s o f a g e . 

J u v e n i l e s o f unknown c o l o r a r e i n c l u d e d w i t h w h i t e . 

I n c l u d e s commitments f o r i n d e t e r m i n a t e p e r i o d u n d e r t h e maximum l i m i t of which t h e p e r s o n would b e r e l e a s e d b e f o r e r e a c h i n g 21 y e a r s of a g e . 

P e r c e n t a g e s c a l c u l a t e d on r e p o r t e d numbers. 

E x c l u d e s 21 of unknown a g e . 

J u v e n i l e i s c o u n t e d more t h a n o n c e i f u n d e r t h e c a r e o f two o r more t y p e s o f a g e n c i e s . 

I n c l u d e s o n l y j u v e n i l e d e l i n q u e n t s 1 0 y e a r s o f a g e and o v e r . 

Baaed on 1920 Census e n u m e r a t i o n : p r e s e n t e d s o c o m p a r i s o n c a n b e made w i t h i t e m s above. 

F o r j u v e n i l e d e l i n q u e n t s t h e age g r o u p i s "18 y e a r s and o v e r . "
T h i s i s p r a c t i c a l l y t h e same, however, a s t h e a g e g r o u p "18 t o 20 y e a r s , " s i n c e 

few p e r s o n s 21 y e a r s o f a g e a r e committed t o i n s t i t u t i o n s f o r j u v e n i l e d e l i n q u e n t s . 

Source:
U.S. 	 D e p a r t m e n t o f Commerce, Bureau o f C e n s u s ; Washj. n g t o n , D.C. 

(1923) Chi1. d r e n Under I n s t i t u t i o n a l C a r e 1 9 2 3 ; 1 9 2 7 ; pgs. 


Table 5-28.

Percentage D i s t r i b u t i o n by Previous I n s t i t u t i o n a l o r P r o b a t i o n a l H i s t o r y o f J u v e n i l e D e l i n q u e n t s Received from
Courts b y Race and Sex: 1933
A l l Classes

Previous I n s t i t u t i o n a l
or P r o b a t i o n a l H i s t o r y
T o t a l Number
No Previous H i s t o r y
P r e v i o u s l y Under Agency Care
Previously i n I n s t i t u t i o n f o r
Dependent C h i l d r e n
P r e v i o u s l y Placed on P r o b a t i o n
Previously i n I n s t i t u t i o n f o r
Juvenile Delinquents
No Reports as t o Previous
History

Total

Male

17,017

13,153

White
Female

Total

Male

3,864

12,959

9,716

Black
Female

Total

Male

Female

Other
Races
Total

3,243

3,610

3,057

553

448

46
2

44
1

52

5

49
2

47
1

53
5

36
2

35
1

43
6

42
1

2
29

1
32

4
19

2
29

1
32

4
18

1
31

1
32

1
28

1
20

10

11

6

10

11

7

11

12

4

8

9

11

14

9

7

13

20

20

18

28

Source:
U.S.

Department o f Commerce, Bureau o f t h e Census; Washington, D.C.
J u v e n i l e Delinquents i n P u b l i c I n s t i t u t i o n s :
1933; 1936; pg. 24.

Table 5-29.

Percentage D i s t r i b u t i o n o f J u v e n i l e Delinquents Received from Courts According t o Persons
w i t h Whom L i v i n g a t Time o f Commitment: 1933
A l l Classes

Persons w i t h Whom L i v i n g a t
Time o f Commitment

Total

Male

White
Female

Male

T o t a l Number
Living with:
Both Parents
Mother Only
Father Only
Mother and S t e p f a t h e r
Father and Stepmother
Other R e l a t i v e s
I n Adoptive Home
I n Other Family Home
I n Institution
Not Reported

Source:
U.S.

Department o f Commerce, Bureau o f Census; Washington, D. C.
J u v e n i l e Delinquents i n P u b l i c I n s t i t u t i o n s :
1933; 1936; pgs. 40-41.

Female

Black
Male

Female

In general, government studies since 1933
have included somewhat fewer data items
on youth characteristics than the early
reports included. Table 5-30 summarizes
data from the Children's Bureau Series on
Public facilities for the years 1945 to 1967,
and Table 5-31 presents additional data on
juvenile characteristics from the Children in
Custody series.

year period.
In 1880 there were 53
reformatories included in the Census
Report; by 1960 there were 663. Between
the University of Chicago census in 1966
and the similar study in 1981, the number
of facilities more than doubled. This figure
is consistent with the decline in average
facility size also reported by the University
of Chicago study.

Table 5-32 lists the number of facilities
included in Census Bureau, Children's
Bureau, University
of Chicago, and
Children in Custody series during the period
since 1880.
Although differences in
reporting make exact comparisons difficult,
these data clearly indicate a large increase
in the number of facilities over the 100-

Tables 5-33 to 5-35 summarize data on
facility characteristics from the Children's
Bureau and the Children in Custody series.
The data indicate a change in the number of
staff per resident over the period since the
1950's from about 2.6 children per full-time
staff member in 1956 to about 1.2 children
per full-time staff member in 1979.

T a b l e 5-30.

C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s o f P u b l i c J u v e n i l e Custody R e s i d e n t s , C h i l d r e n ' s Bureau S e r i e s :

1945-1967

Number Served 

D u r i n g Year 

Number R e p o r t e d 

Present 

R a t e p e r 100,000 

Ages 10-17 

P e r c e n t Male
P e r c e n t Female
Percent White
P e r c e n t Non-White
Average L e n g t h o f 

S t a y (Months) 

Child/Staff Ratio
Median Age ( Y e a r s )
P e r c e n t Runaways
Percent ~ e a d m i t t e d ~
Number o f S t a t e s and 

Territories ~ e p o r t i n g ~ 


Notes:
I n 1953, t h e r e were 109 s c h o o l s r e p o r t i n g ; i n 1962, 226 s c h o o l s r e p o r t i n g ; i n 1963, 230 s c h o o l s r e p o r t i n g ; i n 1966, 

292 i n s t i t u t i o n s r e p o r t i n g . 

A l l c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s a r e based on 44,763 j u v e n i l e s i n t r a i n i n g s c h o o l s . 

Not enumerated. 

A c t u a l c o u n t f o r j u v e n i l e s i n 35 S t a t e s l i v i n g i n i n s t i t u t i o n s , 8,849 l i v e d o u t s i d e i n s t i t u t i o n s . 

E s t i m a t e d number o f c h i l d r e n f o r e n t i r e U n i t e d S t a t e s i n p u b l i c c u s t o d y . 

Based on n a t i o n a l e s t i m a t e s . 

R e a d m i t t e d f o r t h e same o f f e n s e . 

I n c l u d e s S t a t e s and t e r r i t o r i e s (1953 e x c l u d e s Kentucky, Nevada, and V i r g i n I s l a n d s ; 1956 e x c l u d e s Georgia; 1967 e x c l u d e s 

Nevada). 

Sources:
F e d e r a l S e c u r i t y Agency, S o c i a l S e c u r i t y A d m i n i s t r a t i o n ; U.S. C h i l d r e n ' s Bureau S t a t i s t i c a l S e r i e s ; Washington, D.C. 

(1945) C h i l d r e n Served by P u b l i c Welfare Agencies and I n s t i t u t i o n s : 1945, Number 3 ; 1946; pgs. 12-18. 

U.S. Department o f H e a l t h , E d u c a t i o n , and Welfare, S o c i a l S e c u r i t y A d m i n i s t r a t i o n ; C h i l d r e n ' s Bureau S t a t i s t i c a l S e r i e s ;
Washington, 	 D.C.
(1953)
Some F a c t s About P u b l i c S t a t e T r a i n i n g S c h o o l s f o r J u v e n i l e D e l i n q u e n t s :
1956, Number 33; pgs. 1, 13, 15-17, 19.
S t a t i s t i c s on P u b l i c I n s t i t u t i o n s f o r D e l i n q u e n t C h i l d r e n :
(1956)
1956, Number 48; 1958; pgs: 4, 5, 7, 11, 27.
U.S. 	 Department o f H e a l t h , E d u c a t i o n , and Welfare, W e l f a r e A d m i n i s t r a t i o n ; C h i l d r e n ' s Bureau S t a t i s t i c a l S e r i e s ; Washington, D.C.
(1962)
S t a t i s t i c s on P u b l i c I n s t i t u t i o n s f o r D e l i n q u e n t C h i l d r e n :
1962, Number 70; 1963; pgs. 1 , 3, 5.
(1963)
S t a t i s t i c s on P u b l i c I n s t i t u t i o n s f o r D e l i n q u e n t C h i l d r e n : 1963, Number 78; 1964; pgs. 1 , 2, 5.
(1964)
S t a t i s t i c s on P u b l i c I n s t i t u t i o n s f o r D e l i n q u e n t C h i l d r e n :
1964, Number 81; 1965; pgs. 1, 2, 5, 15.
U.S. 	 Department o f H e a l t h , E d u c a t i o n , and Welfare, S o c i a l and R e h a b i l i t a t i o n S e r v i c e ; C h i l d r e n ' s Bureau S t a t i s t i c a l S e r i e s ; 

Washington, D.C. 

(1966)
S t a t i s t i c s on P u b l i c I n s t i t u t i o n s f o r D e l i n q u e n t C h i l d r e n :
1966, Number 89; 1967; pg. 50. 

(1966,1967)
S t a t i s t i c s on P u b l i c I n s t i t u t i o n s f o r D e l i n q u e n t C h i l d r e n :
1967, Number 94; 1969; pgs. 1, 5, 10. 

U.S. 	 Department o f Commerce, Bureau o f Census; Washington, D.C. 

(1945)
H i s t o r i c a l S t a t i s t i c s o f t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s , C o l o n i a l Times t o 1957; 1960; pg. 8. 

(1967)
S t a t i s t i c a l Abstract of the United States:
1982-83; 1983; pg. 25. 


0 0 0

0 0 0

0 0 0

g L E

N o r .
C I N N

CINCI

0 0 0

0 0 0

0 0 0

mLnm
a r - m

o m mt.\0

%?=%

b L n N

m m m m m

4
.

4

0

C

0

C

0

C

0
C

c m m m m

a > > >

sazz5

n

zt.
7

U

m a r .
m o m

a
~

~
n r

P I N m
CINLn

-mr.
CIYLn

m
7 r . m
.~
m
nNLn

r - ~ m
a
o 7 r .
CINLn

N N Q

m e w
-'* 2.

2:s

5

Table 5-32.

Number o f J u v e n i l e F a c i l i t i e s I n c l u d e d i n Surveys by C o n t r o l ,
1880-1982

Type,

and Survey Sponsor:

Type

Control
Total
Public

Private

S h o r t Term

Longer Term

1880 (Census)
1890 (Census)
1904 (Census)
1910 (Census)
1923 (Census)
1933 (Census)
1940 (Census)
1950 (Census)
1960
1966 (Univ.

of ~hicago)~

1967 ( C h ~ l d r e n ' s~ u r e a u ) ~
1970

ensus us'^

1971 ( L h ~ l d r e nI n Custody)
1979 ( C h ~ l d r e nI n
1980
1981 ( U n ~ v . o f c h ~ c a g o ) ~
1982 ( C h l l d r e n I n Custody)

b

Notes:
a. 	
b. 	
c. 	
d. 	
e. 	
f. 	

Not enumerated.
C h i l d r e n i n Custody i n c l u d e s a l l f a c i l i t i e s h o u s i n g any d e l i n q u e n t s o r s t a t u s o f f e n d e r s .
I n c l u d e s f a c i l i t i e s whose p r i m a r y f u n c t i o n i s c a r e o f d e l i n q u e n t s o r s t a t u s o f f e n d e r s .
Each budget u n i t i s counted as s e p a r a t e f a c i l i t y .
I n c l u d e s p u b l i c t r a i n i n g s c h o o l s and d e t e n t i o n c e n t e r s o n l y .
Public only.

Sources:
U.S. 	 Department o f Commerce, Bureau o f Census; Wash~ngton, D.C.
(1880, 1890, 1904,
1910, 1923:
C h i l d r e n Under I n s t ~ t u t i o n a lCare, 1923; 1927; pgs. 262-263.
(1933)
J u v e n i l e D e l i n q u e n t s i n P u b l i c I n s t l t u t ~ o n s , 1933; 1936; pg. 1.
(1960)
U.S. Census o f P o p u l a t i o n 1960:
Inmates o f I n s t i t u t i o n s ; 1963; pg. 13.
(1970)
U.S. Census o f P o p u l a t ~ o n1970: P r i s o n e r s i n I n s t i t u t i o n s and Other
Group Q u a r t e r s ; 1973; pg. 23.
1980 Census o f P o p u l a t i o n :
P r i s o n e r s ~ n I n s t i t u t i o n s and Other Group
(1980)
Q u a r t e r s ; 1984; pg. 5.
U.S. 	 Department o f Health, Education, and Welfare, S o c i a l R e h a b i l i t a t i o n S e r v l c e ; Children's
Bureau S t a t i s t i c a l S e r i e s ; Washington, D.C.
(1967: 	
S t a t i s t i c s on P u b l i c I n s t i t u t i o n s f o r D e l i n q u e n t C h i l d r e n :
1967; Number
94; 1969; pg. 4.
U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , Law Enforcement A s s i s t a n c e A d m i n ~ s t r a t ~ o nN, a t ~ o n a lCriminal J u s t i c e
I n f o r m a t i o n and S t a t i s t i c s S e r v i c e ; Washington, D.C.
A Report on t h e J u v e n i l e D e t e n t ~ o nand Correctional
(1971) 	
C h i l d r e n i n Custody:
F a c l l i t y Census o f 1971 ; 1974; pgs. 5, 28.
U.S. Department o f J u s t i c e , O f f i c e o f J u v e n i l e Delinquency P r e v e n t i o n ; Washington, D.C.
(1979, 1982: 	
C h l l d r e n I n Custody:
Advance Report on t h e 1982 Census o f P u b l i c J u v e n ~ l e
F a c i l i t i e s ; 1983; T a b l e 3.
C h i l d r e n i n Custody:
Advance Report on t h e 1982 Census o f P r l v a t e J u v e n i l e
F a c i l i t i e s ; 1984; Table 3.
U n i v e r s i t y o f Chicago, 	 School o f S o c i a l S e r v i c e A d m i n i s t r a t i o n ; Young, Thomas M.; P a p p e n f o r t ,
Donne11 M.; Marlow, C h r i s t i n e R.; Chicago, I L .
(1966, 1981)
R e s i d e n t i a l Group Care, 1966 and 1981: F a c ~ l i t i e sf o r C h i l d r e n and Youth
w i t h S p e c i a l Problems and Needs; 1983; pg. 53.

Table 5-33.

C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s o f P u b l i c J u v e n i l e Custody F a c i l i t i e s , C h i l d r e n ' s Bureau S e r i e s :
Institutions

Year

Tot a1

Reception &
Diagnostic
Center

Training
School

1956-1967

Occupancy

Forestry
Camp

Capacity
w
,u

Male
On1y

Female
On1y

Co-ed

Child-Staff
Ratio

Notes :
a.
b.
c.

I n c l u d e s 39 l o c a l t r a i n i n g schools.
C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s based on 233 i n s t i t u t i o n s .
Based on t h e 292 i n s t i t u t i o n s r e p o r t i n g .
Not enumerated.

Sources :
U.S. Department o f H e a l t h , Education, and Welfare, S o c i a l S e c u r i t y A d m i n i s t r a t i o n ; C h i l d r e n ' s Bureau S t a t i s t i c a l
S e r i e s ; 	Washington, D.C.
(1956) S t a t i s t i c s on P u b l i c I n s t i t u t i o n s f o r D e l i n q u e n t C h i l d r e n :
1956, Number 48; 1959; pgs. 5, 23.
U.S. Department o f H e a l t h , Education, and Welfare, Welfare A d m i n i s t r a t i o n ; C h i l d r e n ' s Bureau S t a t i s t i c a l Series;
Washington, 	 D.C. 

(1964) S t a t i s t i c s on P u b l i c I n s t i t u t i o n s f o r D e l i n q u e n t C h i l d r e n : 1964, Number 81; 1965; pg. v i . 

U.S. Department o f H e a l t h , Education, and Welfare, S o c i a l and R e h a b i l i t a t i o n S e r v i c e ; C h i l d r e n ' s Bureau S t a t i s t i c a l
Series; 	 Washington, D.C.
1966, Number 89; 1967; pgs. 4, 49.
(1966) S t a t i s t i c s on P u b l i c I n s t i t u t i o n s f o r D e l i n q u e n t C h i l d r e n :
(1967) S t a t i s t i c s on P u b l i c I n s t i t u t i o n s f o r D e l i n q u e n t C h i l d r e n : 1967, Number 94; 1969; pgs. 2 , 4.

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CHAPTER VI
FEDERAL PRISON STATISTICS

This chapter summarizes statistics on
Federal prisoners presented in Justice
Department reports that deal exclusively
with Federal prisons.
Data on Federal
prisoners collected by the Census Bureau
and other agencies as part of the statistics
on State and Federal prisoners have been
included in Chapter 111. Special statistics on
Federal prisoners have been collected on a
yearly basis by order of Congress since
about 1886, about 10 years before the
establishment of the first civilian Federal
prison in 1896. The usual practice in the
19th century was housing Federal prisoners
in State facilities. This was in accord with
a 1776 law passed by the Continental
Congress which provided that State and
county prisons might be used to incarcerate
persons convicted of Federal offenses and
that
the
Federal government would
compensate the States for any expenses
(Huston, Luther, The D e ~ a r t m e n tof Justice;
Frederick Praeger, New York, 1967, p. 203).
States upon entrance into the Union passed
laws indicating they would accept Federal
prisoners for suitable compensation.
In
States in which facilities were not suitable,
Federal prisoners were transported to other
jurisdictions.
With the establishment of the Department of
Justice in 1870, a campaign was begun to
urge Congress to establish its own prison
system. The 1886 report submitted by the
Attorney
General
included
strong
recommendations that a Federal prison
system be established. The report argued
that the cost of maintaining prisoners had
increased because of the decline of the
contract system of prison labor in the States,
and that conditions in many State facilities
were unacceptable (Department of Justice,
"Report of the Attorney General, 1886;"
p.11). The 1886 report also notes that:
U.S. prisoners as a rule are of a
better class of men than the ordi-

nary convict and capable of performing better work, (Department
of Justice, "Annual Report of the
Attorney General, 1886;" p. 12)
It was suggested that if Federal prisons were
built, special work programs could be
established which would involve products of
use to the Federal government. Also there
had been an increase in Federal laws
punishable by prison. In response to the
requests for Federal prisons, in 1891
Congress authorized the construction of
three Federal prisons.
Money f o r
construction did not become available until
several years later, but by 1905 three
prisons were operating, the first beginning
operation in 1896. Those at Atlanta and
Leavenworth were constructed by prison
labor. The third, at McNeil Island, was a
territorial prison built in 1865 which had
been offered to and refused by the new
State of Washington.
In 1984 about 60
facilities were operated by the Federal
Bureau of Prisons (see Chapter 111).
Justice Department Statistics on Federal
Prisoners

Since 1886, when the first statistics were
gathered, the collection of Federal prison
statistics can be divided into three periods.
The first period, up to 1930, was before the
establishment of the Bureau of Prisons. In
this period statistics were included in the
yearly report of the Attorney General made
by the Department of Justice.
Early
statistics focused on Federal prisoners
housed in State facilities and included
reports on the conditions under which they
were kept and the cost to the Federal
government.
As Federal prisons were
established, data were reported from each of
these institutions. Each facility submitted a
detailed report, and a summary table was
produced containing the statistics mandated
by Congress.
After the establishment of the Bureau of
Prisons in 1930, the statistics were moved to
the Bureau's Annual Report. The statistical

report was expanded to include information
on Federal prisoners in local jails, and more
data items were included. Statistics in this
period were used to illustrate the work of
the Bureau.
In 1960, an Office of Research was
established within the Bureau of Prisons and
statistical reporting was reorganized. The
research office began to publish separate
statistical reports containing yearly data but
published every 1 or 2 years. The inclusion
of Federal prisoners in jails and State
facilities was dropped, probably because
there were far fewer Federal prisoners in
local facilities by 1960 than there had been
in 1930.
The statistical report series begun in 1960
has continued through 1984. The statistics
kept on Federal prisons, dating from 1886
to the present, represent the longest span of
yearly data on prisons. However, because
there have been major changes in
inclusiveness and the ways in which data
are categorized, care must be taken in
examining this data for changes over time.
There has also been a tendency to update
tables so that data for the same year
covering the same population but published
at different dates are not always consistent.
In preparing this chapter, every fifth report
was reviewed and most tables present data
at 5- or 10-year intervals. Additional data
are available in the reports on an annual
basis.
Persons Present and Received Under Federal
Jurisdiction

Tables 6-1 to 6-6 present summary
information on the numbers present and
received under Federal jurisdiction. The
most important variation in reporting
statistics on the number of Federal prisoners
is whether only those in Bureau of Prison
institutions are included or whether those in
other institutions are included as well.
Another variation is whether the total
includes only those present or received
under sentence or includes all in Federal
facilities. In general, data between 1930

and 1974 included only those under
sentence. Totals after 1974 usually include
all present. This made a difference of only
about 1000 between 1974 and 1975;
however, in some periods this difference is
more substantial.
If one considers only those reported present
in Federal facilities under the Bureau of
Prisons, the rate per 100,000 has gone from
about 2 in 1910 to about 12 in 1983 (Table
6-6). As in the State system, the period
since 1970 has seen large increases in the
number present (from about 20,000 to over
30,000); however, the rate of increase has
not been as dramatic as that in the State
system.
Nationally the State prison
population has more than doubled since
1970. In the same period the Federal prison
population increased by about 60 percent.
As a percent of the total present in State
and Federal facilities, those in Federal
prisons have gone from 3 percent in 1910 to
7 percent in 1983. In the period between
1930 and 1970 the percent was somewhat
higher, about 10 percent of the total.
Federal Prisoners in Jails

In the period prior to 1930, statistics usually
included those Federal prisoners present in
State as well as Federal facilities (Table 6l), but except for sometimes including jails
in the District of Columbia, the reports did
not include data on Federal prisoners
present in local facilities.
As indicated
above, in 1930 the newly formed Federal
Bureau of Prisons initiated a statistical
reporting system which included those
present and received in local facilities as
well. This procedure continued until 1960.
In 1930 there were more than 11,000 shortterm Federal prisoners in local facilities.
This number declined over the period,
partly because of changing legislation,
including the repeal of prohibition, and also
because of a policy of using jail detention
as little as possible. By 1960 only 3,177 (of
the total of 26,646) Federal prisoners were
reported in facilities other than those under
the Bureau of Prisons.

Table 6-1.

Federal P r i s o n e r s Present:

Selected Years 1886-1925

Penitentiaries
Total

F ederal

Jails
Other

Notes:
a. 	 F l r s t c i v l l Federal p e n i t e n t i a r y opened I n 1896.
b. 	 1900 l n c l u d e s Leavenworth, Kansas and McNeil I s l a n d , Washlngton. 

A t l a n t a , Georgla was added by 1905. By 1910 t h e N a t l o n a l T r a i n i n g 

School f o r Boys i n Washington, O.C. was added as w e l l as Government 

H o s p i t a l f o r t h e Insane, l a t e r known as S a l n t E l i z a b e t h ' s . 

c . 	 J a i l s i n t h e D l s t r i c t o f Columbia only.
d. 	 Not available.
Sources:
U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t l c e ; Washlngton, D.C. 

Report o f t h e Attorney General: 

(1886) 1886; pgs. 15-16. 

(1895) 1895; pgs. XI, XVI. 

(1900) 1900; pgs. 35, 39. 

(1905) 1905; pg. L 2 . 

(1910) 1910; pg. 67. 

(1915) 1915; pg. 361. 

(1920) 1920; E x h i b l t 19. 

(1925) 1925; E x h l b l t 8. 


Table 6-2. 	

Average P o p u l a t l o n o f Institutions Administered by t h e Federal Bureau
o f P r l s o n s f o r Each F l s c a l Year Ended June 30: 1896 t o 1945
--

F l s c a l Year
Ended
June 30-

Source:

Average
Dally
Populatlon

Index
of Change
(1896 = 1 )

F l s c a l Year
Ended
June 30-

Average
Dally
Populatlon

Index
o f Change
(1896 = 1 )

Complete t a b l e taken f r o n

U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , Federal Bureau o f Prisons; Washington, D.C.
Federal Prisons:
1945; pg. 34.

Table 6.3

.

Average Number of Federal P r i s o n e r s ( A l l F a c i l i t i e s ) f o r F i s c a l Years
1931-1960
Federal I n s t i t u t i o n s

Fiscal
Year Ended
June 30-

Grand
Total

Total

Bureau
of P r i s o n s
Institutions

National
Training
School f o r
Boys(a)

Public
Health
Service
Hospital

Non-Federal
Institutions

Notes:
a

.

b

.

Populations 1931 t o 1939 l n c l u d e F e d e r a l but not D i s t r i c t of Columbia
commitments
National Training School f o r Boys became a Bureau of P r i s o n s i n s t i t u t i o n
July 1 . 1939

Source:

.

.

E n t i r e t a b l e taken from

U.S. 	 Department of J u s t i c e ; Washington. D.C. 

Federal Prisons: 1960; pg 3

. .


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Table 6-6.

Number and Rate p e r 100,000 U.S. P o p u l a t i o n o f Persons Present and Received i n
F e d e r a l I n s t i t u t i o n s and P e r c e n t F e d e r a l o f T o t a l S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n e r s :
S e l e c t e d Years 1910-1 983
Present

Year

Number

Rate p e r
100,000

Received
Percent F e d e r a l
of Total
State & Federal

Number

Rate p e r
100,000

Percent F e d e r a l
o f Total
State & Federal

Note:
a. 	 Data between 1910 and 1940 were t a k e n from Census Bureau; d a t a a f t e r 1940 a r e from
J u s t i c e Bureau sources. F i g u r e s v a r y depending upon agency source and d a t e o f
publication.
Sources:
U.S.

Department o f Commerce, Bureau o f Census; Washington, D.C.
(1910,1923)
P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s :
pgs. 4, 7.
(1930)
P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s :
1932; pgs. 3, 64.
(1940)
P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s :
pg. 11.
U.S. Department o f J u s t i c e , F e d e r a l Bureau o f P r i s o n s ; Washington, D.C.
(1950-1983)
S t a t i s t i c a l Report, F i s c a l Year 1984; pg. 16.

1926; 1929;
1929 and 1930;
1940; 1943;

In the period around 1930, the Bureau
implemented an expanded jail inspection
program involving about 3,000 local jails.
Initially the purpose of the program was to
inspect jails to see if they were fit to house
Federal
prisoners,
but
the
program
developed into a mechanism for upgrading
the nation's jails. By 1955 there were six
full-time inspectors.
In response to
conditions,
Federal
standards
were
developed and a voluntary upgrading
program was initiated. Some Federal money
became available for jail upgrading and
training.
In the 1930's the annual report listed the
following as major policies and the
statistical reports focused on reporting
information related to these policies: (1)
marked emphasis on the use of probation,
(2) wider use of parole, (3) development of
better facilities for institutional treatment,
(4) reduction of jail detention if safe and
feasible ("Report of the Federal Bureau of
Prisons, 1934-35," p. 139). Perhaps partly
due to this policy, the numbers of Federal
prisoners in jails declined, and reporting
was dropped in 1960.
Offense Distribution

The distribution of Federal offenses shows
clearly the impact of legislative shifts and
shows more variation than that of State
prisons. The U.S. Constitution specifically
authorizes Congress to enact criminal legislation in only two areas: counterfeiting, and
piracies and felonies committed on the high
seas. Other Federal criminal laws have been
enacted under Congress's authority to "make
all laws which shall be necessary and proper
for carrying into execution," the powers
granted to it. (Luther Huston, p.187). The
first laws concerned treason, counterfeiting,
the use of postal service, and revenue. A
Federal criminal code was not adopted until
1909.
Tables 6-7 to 6- 13 contain distributions of
offenses for those present and received for
the period 1886 to 1984. Tables have been

divided by time span and according to the
manner of classification and inclusiveness of
data. As can be seen from Table 6-7, in
the years before 1900 the only categories
listed related to revenue, counterfeiting, a n d
postal laws. The large category of "other
offenses" included those related to governing
territories and Indian reservations.
In the period after 1900, a series of what
were known as "new laws" were enacted.
These related to interstate commerce,
immigration, narcotics, white slave traffic,
auto theft, and between 1920 and 1933,
liquor prohibition. These new laws resulted
in large increases in the number of prisoners
received in Federal institutions. Table 6-8
is a copy of a summary table included in
the 1934-35 report which illustrates the
growth produced by the "new offenses."
One can see the very large impact of
Prohibition on the number of prisoners
received. This report notes that while there
was a tenfold increase in the total number
received over the period, there was only a
threefold increase in prisoners received for
"old offenses." In the period between 1929
and 1934, 43 percent of those received in
Federal prisons were convicted of liquor law
violations.
In the early 1920's the largest single new
group of offenders were drug law violators.
By the 1930's the largest group of offenders
was liquor law violators. The repeal of
Prohibition resulted in a decrease in liquor
law offenders received in 1934; however,
enforcement of other liquor law violations
continued under revenue laws. Hence, as a
percent of the total, this category continued
to be high into the 1940's.
During World War I1 the distribution of
offenders in Federal prisons again changed.
First, there was the increase of selective
service violations.
Members of the
Jehovah's Witnesses constituted the largest
group, over half of the 4,703 conscientious
objectors serving sentences in
1945.
Second, there were those sentenced for
crimes while serving in the military. These

T a b l e 6-9. 	

P e r c e n t a g e D i s t r i b u t i o n o f O f f e n s e s o f Sentenced F e d e r a l P r i s o n e r s Received i n F e d e r a l , S t a t e , and
L o c a l I n s t i t u t i o n s : S e l e c t e d Years 1930-1960
Offense

Total

1930-31

1935

1940

1945

1950

1955

1960

umber^

V i o l a t i o n o f Revenue Laws
C o u n t e r f e i t i n g and F o r g e r y
Embezzlement and F r a u d
V i o l a t i o n o f P o s t a l Laws
Murder/Manslaughter
Kidnapping
Assault
Larceny
Robbery, B u r g l a r y , Housebreaking
S t e a l i n g Goods i n I n t e r s t a t e
Commerce
V i o l a t i o n o f Motor V e h i c l e Act
N a t i o n a l Bank and F e d e r a l
Reserve A c t
V i o l a t i o n o f N a t i o n a l Banking
Laws
V i o l a t i o n o f B a n k r u p t c y Laws
V i o l a t i o n o f V o l s t e a d Act/and
O t h e r L i q u o r Laws
v i o l a t i o n o f Indian-country
L i q u o r Laws
V i o l a t i o n o f Drug Laws
V i o l a t i o n o f White S l a v e Laws/
Msnn A c t
Violation o f Selective Draft
Laws
G o v ' t R e s e r v a t i o n , D.C.,
T e r r i t o r i a l Cases
Court M a r t i a l s
R e t u r n e d f r o m Escape
V i o l a t i o n o f Immigration/
N a t u r a l i z a t i o n Laws
J u v e n i l e Delinquency
Other Offenses

Notes:
a. 	 T o t a l may n o t e q u a l 100 p e r c e n t due t o r o u n d i n g .
b. 	 F i g u r e s f o r c o u n t e r f e i t i n g o n l y .
c. 	 I n c l u d e s . 2 p e r c e n t f o r c o u n t e r f e i t i n g and 3.0 p e r c e n t f o r f o r g e r y i n 1945; i n 1950, 1.4 p e r c e n t and
7.1 	 p e r c e n t r e s p e c t i v e l y ; i n 1955, .5 p e r c e n t and 8.1 p e r c e n t r e s p e c t i v e l y ; i n 1960, 1.3 p e r c e n t and
10.6 p e r c e n t r e s p e c t i v e l y .
d. 	 The 3.5 p e r c e n t f o r v i o l a t i o n o f p o s t a l l a w s f o r 1945 have been c l a s s i f i e d b y t y p e o f o f f e n s e :
i n this
t a b l e , .4 p e r c e n t a s c o u n t e r f e i t i n g and f o r g e r y , .9 p e r c e n t as embezzlement and f r a u d , and 2.2 p e r c e n t
as o t h e r .
e. 	 Category i n c l u d e s 10.1 p e r c e n t o t h e r n a t i o n a l d e f e n s e and s e c u r i t y l a w s v i o l a t i o n s i n 1945; .7 p e r c e n t
i n 1950, .8 p e r c e n t i n 1955.
f. 	 D a t a n o t a v a i l a b l e o r n o t s e p a r a t e l y enumerated.
Sources:
U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , Bureau o f P r i s o n s ; Washington, D.C. 

(1930-31)
R e p o r t o f t h e A t t o r n e y G e n e r a l , S t a t i s t i c a l Review; pg. 112. 

(1935,1940)
F e d e r a l Offenders:
1940; pgs. 292, 2 9 3 . 

(1945,1950,
Federal Prisoners:
1960; pg. 28. 

1955,1960)

Table 6-10.

Percentage D i s t r i b u t i o n of Offenses of Federal Sentenced P r i s o n e r s
Received f r a n Court i n t o Federal I n s t i t u t i o n s :
Selected Years
1970-1984

Total Number
Assault
Bankruptcy
Burglary
Counterfeiting
Drug Laws, Total
Merihuana
Narcotics
Embezzlement
Escape, F l i g h t o r Harboring
a Fugitive
Extortion
Firearms
Forgery
Fraud
Immigration
Incane Tax
Juvenile Delinquency
Kidnapping
Larceny/Theft, Total
Motor Vehicle, I n t e r s t a t e
postal
Theft, I n t e r s t a t e
Other
Liquor Laws
National S e c u r i t y Laws
Robbery
S e c u r i t i e s , Transporting F a l s e
or Forged
S e l e c t i v e Service Acts, Total
Jehovah's Witnesses
Religious Objectors
Other
White Slave T r a f f i c
Other and U n c l a s s i f i a b l e
Goverrrnent Reservation, High
Seas, T e r r i t o r i a l , and
D i s t r i c t of Columbia
Assault
Auto t h e f t
Burglary
Forgery
Homicide
Larceny/Theft
Robbery
Rape
Sex Offenses, Except Rape
Other and U n c l a s s i f i a b l e
Military Court-Martial Cases
Note:
a. 	 kt s e p a r a t e l y enumerated.
Sources:
U.S. Department of J u s t i c e , Law Enforcement Assistance Administration,
National Criminal J u s t i c e Information and S t a t i s t i c s S e r v i c e ; Washington, 	 D.C.
(1970) Sourcebook of Criminal J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s : 1973; 1973; pg. 363.
(1975) Sourcebook of Criminal J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s : 1977; 1978; pg. 649.
(1980) Sourcebook of Criminal J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s : 1982; 1983; pg. 551.
U.S. 	 Department of J u s t i c e , Federal Bureau of P r i s o n s ; Washington, D.C.
( 1 9 N ) S t a t i s t i c a l Report, F i s c a l Year 1984; pgs. 44-45.

Table 6-11.

Percentage D i s t r i b u t i o n o f Offenses o f Sentenced F e d e r a l P r i s o n e r s Received
i n F e d e r a l I n s t i t u t i o n s : Selected Years 1923-1983

T o t a l Number

(2,003)

(9,800)

(11,492)

(13,237)

(19,365)

2.0
9.0
3.0
5.0
c

1.O
3.0
1.O
2.0
12.0

1.O
18.0
1.O
28.0
1.O

8.0
10.1
1.O
31.2
c

9.0
12.0
.7
11.3

19.0

19.0

49.0

50.3

33.0

32.0

14.0

17.0

15.0~

Person:
Homicide/Manslaughter
Assault
Rape
Total

Property:
Robbery
Embezzlement, F o r g e r y & Fraud
Burglary
A l l Larceny
Stolen Property
Total

c

Morals, Order, Government Charges:
Other Sex-Related Crimes
L i q u o r Law V i o l a t i o n s
Drug Law V i o l a t i o n s
C a r r y i n g & Possessing Weapons
Non Support
Selective Service Violations
National Security Violations
Immigration V i o l a t i o n s
Crimes R e l a t e d t o t h e
A d m i n i s t r a t i o n o f Government
Total
Other

9.0~

Notes:
a. 	 I n c l u d e s 759 m i l i t a r y c o u r t m a r t i a l s .
b. 	 I n c l u d e s 29 m i l i t a r y c o u r t m a r t i a l s .
c. 	 I n c l u d e d i n " o t h e r " category.
Sources:
U.S. 	 Department o f Commerce, Bureau o f t h e Census; Washington, D.C.
(1923) P r i s o n e r s 1923; 1926; pg. 32.
(1930) P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s : 1929 and 1930;
1932; pgs. 13-15.
U.S. Department o f J u s t i c e , F e d e r a l Bureau o f P r i s o n s , N a t i o n a l P r i s o n e r S t a t i s t i c s ;
Leavenworth, 	 KS

(1950) P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l I n s t i t u t i o n s : 1950; 1954; pg. 63. 

U.S. Department of J u s t i c e , Law Enforcement A s s i s t a n c e A d m i n i s t r a t i o n , N a t i o n a l C r i m i n a l
J u s t i c e I n f o r m a t i o n and S t a t i s t i c s S e r v i c e ; 	 Washington, D.C. 

(1970) Sourcebook o f C r i m i n a l J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s :
1973; 1973; pg. 363. 

U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , F e d e r a l Bureau o f P r i s o n s ; Washington, D.C. 

(1983) S t a t i s t i c a l Report F i s c a l Years 1981-1983; pgs. 200-201. 


T a b l e 6-13.

Percentage D i s t r i b u t i o n o f Offenses o f Persons Present i n Federal F a c i l i t i e s :
Offenses

1945

1950

1955

1960

1965

S e l e c t e d Years 1945-1984
1970

1975

1980

T o t a l Number
Assault
Burglary
Counterfeiting
Drug Laws
Marihuana
Narcotics
Embezzlement and Fraud
Escape, F l i g h t o r Harboring
a Fugitive
Firearms
Forgery
Homicide ( k i l l i n g a F e d e r a l
officer)
Immigration
Income Tax
J u v e n i l e Delinquency
( e x c e p t D.C.)
Kidnapping
Larceny/Theft
Transportation, etc., 

of S t o l e n Vehicles 

Other
Liquor Laws
N a t i o n a l S e c u r i t y Laws
Robbery
Selective Service Acts
White S l a v e T r a f f i c
Other and U n c l a s s i f i a b l e
Government R e s e r v a t i o n s , D.C.,
High S e a s & T e r r i t o r i a l Cases 

Assault 

Homicide 

Rape 

Robbery 

Other and U n c l a s s i f i a b l e 

M i l i t a r y C o u r t - M a r t i a l Cases
Not Reported
Note:
a . 	 Data n o t a v a i l a b l e o r n o t s e p a r a t e l y enumerated.
Sources:
U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , Bureau o f P r i s o n s ; Washington, D.C. 

(1945-1960) F e d e r a l P r i s o n s : 1960; pg. 29. 

U.S. Department of J u s t i c e , Law Enforcement A s s i s t a n c e A d m i n i s t r a t i o n , N a t i o n a l C r i m i n a l J u s t i c e I n f o r m a t i o n and S t a t i s t i c s
S e r v i c e ; Washington, 	D.C. 

(1965-1975)
Sourcebook o f C r i m i n a l J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s : 1977; 1978; pg. 667. 

U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , F e d e r a l Bureau o f P r i s o n s ; Washington, D.C. 

(1980,1984) S t a t i s t i c a l Report, F i s c a l Year 1984; pg. 35. 


1984

Table 6-14A.

Percentage D i s t r i b u t i o n by Time Served f o r P r i n c i p a l Types o f D i s c h a r g e s from F e d e r a l
F i s c a l Years: J u l y 1, 1930 t o June 30, 1933.

institutionsa

by

EXPIRATION OF

SENTENCE^

TIME SERVED
1930-31

1931-32

Expiration
o f sentenceC

Conditional
Release

.......................
................
.........
........
................
................
................
...............
....................
.........................
Number ...................

Under 6 months
6 months under 1 y e a r
1 year under 1 y e a r 6 months
1 year 6 months under 2 y e a r s
2 y e a r s under 3 y e a r s
3 y e a r s under 4 y e a r s
4 y e a r s under 5 y e a r s
5 y e a r s under 10 y e a r s
10 y e a r s and over
Unclassified
Total

Notes:
a.
b.
c.
d.

I n c l u d e s p e n i t e n t i a r i e s , r e f o r m a t o r i e s , and camps.
E x c l u s i v e o f e x t r a t i m e s e r v e d on account o f committed f l n e s .
I n c l u d e s e x t r a t i m e served on account o f committed f i n e s .
Less t h a n o n e - t e n t h o f 1 p e r c e n t .

Table 6-148.

Average Tlme Served, by Type of D i s c h a r g e f o r J a i l Discharges, by F l s c a l
Years:
J u l y 1 , 1930 t o June 30, 1933.
--

Average Tlme Served on Sentence
TYPE UF DISCHARGE

E x p i r a t i o n of sentence:
Expiration only
Payment o f f i n e and expiration
Poor c o n v i c t ' s o a t h and e x p i r a t i o n
Payment o f f l n e o n l y
Poor c o n v i c t ' s o a t h o n l y
Other t y p e s o f d l s c h a r g e b
Total

..........................
...........
.......
.........................
.....................
....................
...............................

1930-31
(days)

1931-32
(days)

1932-33
(days)

84.1
a
a
a
a
42.5

81 .0
72.1
130.1
5.6
30.1
40.3

73.1
73.0
129.9
4.9
30.8
51 . O

80.0

71.3

70.0

Notes:
a. Not s e p a r a t e l y t a b u l a t e d .
b. 	 I n c l u d e s d e p o r t a t i o n , death, escape, p r o b a t i o n , amendment o f sentence, suspended
sentence, e t c .

Table 6-14C.

Average Time Served, by Offense,
J u l y 1, 1930 t o June 30, 1933.

f o r J a i l D i s c h a r g e s Each F l s c a l Year:

Average Time Served
OFFENSE

1930-31
(days)

................... 

..................................... 

.................... 

............ 

L i q u o r Law v l o l a t l o n s ........................ 

Mann Act v i o l a t i o n ........................... 

Motor V e h i c l e Act v l o l a t l o n .................. 

N a r c o t i c Drug Act v i o l a t i o n .................. 

C o u n t e r f e i t i n g and f o r g e r y
Homiclde
I m m i g r a t i o n Act v i o l a t i o n
I n t e r s t a t e Commerce A c t v i o l a t i o n

N a t i o n a l Bank and F e d e r a l Reserve Act
violations
P o s t a l Law v ~ o l a t i o n s
A l l other Federal offenses
Not r e p o r t e d

................................. 

........................ 

................... 

................................. 


A l l offenses

......................... 


Note:
a.

Average n o t computed f o r groups o f l e s s t h a n 25 p r i s o n e r s .

Source:

Complete t a b l e s t a k e n from

U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , Bureau o f P r i s o n s ; Washington, D.C.
S t a t i s t i c a l Review: 1932; pgs. 124, 125, 127.

1931-32
(days)

1932-33
(days)

Parole

Other
Types

Total

were noted to be younger than the usual
Federal prisoner and to often have long
sentences for serious crimes that might not
have been committed but for the stress of
war.

distribution of those released. In the period
since 1980, a larger percentage of those
released have been immigration offenders,
who have served an average time of 4 to 5
months.

Describing changes in the distribution of
offenses after the war during the 19503, the
authors of the reports noted that between
1941 and 1955 the number of liquor law
and selective service violators decreased by
54 percent. Those received in prisons were
described as being a younger and more
hostile population. In this period auto theft,
drugs, immigration offenses, and Indian
territory commitments constituted the
largest categories of those received. The
last 30 years have seen a decline in auto
theft and increases in immigration and drug
offenses.
In 1984 immigration offenses
were the largest category of those received,
making up 24 percent of the total (Table 610). Drug violations continue to be the
largest percent of those present at a given
time (27 percent in 1983).

Type of Release

Sentence and Length of Time Served

Bureau of Prisons data on time served are
available from 1931. Tables 6-14A to 614C
present data taken from a 1932 report
summarizing time served in Federal prisons
and reformatories as well as in local jails
for the early 1930's. In these years most
releases
from
Federal
prisons
and
reformatories fell within the time span of 6
months to 1 year, and the average time
served in jails was about 70 to 80 days.
Tables 6- 15 to 6-17 summarize data for the
period 1940 to 1983. In 1940 data were
available only for those released on parole.
Comparable data from 1955 to 1983 indicate
that, for the years included, sentences had
increased up to 1979 and the percent of
sentence served had declined. The average
time served ranged from about 14 months in
1955 to about 21 months in 1979. By 1983
average time served had fallen again to 16
months. In part, these recent shifts are
reflective of changes in the offense

Tables 6-18 to 6-20 summarize information
on type of release for the years 1895 to
1982. These tables indicate the growth of
conditional release. Parole was a release
category after 1910. Conditional release was
introduced in 1933 and later changed to
mandatory release in 1958.
In 1982
conditional releases made up 51 percent of
total releases.
Recidivism

Some recidivism data are available since
1895; however, it is unknown how complete
the early data are.
Table 6-21 pulls
together this information at 5-year intervals.
Between 1950 and 1960 data were located
only for those with sentences of 1 year or
longer. In 1895 only 9 percent of those
received were reported as known to have
had prior commitments.
By 1935 the
percent was almost half (46 percent). For
the years in which information is available
for all prisoners received (percents were
somewhat higher when only those with
sentences of 1 year were included), the
highest percent of those received with
known prior commitments was in 1970. In
that year, 61 percent of the total prisoners
received were reported to have had prior
commitments.
In that period, also, the
numbers received had declined and reflected
a larger percent of commitments for
property offenses such as auto theft. In
1984 about 43 percent of prisoners were
reported to have had prior commitments.
These percents are consistent with those
reported for State prisons and reformatories
(see Chapter 111).

T a b l e 6-15. 	

L e n g t h o f Sentence and Tlme Served by Offense.
P a r o l e Releases f r a n F e d e r a l I n s t i t u t i o n s
Together w i t h Average L e n g t h o f Sentence and Average Time Served f o r M a l e P a r o l e e s by Offense:
F i s c a l Year Ended June 30, 1940'
Average f o r M a l e P a r o l e Releases
Number of
Parole
Releases

Offense

Total

Lengthof
Sentence
(months)

................... 


Counterfeiting and F o r s e r y b
Customs A c t V l o l a t i o n s
Embezzlement and ~ r a u d ~
Escape, F l i g h t , h t i n y , e t ~ .
E x t o r t i o n and Racketeering
Firearms Acts V l o l a t i o n s
Immigration Act v i o l a t i o n s b
I n t e r n a l Revenue A c t v i o l a t i o n s b
I n t e r s t a t e Commrce A c t v i o l a t i o n s b
Kidnapping
~arceny/theft~:
N a t i o n a l Motor Vehicle T h e f t A c t
V i o l a t i o n s (Dyer Act)
National S t o l e n Property Act V i o l a t i o n s
T h e f t f r a n I n t e r s t a t e Commrce
(Car S e a l A c t )
T h e f t o r I l l e g a l P o s s e s s i o n of Goverrment
Property
O t h e r and Not S p e c i f i e d
Liquor-law V i o l a t i o n s
N a r c o t i c Drug A c t V i o l a t i o n s :
Marihuana Tax A c t
O t h e r and Not S p e c i f i e d
N a t i o n a l Bang and F e d e r a l Reserve A c t
Violations
N a t i o n a l Bank Robbery
N a t l o n a l Bankruptcy Act V i o l a t i o n s
Postal-law V i o l a t i o n s :
hrglary
C o u n t e r f e i t i n g and F o r g e r y
Embezzlement 	
Extortion
Fraud
Larceny/Theft
Lottery Pranotion
M a i l i n g Obscene M a t t e r
M a i l l n g Other Nonmailable M a t t e r
Robbery
O t h e r and N o t S p e c i f i e d
White S l a v e T r a f f i c A c t violations
G o v e r m e n t and I n d i a n Reservations,
D.C., H l g h Seas, M i l i t a r y , N a v a l
and Territorial casesb
O t h e r and Not Classifiable

....................... 

.......................

.................. 

................... 

...................... 


................... 

.............. 

........... 

.................................... 

.....................

.....
............................ 

.................................. 

..................... 


......................... 

........................... 

..................... 

................................. 

......................... 

............
.................................... 

.................. 

................................ 

................................... 

....................................... 

............................... 

........................... 

...................... 

............ 

..................................... 

..................... 

............

Total

...................... 

.................... 

................................. 


Notes:
I n c l u d e s penitentiaries, r e f o r m a t o r i e s , m e d i c a l c e n t e r and p r i s o n camps.
b. 	 bt e l s e w h e r e classified.
c. 	 Average n o t computed f o r g r o u p s o f l e s s t h a n 25 p r i s o n e r s .
a. 	

Source:

Complete t a b l e t a k e n f r a n

U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t l c e , h r e a u o f P r i s o n s ; Washington, D.C.
Federal Offenders:
1940; pg. 399.

Time
Served
(months)

Percentage
W l i c h Average
Time Served
Wds o f L e n g t h
o f Sentence

T a b l e 6-16. 	

Average Sentence Length i n Months by Offense o f F i r s t Releases from
F e d e r a l I n s t i t u t i o n s : S e l e c t e d Years 1955-1983
Offense

1955

1960

1970

1979

1983~

Total
Assault
Bankruptcy
Burglary
Counterfeiting
Drug Laws, T o t a l
Marihuana
Narcotics
Embezzlement
Escape, F l i g h t , o r H a r b o r i n g
a Fugitive
Extortion
Firearms
Forgery
Fraud
Immigration
Income Tax
J u v e n i l e Delinquency
Kidnapping
Larceny/Theft, T o t a l
Motor V e h i c l e , I n t e r s t a t e
Postal
Theft, I n t e r s t a t e
Other
L i q u o r Laws
N a t i o n a l S e c u r i t y Laws
Robbery
S e c u r i t i e s , Transporting False
o r Forged
S e l e c t i v e Service Acts
White Slave T r a f f i c
Other and U n c l a s s i f i a b l e
Government Reservation, H i g h
Seas, T e r r i t o r i a l , and D.c.'
Assault
Auto T h e f t
Burglary
Forgery
Homicide
Larceny/Theft
Robbery
Rape
Sex Offenses, Except Rape
Other and U n c l a s s i f i a b l e
M i l i t a r y C o u r t - M a r t i a l Cases

Notes:
a. 	 Data n o t a v a i l a b l e o r n o t s e p a r a t e l y enumerated.
b. 	 J u v e n i l e delinquency was c a l c u l a t e d s e p a r a t e l y f o r t h e D i s t r i c t o f Columbia.
I n 1955, t h e average sentence l e n g t h was 48 months. I n 1960, i t was 51 months.
c . 	 The average sentence l e n g t h was c a l c u l a t e d s e p a r a t e l y f o r t h e D i s t r i c t o f
Columbia f o r 1955 and 1960.

T o t a l Cases

58

63

Burglary

60

81

Assault

66

15

Homicide

450

240

AutoTheft

31

33

Larcency/Theft

32

31

Rape

122

144

Robbery

102

134

58

12

Other and
Unclassified

d. 	 Source f o r 1983 does n o t s p e c i f y t h a t f i g u r e s a r e f o r f i r s t r e l e a s e .
Sources:
U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , F e d e r a l Bureau o f P r i s o n s ; Washington, D.C.
(1955) F e d e r a l P r i s o n s :
1955; pgs. 80-81.
(1960) F e d e r a l P r i s o n s :
1960; pgs. 62-63.
U.S. Department o f J u s t i c e , Law Enforcement A s s i s t a n c e A d m i n i s t r a t i o n , N a t i o n a l C r i m i n a l
J u s t i c e I n f o r m a t i o n and S t a t i s t i c s S e r v i c e ; 	 Washington, D.C.
(1970) Sourcebook o f C r i m i n a l J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s :
1973; 1973; pg. 418.
U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , Bureau o f J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s ; Washington, D.C.
(1979) Sourcebook o f C r i m i n a l J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s :
1981; 1982; pg. 491.
U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , F e d e r a l Bureau o f P r i s o n s ; Washington, D.C.
(1983) S t a t i s t i c a l Report, F i s c a l Years 1981-1983; pgs. 244-245.

T a b l e 6-17.

Average Time Served and P e r c e n t o f Sentence Served f o r F i r s t Release from F e d e r a l F a c i l i t i e s by Offense:
Average Time Served 	
Offense

1955

1960

1970

S e l e c t e d Years 1955-1983

P e r c e n t of Sentence Served

1979

1983~

1955

1960

1970

1979

1983~

Assault
Bankruptcy
Burglary
Counterfeiting
Drug Laws, T o t a l
Marihuana
Narcotics
Embezzlement
Escape, F l i g h t , o r H a r b o r i n g
a Fugitive
Extortion
Flrearms
Forgery
Fraud
Immigration
I n c m e Tax
J u v e n i l e Delinquency
Kidnapping
LarcenyITheft, Total
Motor Vehicle, I n t e r s t a t e
postal
Theft, I n t e r s t a t e
Other
L i q u o r Laws
N a t i o n a l S e c u r i t y Laws
Robbery
Securities, Transporting False
o r Forged
S e l e c t i v e S e r v i c e Acts, T o t a l
Jehovah's Witnesses
Religious Objectors
Other
White S l a v e T r a f f i c
Other and U n c l a s s l f i a b l e
Goverrment R e s e r v a t i o n , High
Seas, Territorial, aad
D i s t r i c t o f Columbia
Assault
Auto T h e f t
Burglary
Forgery
Homicide
Larceny/Theft
Robbery
Rape
Sex Offenses, Except Rape
Other and U n c l a s s i f l a b l e
M i l i t a r y C o u r t - M a r t i a l Cases
Notes:
a.
b.
c.
d.

1983 source does n o t s p e c l f y t h a t f i g u r e s a r e f o r f i r s t r e l e a s e .
Data n o t a v a i l a b l e o r n o t s e p a r a t e l y enumerated.
J u v e n ~ l ed e l ~ n q u e n c y does n o t l n c l u d e D l s t r l c t of Columb~a. Average tlrne served f o r J u v e n i l e Delinquency I n O.C. Ln 1955 was 18.1 months;
I n 1960, 22.0 months.
P e r c e n t of sentence served f o r J u v e n l l e Delinquency i n O.C. I n 1955 was 38 p e r c e n t ; Ln 1960, 43 p e r c e n t .
Average time served and p e r c e n t of sentence served was c a l c u l a t e d s e p a r a t e l y f o r t h e O i s t r l c t o f Columbla f o r 1955 and 1960.
Average
Time Served

L Sentence
Served

Average
T ~ m eServed

X

1955

1960

1955

1955

1960

1955

1960

1960

Sentence
Served

Average
Tlme Served

% Sentence
Served

1955

1960

1955

1960

T o t a l Cases

29.7

30.6

Burglary

40. 1

51 .I

67

63

Rape

78.3

83.3

64

58

Assault

39.5

12.5

60

83

Homlclde

227.0

86.0

50

34

Robbery

61.4

75.5

60

56

AutoTheft

20.0

20.0

64

61

Larceny/Theft

23.8

24.0

75

77

Other and
Unclasslflable

87.5

9.3

64

78

-

52
-

49
--

Sources:
U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , F e d e r a l Bureau o f P r l s o n s ; Washlngton, O.C.
(1955) F e d e r a l P r i s o n s :
1955; pgs. 80-81.
(1960) F e d e r a l P r l s o n s :
1960; pgs. 62-63.
U.S. Department of J u s t l c e , Law Enforcement A s s i s t a n c e A d m i n l s t r a t l o n , N a t ~ o n a lC r l m ~ n a lJ u s t l c e I n f o r m a t L o n and S t a t i s t i c s S e r v l c e ;
Washlngton, 	 O.C.
(1970) Sourcebook o f C r l m l n a l J u s t l c e S t a t l s t l c s : 1973; 1973; pg. 418.
U.S. 	 Department of J u s t i c e , Bureau o f J u s t l c e Statistics; Washlngton, O.C.
(1979) Sourcebook o f C r i m i n a l J u s t l c e Statistics: 1981, 1982; pg. 491.
U.S. 	 Department of J u s t l c e , F e d e r a l Bureau o f P r i s o n s ; Washington, D.C.
(1983) Statistical Report, F l s c a l Years 1981-1983; pgs. 244-245.

T a b l e 6-18. 	

P e r c e n t a g e D i s t r i b u t i o n o f F e d e r a l P r i s o n e r s ' Type o f Release from S t a t e and F e d e r a l I n s t l t u t l o n s :
S e l e c t e d Years 1895-1925
Type o f R e l e a s e

1895

1900

1905

1910

1915

1920

1925

(1,161)

(1,640)

(1,888)

(1,332)

(1,837)

(3,830)

(6,753)

87

93

87

90

80

59

80

0

0

0

0

11

24

14

Died

8

3

3

1

2

1

1

Pardoned o r Commuted

4

3

4

7

4

8

1

Habeas Corpus o r C o u r t O r d e r

2

1

1

2

2

7

3

Escapes

0

0

a

b

1

1

1

T o t a l R e l e a s e d (excluding t r a n s f e r s )
By E x p i r a t i o n o f Sentence
Paroled

Notes:
a. 	 Escapes n o t s e p a r a t e l y enumerated.
T r a n s f e r s and escapes t o t a l e d 96.
b. Only 3 escapes; e q u a l s l e s s t h a n 1 p e r c e n t of t o t a l r e l e a s e s .
Sources:
U.S. 	 D e p a r t m e n t o f J u s t i c e ; Washington, D.C. 

R e p o r t of t h e A t t o r n e y G e n e r a l : 

( 1 8 9 5 ) 1895; pg. X I I I . 

( 1 9 0 0 ) 1900; pg. 36. 

( 1 9 0 5 ) 1905; pg. 42. 

( 1 9 1 0 ) 1910: p a . 67. 

( 1 9 1 5 ) 1915;
362. 

( 1 9 2 0 ) 1920; E x h i b i t 19. 

( 1 9 2 5 ) 1925; E x h i b i t 8. 


bg.

T a b l e 6-19A. 	

P e r c e n t a g e D i s t r i b u t i o n o f Type o f Release o f F e d e r a l P r i s o n e r s R e l e a s e d f r o m S t a t e and F e d e r a l
I n s t i t u t i o n s : S e l e c t e d Years 1931-1960

F i s c a l Year Ended June 30-

1931

1935

1940

1945

1950

1955

1960

T o t a l Discharged

(42,156)

(18,824)

(24,426)

(20,273)

(19,192)

(20,931)

(17,652)

Sentence E x p i r e d

64

60

52

48

L3

59

48

0

18

32

25

50

13

19

Type o f R e l e a s e

C o n d i t i o n a l / M a n d a t o r ~ l y I7eleaseda
paroledb

11

13

12

19

21

19

Died

.3

.5

.5

.4

.2

Escaped o r Ran ~ w a ~ '

.5

.5

.8

.7

.8

Other

24

8

3

7

7

26
.2

.3

1

1

6

gd

Notes:
a. 	 C o n d i t i o n a l r e l e a s e cases o c c u r f l r s t i n 1933 as a r e s u l t o f new 1 e g i s l a L l o n ; i n 1958 became mandatory 

release. 

b. 	 I n c l u d e s 719 discharges o f S e l e c t i v e S e r v i c e Act v i o l a t o r s p a r o l e d u n d e r t h e provisions u f Executive O r d e r
No. 8641 f o r 1945.
c . 	 "Runaway" i s used i n s t e a d of "escape" I n connection w i t h o f f e n d e r s committed t o institutions f o r juveniles
o r p r i v a t e s o c l a l agencies.
d. "OLher" i n c l u d e s number of Study c a s e s discharged.
Source:
U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , h r e a u o f J u s t l c e ; Washington, D.C. 

F e d e r a l P r i s o n s : 1960; pg. 31. 


T a b l e 6-198. 	

P e r c e n t a g e D l s L r i b u t l o n of Type o f Release of F e d e r a l P r i s o n e r s Released from F e d e r a l
I n s t l t u t l o n s Only:
S e l e c t e d Years 1935-1960

F l s c a l Year Ended June 30-

1935

19110

19b5

1950

1955

1960~

(11,293)

(16,506)

(14,069)

(15,488)

(17,724)

(15,472)

Type of R e l e a s e
T o t a l Discharged (except t r a n s f e r s )
Sentence E x p l r e d

45

30

35

36

58

46

C o n d l t ~ o n a l / M a n d a t o r I l y~ e l e a s e d ~

29

a7

35

37

15

21

paroledb

26

23

25

29

22

18

Died

1

1

Escaped o r Ran AwayC

1

1

1

1

1

1

Other

2

4

3

3

1

3

.2

.5

.4

.2

Notes:
a. 	 B e g l n n l n g I n 1958 t h e term mandatory r e l e a s e r e p l a c e s t h e Lerm conditional r e l e a s e .
b . 	 I n c l u d e s 719 discharges o f Selective S e r v l c e Act violators p a r o l e d u n d e r t h e provisions o f 

E x e c u L l v e Order No. 8641 f o r 1945. 

c . 	 "Runaway" 1 s used l n s L e a d o f "escape" I n connection w l t h o f f e n d e r s committed Lo l n s t l t u t l o n s 

f o r juveniles o r p r i v a t e s o c i a l agencies. 

d.
" O t h e r " I n c l u d e s number o f s t u d y c a s e s discharged.
Source:
U.S. 	 D e p a r t m e n t of J u s t l c e , Bureau o f P r l s o n s ; Washington, D.C. 

Federal Prlsons:
1960; pg. 31 


T a b l e 6-20. 	

P e r c e n t a g e D l s t r l b u L l o n of Type o f Release o f F e d e r a l P r l s o n e r s Released f r o m 

Federal I n s t l t u t l o n s :
S e l e c t e d Years 1970-1982 

Type of Release 	

T o t a l Number D ~ s c h a r g e d( e x c l u d e s t r a n s f e r s )
Releases

1970

1979

1982

(16,713)
70

CondlLlonal

3ba

UncondlLlonal

36

Deaths

Executions

1975

.2
0

Escapes
Out on Appeal o r Bond
Other

Notes:
a. 	 I n c l u d e s p a r o l e .
b. 	 Data n o t a v a i l a b l e .
Sources:
U.S. DepartmenL of J u s t l c e , Bureau o f P r l s o n s ; N a t i o n a l P r l s o n e r Statistics; Washlngton,
D.C.
( 1 9 7 0 ) 	 P r l s o n e r s I n S t a t e and F e d e r a l I n s t l t u t l o n s f o r AdulL F e l o n s : 1968, 1969, 

1970; Number b7; 1972; pg. 6. 

U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t l c e ; Law E n f o r c e m e n t Assistance A d r n l n l s t r a t l o n , N a L l o n a l 

C r l m i n a l J u s t l c e Information and S t a t l s t l c s S e r v i c e ; Washlngton, D.C. 

( 1 9 7 5 ) 	 P r l s o n e r s I n S t a t e and F e d e r a l I n s t l t u t l o n s on December 31, 1975; N a t l o n a l 

P r l s o n e r S t a t l s t l c s B u l l e t l n SD-NPS-PSF-3;
1977; pgs. 22-23. 

U.5. 	 Department o f J u s t l c e , Bureau o f J u s t l c e Statistics; Washinqton, D.C. 

(1979) P r i s o n e r s I n S t a L e and F e d e r a l I n s t i L u L l o n s on December 31, 1979; h a L l o n a l 

P r l s o n e r S t a L l s L l c s B u l l e t i n NPS-PSF-7, NCJ-73719; 1981; pgs. 20-21. 

( 1 9 8 2 ) 	 P r i s o n e r s I n S t a t e and F e d e r a l I n s L l L u t l o n s on December 31, 1982; N a L l o n a l 

P r l s o n e r S t a t l s t l c s B u l l e t l n SD-NPS-PSF-9,
NC3-93311; 1984; pgs. 26-27. 


T a b l e 6-21.

R e c i d i v i s m o f F e d e r a l Offenders Received from Court:

S e l e c t e d Years 1895-1984

Percent D i s t r i b u t i o n

Year

No
T o t a l f o r Which
Known
Recidivism
Prior
I s ~ e ~ o r t e d ~Commitments

Known P r i o r Commitments
One
o r More

One

Two

T hree
o r More

Notes:
a. 	 Numbers r e f l e c t a v a i l a b l e i n f o r m a t i o n .
T o t a l s a r e n o t t h e same as t o t a l
r e c e i v e d r e p o r t e d f o r t h e same years i n o t h e r t a b l e s .
Those l i s t e d i n t h e
f o l l o w i n g years a r e unaccounted f o r :
1915, 16; 1920, 335; 1925, 626; 1935,
44; 1975, 66; 1981, 1,346; 1984, 11.
b. 	 I n f o r m a t i o n on r e c i d i v i s m o f those r e c e i v e d from c o u r t was u n a v a i l a b l e .
F i g u r e s here a r e based on p r i s o n e r s d i s c h a r g e d from F e d e r a l p e n i t e n t i a r i e s ,
r e f o r m a t o r i e s , medical c e n t e r s , and p r i s o n camps by number o f known p r e v i o u s
commitments.
R e c i d i v i s m f o r 170 o r 1 p e r c e n t o f t h e p r i s o n e r s was n o t
reported.
c. 	 T o t a l s f o r 1950, 1955, and 1960 are o n l y f o r t h o s e p r i s o n e r s under a sentence
o f more t h a n 1 year.
d. 	 I n 1970, r e c i d i v i s m f o r 3,198 o r 28 p e r c e n t o f a l l r e c e i v e d , was n o t r e p o r t e d ;
i n 1975, 3,482 o r 23 p e r c e n t ; i n 1981, 5,996 o r 48 p e r c e n t ; i n 1984 6,529 o r
37 p e r c e n t .
e. 	 Data n o t a v a i l a b l e .
Sources:
U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e ; Washington, D.C. 

Report o f t h e A t t o r n e y General: 

(1895)
1895; pg. X I V . 

(1900)
1900; pg. 36. 

(1905)
1905; pg. 42. 

(1910)
1910; pg. 67. 

(1915)
1915; pg. 362. 

(1920)
1920; E x h i b i t 19. 

(1925)
1925; E x h i b i t 8. 

U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , Bureau o f P r i s o n s ; Washington, D.C. 

(1932)
Report o f t h e A t t o r n e y General, S t a t i s t i c a l Review; pg. 75. 

(1934-35) 	 F e d e r a l Offenders:
1934-35;' pg. 160. 

(1940)
F e d e r a l Offenders:
1940; pg. 370. 

(1945)
Federal Prisons:
1945; pg. 78. 

(1950)
Federal Prisons:
1950; pg. 67. 

(1955)
Federal Prisons:
1955; pg. 71. 

(1960)
F e d e r a l P r i s o n e r s : 1960; pg. 59. 

U.S. Oepartment o f J u s t i c e , Law Enforcement A s s i s t a n c e A d m i n i s t r a t i o n , N a t i o n a l
C r i m i n a l J u s t i c e 	I n f o r m a t i o n and S t a t i s t i c s S e r v i c e ; Washington, D.C.
1973; 1973; pg. 373.
Sourcebook o f C r i m i n a l J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s :
(1970)
(1975)
Sourcebook o f C r i m i n a l J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s :
1977; 1978; pg. 651.
U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , F e d e r a l Bureau of P r i s o n s ; Washington, D.C. 

(1981)
S t a t i s t i c a l Report, F i s c a l Years 1981-1983; pg. 46. 

(1984)
S t a t i s t i c a l Report, F i s c a l Year 1984; pg. 52. 


Demographic Characteristics

Table 6-22 summarizes data on sex, race,
age, and marital status of Federal
commitments from 1886 to 1960. Over this
period the percentage of women in the
Federal system increased more than the
percentage of women in the State system.
In 1886, women were about 1 percent of the
total received.
In 1984, they were 9

percent. Given the nature of Federal laws,
foreign born have remained a larger percent
of the total than in the State system. In
1983, Hispanics were almost 20 percent of
the total present. The system also receives a
higher proportion of white inmates than the
State system. Of the total received in the
Federal institutions in 1984, 77 percent were
white, compared to about 55 percent in
State institutions.

T a b l e 6-22.

Sex, N a t i v i t y , Race, M a r i t a l Status, Age, H a b i t of L i f e ,
1886-1 960

and L i t e r a c y o f F e d e r a l P r l s o n e r s Recelved from Court:

Habit of L i f e

C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s of Those Received i n F e d e r a l and S t a t e F a c i l i t r e s

Year

Number
Reported

Percent
Male

Percent
ForeignBorn

Percent
White

Percent
Other
Races

Percent
Married

Median
~~e~

Percent
Clalming
Temperance

S e l e c t e d Years

Literacy

Percent
Admitting
Intemperance

P e r c e n t Can
Not Read
or Write

Percent
Can
Read Only

Percent
Can Read
and W r l t e

C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s o f F e d e r a l P r l s o n e r s Received from C o u r t s i n t o F e d e r a l , S t a t e , and L o c a l I n s t i t u t i o n s
1940

23,003

95

15

73

27

c

27.2

c

c

1965

21,200

95

c

c

c

c

28.8

c

c

1950i

18,063

96

22

74

26

4of

28.1

c

c

1955'

20,013

95

~6~

73

27

39f

27.6

c

c

1960i

16,783

95

llJ

70

30

37f

28.5

c

c

Notes:
a. 	 Median age c a l c u l a t e d from group d a t a .
b. 	 C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s a r e f o r t h e 1,261 F e d e r a l p r i s o n e r s p r e s e n t on June 30, 1886.
c. 	 Data n o t a v a i l a b l e .
d. 	 A l l c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s e x c l u d e 2 r e t u r n e d from escape t h a t a r e l n c l u d e d I n t o t a l r e c e i v e d .
e. 	 C a l c u l a t i o n s based on t o t a l r e p o r t e d by each c h a r a c t e r l s t l c , n o t n e c e s s a r i l y on t h e t o t a l r e p o r t e d r e c e i v e d .
f. 	C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s a r e f o r p r i s o n e r s r e c e i v e d I n F e d e r a l institutions o n l y .
g. 	 F o r e l g n - b o r n i s f o r White only.
Other e t h n l c groups i n c l u d e B l a c k , Mexlcan, I n d i a n , Chinese, Japanese, and o t h e r s .
h. 	 L i t e r a c y was c a t e g o r i z e d as those who c o u l d read and w r i t e and t h o s e who c o u l d do n e i t h e r .
i. A l l sentenced F e d e r a l o f f e n d e r s .
j. 	 I n 1955, 3,624 o r 89.6 p e r c e n t of t h e 4,043 f o r e i g n - b o r n p r i s o n e r s r e c e i v e d I n F e d e r a l l n s t l t u t l o n s were b o r n I n Mexico.
78 p e r c e n t of t h e 1,528 f o r e i g n - b o r n p r i s o n e r s r e c e l v e d i n F e d e r a l l r i s t i t u t i o n s were b o r n i n Mexico.
Sources:
U.S.

Oepartment o f J u s t i c e ; Washington, D.C.
(1886-1925) 	 R e p o r t of t h e A t t o r n e y General: 

1886; pgs. 220-221, 222-223. 

1895; pg. X I V . 

1900; pg. 36. 

1905; pg. 42. 

1910; pg. 67. 

1915; pg. 362. 

1920; E x h i b i t 19. 

1925; E x h i b l t 8. 

U.S. 	 Oepartment o f J u s t r c e , Bureau o f P r i s o n s ; Washington, D.C. 

(1930-1935)
F e d e r a l Offenders:
1934-35, pgs. 166, 173, 176, 178, 179. 

(19L0-1945)
F e d e r a l P r i s o n s : 1945; pg. 7 

(1950)
Federal Prisons:
1950; pgs. 64, 65. 

(1955)
Federal Prisons:
1955; pgs. 68, 69. 

(1960)
Federal Prisons:
1960; pgs. 47, 49, 50. 


I n 1960, 192 o r

CHAPTER VII
PAROLE AND PROBATION STATISTICS
Other than at the Federal level, the first
attempt to collect yearly national Uniform
Parole Reports was begun in the mid- 1960's
by the National Council on Crime and
Delinquency. In the late 1970's the same
group began to collect similar information
on probation. Earlier national information
must be obtained from sporadic special
studies of parole or probation and
information on type of release contained in
reports of State and Federal prisoners. This
chapter pulls together selected tables from
the following sources:
Information on parole in 18 States
published in the series State and
Federal Prisoners in the 1930's;
w

The Attorney General's Survey of
Release Procedures completed in 1939;

w

The
series
"Judicial
Criminal
Statistics" issued from 1932 to 1940 by
the Census Bureau;
The study "Corrections in the United
States" prepared by the National
Council on Crime and Delinquency in
1965 for the Task Force Report on
Corrections of the President's Commission on Law Enforcement and the
Administration of Justice;

m

The LEAA study "State and Local
Probation
and
Parole
Systems"
covering the year 1976;
Uniform Parole Reports issued by
NCCD from 1966 to 1980 and
currently continued by BJS as Parole
and Probation reports.

Information on Federal parole and probation
has been available on a yearly basis since
these became Federal options in 1911 and
1925 respectively.
This information is
included in the Reports of the Attorney

General prior to 1930 and after this f r o m
Bureau of Prisons and Parole reports.
Recent statistics are widely available i n the
Sourcebook of Criminal Justice Statistics.
The remainder of this chapter concentrates
on national parole and probation a n d
considers Federal data only if it is included
in national totals.
The Legislative
Probation

Spread

of

Parole

and

The "Attorney General's Survey of Release
Procedures" published in 1939 contains brief
histories of the spread of the use of
probation and parole in the United States.
This report notes that the first good time
law was passed by the New York State
legislature in 1817; however, the first laws
providing for systems of parole date f r o m
1876 and
the
Elmira,
New
York
Reformatory under Z. B. Brockway.
Although it was originally connected w i t h
the reformatory and indeterminate sentence
movements, parole soon developed independently and became more widespread. By
1900 only 11 States had provisions f o r
reformatories, but 20 States had instituted
parole. By 1922 parole was used i n 44
States and the indeterminate sentence i n 37.
By 1939 only 3 States (Virginia, Florida,
and Mississippi) had no parole provision,
and 12 had no indeterminate sentence.
Table 7-1 presents the extent of parole use
by States in 1936, and Table 7-2 presents a
comparison of the extent of parole use by
type of sentence. Table 7-2 shows the large
but not total link between the indeterminate
sentence and use of parole. None of the
jurisdictions in which the determinate sentence was exclusive or predominant had
parole use of over 62 percent, while 1 7 of
the 27 States in which the indeterminate
sentence was dominant had parole use of
over 77 percent. As discussed in Chapter
111, the indeterminate sentence was first
listed as a sentence type in the 1904 Census
report. By 1910, 36 percent and by 1923,
55 percent were reported committed u n d e r
this type of sentence (see Table 3-13).

Table 7-1.

The E x t e n t t o Which P a r o l e I s Used i n the States:

hisdiction

Colorado
Indiana
New Hampshire
Vermont
New York
Washington
Ohio
Illinois
Michigan
New Jersey
Nevada
Pennsylvania
Maine
Kansas
Massachusetts
Utah
Connecticut
New Mexico
Montana
Minnesota
Kentucky
Wisconsin
California

Percent
Paroled
of Total
Released

94
94
94
94
93
91
87
87
86
86
85
85
83
82
81
78
77
67
62
58
53
51
49

Jurisdiction

1936~
Percent
Paroled
of Total
Released

47
46
45
41

Arkansas
Arizona
Oregon
Iowa
Tennessee
South Dakota
Texas
West V i r g i n i ~
Rhode I s l a n d
Nebraska
North Carolina
N o r t h Dakota
Louisiana
Oklahoma
Florida
Delaware
b
Missouri
Wyoming
b
Maryland
South C a r o l i n a
ldahoC
Virginia
d
Mississippi

38
36

29
29
25
23
23
23
20

14
12
10
8
8

5
1
0
0
0

Notes:
S t a t i s t i c s cwnpiled by t h e Survey frm o r i g i n a l schedules submitted by t h e
States t o t h e Bureau o f t h e Census.
The base f i g u r e i s r e l e a s e d by o f f i c i a l s
(i.e., except death, s u i c i d e , and escape).
Data f o r Alabama and Georgia a r e
The
not a v a i l a b l e .
The f i g u r e f o r t h e D i s t r i c t of Columbia i s 19 percent.
f i g u r e s f o r t h e F e d e r a l p a r o l e system a r e 45 p e r c e n t f o r t h e r e f o r m a t o r i e s
and 24 percent f o r t h e p e n i t e n t i a r i e s .
b. 	 The f i g u r e s f o r Rhode I s l a n d , Delaware, Missouri, and Maryland a r e n o t
a b s o l u t e l y r e p r e s e n t a t i v e o f t h e e x t e n t t o which p a r o l e i s used i n these
jurisdictions.
The f i g u r e s o f t o t a l r e l e a s e s f o r t h e i n s t i t u t i o n s i n Rhode
I s l a n d i n c l u d e a number o f misdemeanants and those i n Delaware and Maryland
i n c l u d e a number o f short-term p r i s o n e r s .
P r i s o n e r s i n t h a t category u s u a l l y
are not e l i g i b l e f o r parole.
The p a r o l e f i g u r e s on M i s s o u r i do n o t i n c l u d e
cases c l a s s i f i e d as c o n d i t i o n a l r e l e a s e s which a r e a l s o supervised.
The d a t a
cover a p e r i o d p r i o r t o t h e passage o f t h e 1937 law.
c . 	 I n p r a c t i c e , p a r o l e was d i s c o n t i n u e d i n Idaho i n 1933 i n f a v o r o f c o n d i t i o n a l
pardon.
d. 	 V i r g i n i a and M i s s i s s i p p i have no p a r o l e law.
a. 	

Source:

Complete t a b l e taken frm

U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e ; Washington, D.C.
Attorney General's Survey o f Release Procedures, Vol.
pg. 122.

IV,

Parole; 1939;

Table 7 - 2 .

Comparison o f E x t e n t o f P a r o l e w i t h Type o f Sentence ( 1 9 3 6 ) ~

J u r i s d i c t i o n s Where D e f i n i t e
Sentences Are E x c l u s i v e o r
Predominant

Percent
Paroled
o f Total
Released

Montana
Kentucky
Arkansas
Tennessee
South Dakota
Texas
West V i r g i n i a
Rhode I s l a n d
Nebraska
N o r t h Dakota
Oklahoma
Florida
Delaware
Missouri
Maryland
South C a r o l i n a

J u r i s d i c t i o n s Where I n d e t e r m i n a t e
Sentences Are E x c l u s i v e o r
Predominant

Percent
Paroled
o f Total
Released

Colorado
Indiana
New Hampshire
Vermont
New York
Washington
Ohio
Illinois
Michigan
hew J e r s e y
Nevada
Pennsylvania
Maine
Kansas
Massachusetts
Utah
Connecticut
New Mexico
lvlinnesota
Wisconsin
California
Arizona
Oregon
Iowa
horth Carolina
Louisiana
Wyoming

Note:
a. 	 V i r g i n i a and M i s s i s s i p p i have no p a r o l e law, and I d a h o d i s c o n t i n u e d p a r o l e i n 1933
i n f a v o r o f c o n d i t i o n a l pardon. Data were n o t r e p o r t e d f o r Alabama and G e o r g i a .
Source:

Complete t a b l e t a k e n from

U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e ; Washington, D.C.
A t t o r n e y G e n e r a l ' s Survey o f Release Procedures, V o l . I V , P a r o l e ; 1939; pg. 126.

Table 7-3 lists States in the order of their
adoption of adult probation options up to
1938. The first statutes were adopted in
Massachusetts in 1878.
By 1917 only
Wyoming had no provision for juvenile
probation, but adult probation spread more
slowly. By 1937 only 12 States had no adult
probation laws, operating instead with
suspension of sentence provisions.

in each of the States.
Coverage ranged
from 24 States at the start of the series in
1932 to 30 in 1935. In the 1940's, when the
series was dropped, 27 States and the
District of Columbia were participating. As
authors of the series point out, differences
in court organization made the inclusiveness
of the series differ by State. In general, the
attempt was made to include any court
whose responsibility included felony cases.

Use of Parole as a Method of Release
Historically there have been two major
aspects to parole: (1) the use of a parole
board's or institution's discretion in release,
and (2) a period of community supervision
and the fulfilling of certain release
requirements by the parolee. In the years
since 1970, several States have modified the
first aspect, while generally maintaining the
second.
In these States, prisoners are
released under mandatory release provisions
following expiration of determinate sentence
(minus time off for good behavior) into
some form of parole-like supervision. This
modification is apparent from the statistics
available on use of traditional parole.
Information on type of release from 1923
(the first year for which this data are
available) indicates that 60 percent of those
released from State and Federal prisons and
reformatories were reported released on
parole (Table 3-21).
As discussed in
Chapter
111, the
percent
of
those
conditionally released grew to 83 percent by
1982; however, parole board releases, which
once accounted for almost all conditional
releases, accounted for only 61 percent of
the conditional releases by 1982. The other
40 percent of those released conditionally
were under supervised mandatory release
and probation.
T h e Use of Probation
The earliest national data on the use of
probation come from the Census Bureau
series, "Judicial Criminal Statistics." This
series attempted to collect statistics from all
trial courts of general criminal jurisdictions

Tables 7-4A and 7-4B present a summary
of the percent of persons found guilty who
were reported to be placed on probation in
1935 by State and by offense. Table 7-5
presents similar information f o r 1940. The
data indicate that in 1935 about 30 percent
of the total convicted were placed on
probation.
Of the States participating,
overall usage by State ranged from 62
percent in Rhode Island to 15 percent in
Utah. As the reports note, it is necessary to
look at the data by offense by State for
meaningful comparisons.
In some States,
courts handling minor cases were included.
and in others they were not. These data are
available in the Census Bureau reports from
1932 to 1940.
Due to problems in comparability, limited
State participation, and the ending of the
Census Bureau's direct responsibility for
publication of criminal justice statistics, the
series was dropped in the early 1940's. The
only more recent similar data come from the
F.B.I. Uniform Crime Reports, which from
1955 to 1977 included some information on
disposition of arrests.
T h e Numbers Present on Probation and
Parole
Except for the data on parole from 18 States
collected in the 1930's (Table 7-6) there is
little information on the national totals for
numbers present on parole or probation at a
given time until the survey completed by
the National Council on Crime and
Delinquency for the President's Task Force
in the 1960's. A major focus of this study
was to gain an overall picture of corrections

T a b l e 7-3A.

Progress i n Adoption of Adult Probation S t a t u t e s :

Jurisdiction

Year F i r s t
Statute
Passed

1878-1938~

Year F i r s t
Statute
Passed

Jurisdiction

Wisconsin
D i s t r i c t o f Columbia
Delaware
Illinois
Arizona
Georgia
Montana
Idaho
Virginia
Washington
Utah
F e d e r a l Goverrment
West V i r g i n i a
Oregon
Tennessee
Maryland
Kentucky
Arkansas
North C a r o l i n a
New Hampshire

Massachusetts
Missouri
Vermont
Rhode I s l a n d
New J e r s e y
New York
California
Connecticut
Michigan
Maine
Kansas
Indiana
Ohio
Colorado
Iowa
Minnesota
Nebraska
N o r t h Dakota
Pennsylvania

Notes:
a . 	 The d a t e s g i v e n i n t h i s t a b l e have been s e l e c t e d f r a n t h e S u r v e y d i g e s t s o f t h e
probation l e g i s l a t i o n i n each j u r i s d i c t i o n .
I n some i n s t a n c e s t h e r e a r e d i s c r e p a n c i e s between t h e d a t e s s e l e c t e d a s marking t h e i n t r o d u c t i o n o f p r o b a t i o n
i n t o a p a r t i c u l a r S t a t e and t h o s e s e l e c t e d by o t h e r w r i t e r s i n t h e f i e l d .
These
d i f f e r e n c e s a r e e x p l a i n e d by t h e f a c t t h a t it is sometimes d i f f i c u l t t o d e c i d e
when a p a r t i c u l a r s t a t u t e is a p r o b a t i o n l a w , d u e t o t h e p e c u l i a r i t i e s o f
p h r a s e o l o g y and t e r m s employed w i t h i n t h e S t a t e s t h e m s e l v e s .
In making t h e
above s e l e c t i o n o f d a t e s we have b e e n g u i d e d by t h e p r i n c i p l e t h a t i n t h i s s t u d y
we a r e c o n c e r n e d o n l y w i t h a d u l t p r o b a t i o n and, t h e r e f o r e , have i n a l l c a s e s
s e l e c t e d s t a t u t e s t h a t have r e f e r e n c e t o a d u l t o f f e n d e r s .

T a b l e 7-36.

S t a t e s Having S u s p e n s i o n o f S e n t e n c e S t a t u t e s Only:

Alabama

b
Nevada 	

South Dakota

~lorida~

New Mexico

Texas

Louisiana

OklahomaC

Wyoming

Mississippi

South C a r o l i n a

1938

Notes:

a. 	 No s t a t u t e , b u t common law s u s p e n s i o n o f i m p o s i t i o n o f s e n t e n c e a l l o w e d .
b. 	 In d e s e r t i o n and n o n s u p p o r t c a s e s o n l y , b u t o f d o u b t f u l c o n s t i t u t i o n a l i t y .
See S t a t e v. Moran, 4 3 Nev. 1 5 0 , 1 8 2 Pac. 9 2 7 ( 1 9 1 9 ) .
c . 	 Suspended s e n t e n c e p e r m i t t e d o n l y a s t o m i n o r s ; f a m i l y d e s e r t e r s may b e
" p a r o l e d " by t h e Governor on r e c a n m e n d a t i o n o f t h e t r i a l judge.
Source:

Complete t a b l e s A and B t a k e n f r a n

U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e ; Washington, D.C.
Attorney G e n e r a l ' s Survey o f R e l e a s e P r o c e d u r e s , Vol. 11, P r o b a t i o n ; 1939;
pgs. 27, 29.

Table 7-4A

.

Defendants Placed on P r o b a t i o n o r Given Suspended Sentence With o r Without Supervision, by States:

Tot a1
Cefendants
Sentenced

State

Placed on P r o b a t i o n
o r Given Suspended
Sentence With o r
Without S u p e r v i s i o n
kmber

......
Rhode I s l a n d . . . . . . . . .
New Hampshire . . . . . . . .
New Jersey . . . . . . . . . .
Massachusetts . . . . . . . .
Maine . . . . . . . . . . . .
Michigsn . . . . . . . . . . .
Ohio . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wisconsin . . . . . . . . . .
C a l i f o r n i a. . . . . . . . . .
Minnesota . . . . . . . . . .
Idaho . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pennsylvania . . . . . . . . .
Arlzona . . . . . . . . . . .
Oregon . . . . . . . . . . . .

59. 530

Thirty States

P

639
310
4, 534
2, 358
307
2. 257
4. 84 7
2. 703
5. 523
1. 878
360
15. 554
51 5
54 8

Total
Defendants
Sentenced

State

Percent
30.0

39 6
142
1, 886
94 1
115
81 8
1. 742
96 9
1. 877
585
109
4. 513
135
142

62.0
45.8
41.6
39.9
37.5
36.2
35.9
35.8
34.U
31.2
30.3
29.0
26.2
25.9

Placed on P r o b a t i o n
o r Given Suspended
Sentence With o r
Without S u p e r v i s i o n
Number

- . . . .. ... ... ... ... ...
.


17. 844

1935a

New Mexico
Connecticut
Iowa
D i s t r i c t o f Columbia
Illinois
Indiana
Wyoming
Vermont
Nebraska
Montana
South Dakota
Colorado
Kansas
North Dakota
Washington
Utah

.......
.......
.......
.......
.......
.......
.....
.......
........
.....
......
.........

Percent


























Notes:
a

.

States vary as t o j u r i s d i c t i o n o f trial c o u r t s o f general j u r i s d i c t i o n which form t h e b a s i s o f table.
l i m i t e d value

.

Source:

Complete t a b l e taken from

0.5. 	 Department of Commerce. Bureau o f Census; Washington. O.C. 

Judicial Criminal Statistics:
1935; 1937; pg 21

. .


Table 7.48

.

Defendants Sentenced t o P r o b a t i o n o r Suspended Sentence. by Offense.

Total
Defendants
Sentenced

Offense

i n 30 States:

Placed on P r o b a t i o n
o r Glven Suspended
Sentence
Number

.................... 

........................... 

....................... 

............................. 

............................... 

.............................. 

..................... 

........................ 

......................... 

......................... 

................ 

......................... 

............................ 

................................ 

.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 


Total Major Offenses

S t o l e n Property
Embezzlement and Fraud
Auto T h e f t
Forgery
Burglary
Larceny. Except Auto Theft
C a r r y i n g Weapons. e t c
V i o l a t i n g Drug Laws
OtherSexOffenses
P r o s t i t u t i o n and Commercialized Vice
Aggravated Assault
Manslaughter
Rape
Robbery
Murder

Selected Combinations o f Offense Groups

.........................
.........................
.......................
................

Homicide ( 2 groups)
Larceny(4groups)
Sex Offenses ( 3 g r w p s )
Offenses Against Property (6 groups)

Source:

Complete t a b l e taken fran

U.S. 	 Department o f Commerce. Bureau o f Census; Washington. O.C. 

3udicial Criminal S t a t i s t i c s :
1935; 1937; pg 22

. .











1935

Percent

so c a n p a r i s l n s a r e of

Table 7-5.

Defendents Convicted and Sentenced, by Type o f Sentence, by States:

State

Defendents
Sentenced

State Prisons and
Reformatories

Probation and
Suspended Sentence

Number

Number

Percent

Total, 27 States
California
Colorado
b
Connecticut
D i s t r i c t o f Columbia
Idaho
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Montana
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Dakota
Ohio
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode I s l a n d
South Dakota
Utah
Vermont
Washington
Wisconsin
Wyoming

Notes:
a.
b.
c.

Includes 63 death sentences.
S t a t i s t i c s are f o r t h e year J u l y 1, 1940 through June 30, 1941.
Includes defendants sentenced t o l o c a l j a i l s , workhouses, e t c .

Source:
U.S.
Y

1940

Complete t a b l e taken from

Department o f Commerce, Bureau of Census; Washington,
J u d i c i a l C r i m i n a l S t a t i s t i c s 1940; pg. 6.

D.C.

Percent

Local J a i l s ,
Workhouses, e t c .
Number

Percent

A l l Other Sentences
Number

Percent

T a b l e 7-6.

Movement o f P a r o l e d P r i s o n e r s , f o r a S e l e c t e d Group o f S t a t e s :
193 1
( I n c l u d e s 46 i n s t i t u t i o n s i n t h e f o l l o w i n g S t a t e s :
Conn., I n d . , Kans., Minn., Nebr., N.H., N.J., N.Y.,
Utah, Wash., W.Va., and Wis.)
Pa., R . I . ,
I tem

A r i z . , Colo,
Ohio, Oreg.,

Number

P r i s o n e r s o n p a r o l e , Jan. 1, 1931
P r i s o n e r s r e l e a s e d on p a r o l e d u r i n g 1931
P r i s o n e r s whose p a r o l e p e r i o d s t e r m i n a t e d d u r i n g 1931
P r i s o n e r s o n p a r o l e , Dec. 31, 1931
W i t h i n S t a t e i n which r e l e a s e d
O u t s i d e S t a t e i n which r e l e a s e d
h e r e a b o u t s unknown
No r e p o r t

Source:

Complete t a b l e t a k e n from

U.S. 	 Department o f Commerce, Bureau o f Census; Washington, D. C.
P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s :
1931 and
1932; 1934; pg. 42.

both in the community and in prisons, and
for both adults and juveniles. In addition,
there was interest in the relative use and
cost of each type of corrections. Tables
7-7A and 7-7B are copies of summary
tables from this report. It was reported that
1.2 million adults and juveniles were under
correctional supervision. The report showed
that 67 percent of all those under
correctional supervision at a given time
were in the community (54 percent on
probation and 13 percent on parole or
aftercare).
Expenditures for community
supervision were, however, only 19 percent
of the total.
The next comprehensive study of probation
and parole was done in 1976 by the Census
Bureau for LEAA. Tables 7-8A and 7-8B
are copies of summary tables from this
report which present the distribution of the
total correctional population.
It was
reported that 1.92 million adults and
juveniles
were
under
correctional
supervision. By 1976 the percent of the
total under correctional supervision who
were in the community had risen to 76
percent (65 percent on probation and 11
percent on parole). A total of 1.46 million
persons were reported under correctional
supervision in the community. If only those
under adult corrections are considered, the
number at that time was 1.45 million of
which about 75 percent were in the
community (63 percent on probation and 12
percent on parole).

NCCD and BJS reports for more recent
periods by State and region.
Organization and Caseload Size
One concern in the 1930's, a period when
parole was under considerable attack, was
the type of supervision given to parolees.
Table 7-13, taken from the 1931 report,
lists the number of prisoners released on
parole by the type of supervision. At this
time only about 64 percent of parolees were
under the supervision of a full-time salaried
parole officer. By 1965, concern was more
with the caseload of those responsible for
parole and probation supervision. At this
time 79 percent of adult probation officers
had caseloads of over 80, and 44 percent of
parole officers had caseloads of over 70
(Table 7-14).
Tables 7-15A and 7-15B
present an estimate of the number of
probation and parole agencies, and the use
of presentence investigation taken from the
Census Bureau report done for LEAA in
1976.
Length of Parole
National information on the length of parole
was found for 1931 and for 1965 (Tables
7-16 and 7-17).
In 1931, the modal
category of the length of parole was 12 to
14 months. Over half of all paroles were
terminated by 14 months.
In 1965, the
national average was 29 months.
Parole Outcome

BJS reports for 1983, covering only adults,
indicate that 7 years later the total number
under correctional supervision, had risen to
2.4 million, an increase of 59 percent (Table
7-9B). Of the total, once again, about 74
percent were under community supervision,
indicating that the large increases in prison
population had been accompanied by large
increases in probation and parole. Sixtythree percent (1.5 million) were on
probation and 11 percent (25 1,708) were on
parole. Tables 7-10 to 7-12 include parole
and probation information taken from

In the 1960's and 1970's the National
Council on Crime and Delinquency collected
considerable information on parole outcome.
A selected table from the Uniform Parole
Newsletter is presented in Table 7-18.

-3
00

Table 7-7A.

Some C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s o f C o r r e c t i o n s i n the United States:

1965

Offenders
Type o f Program

Juvenile Corrections: 

Institutions
Commlnity
Subtotal
A d u l t Felon Corrections: 

Institutions
Community
Subtotal
Misdemeanant C o r r e c t i o n s : 

Institutions
Community
Subtotal
Total

Average D a i l y
Population

Operating Costs

Percentage
Distribution

Annual
a
Operating Costs

$

Percentage
Distribution

226,809,600
93,613,400

22.5 

9.3 


27.1

320,423,000

31 .8

221,597
369,897

17.3
28.9

435,594,500
73,251,900

43.3 

7.3 


591,494

46.2

508,846,400

50.6

141,303
201,385

11 .O
15.7

147,794,200
28,682,900

14.7 

2.9 


342,688

26.7

176,477,100

1,282,386

100.0

1,005,746,500

62,773
285,431

4.9
22.2

348,204

Employees
Average Cost per
Offender per yearb

Number

Percentage
Distribution

--

41,320

34.2

--

58,218

48.0

17.5

--

21,625

17.8

100.0

0

121,163

100.0

Notes:
a.
b.

Rounded t o the nearest $100.
Rounded t o t h e nearest d o l l a r . 


Source:

Complete t a b l e taken from 


Task Force on Corrections, The P r e s i d e n t ' s Canmission on Law Enforcement and A d m i n i s t r a t i o n o f J u s t i c e ; Washington, D.C.

Task Force Report: Corrections; 1967; pg. 1. 

Task Force Report Source f o r Table 7-7A: 

Computed from t h e N a t i o n a l Survey o f C o r r e c t i o n s and Special Tabulations provided by t h e Federal k r e a u o f Prisons and t h e
A d m i n i s t r a t i v e O f f i c e o f the U.S.

Courts.

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Table 7-9A.

Comparison of t h e Sentenced P r i s o n Population t o t h e Probation and P a r o l e
Populations: 1979-1 983
Sentenced
Prison
Populationa

Year

Probation
Population

Ratio
Probationers
t o Prisoners

Parole
Population

Ratio
Prisoners
t o Parolees

Notes:
a. 	 Defined a s p r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e / F e d e r a l i n s t i t u t i o n s with s e n t e n c e s g r e a t e r t h a n 1 year.
Source:

Complete t a b l e taken from

U.S. 	 Department of J u s t i c e , Bureau of J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s ; Washington, D.C. 

Probation and P a r o l e 1983; 1984; pg. 2. 


Table 7-98. 	

Type of
Supervision

The Combined Correctional
Population: 1983

Number

Probation
Jail
Prisoners
Parole

1,502,247
207,853
438,830~
251 ,708

Total

2,400,638

Percent 

of Total 

62.6% 

8.7 

18.3 

10.5 

100.0

Note:
a. 	 The majority of t h o s e under c o r r e c t i o n a l 

c a r e on a given day (62.6%) a r e on 

probation. 

Source:

Complete t a b l e taken from

U.S. Department of J u s t i c e , Bureau of J u s t i c e
S t a t i s t i c s ; 	Washington, D.C. 

Probation and P a r o l e 1983; 1984; pg. 6. 


Table 7-10.

Estimated A d u l t P r i s o n Releases and P a r o l e E n t r i e s , S t a t e and F e d e r a l :
1965 	

Agency

Total
Prison
Releases

Tot a1
Parole
Entries

1965, 1970, 1975 ( B Y Region)

1970
Ratio o f
Paroles/
Releases

Total
Prison
Releases

Total
Parole
Entries

1975
Ratio o f
Paroles/
Releases

Total
Prison
Releases
-

S t a t e and T o t a l E s t i m a t e

-

--

Total
Parole
Entries
-

-

Ratio o f
Paroles/
Releases
--

89,900

54,300

-604

92,200

57,500

.624

106,800

73,000

.683

16,700

13,100

.784

15,400

13,200

.857

19,200

16,600

.865

Northeast
North Central
South
West

Source:

Complete t a b l e t a k e n from

U.S. Department o f J u s t i c e , Law Enforcement A s s i s t a n c e A d m i n i s t r a t i o n , N a t i o n a l C r i m i n a l J u s t i c e I n f o r m a t i o n and S e r v i c e ;
Washington, 	 D.C. 

Parole i n t h e United States:
1976 and 1977, U n i f o r m P a r o l e Reports; 1978; pgs. 54-55. 


T a b l e 7-11.

Number of Persons P r e s e n t on P a r o l e and Rate p e r 100,000 o f Population Aged 10-20:
1976

Number

Rate p e r
100,000 T o t a l
Population

1979

Number

Rate p e r
100,000 T o t a l
Population

S e l e c t e d Years 1976-1983
1981

Number

Rate p e r
100,000 T o t a l
Population

1983

Number

Rate p e r
100,000
Population
18 and O l d e r

United States
Federal
State
Northeast
Maine
New Hampshire
Vermont
Massachusetts
Rhode I s l a n d
Connecticut
New York
New Jersey
Pennsylvania
North Central
Ohio
Indiana
Illinois
Michigan
Wisconsin
Minnesota
Iowa
Missouri
N o r t h Dakota
South Dakota
Nebraska
Kansas
South
Delaware
Maryland
D i s t r i c t o f C o l umbia
Virginia
West V i r g i n i a
North Carolina
South C a r o l i n a
Georgia
Florida
Kentucky
Tennessee
Alabama
Mississippi
Arkansas
Louisiana
Oklahoma
Texas

405~
5,264
c

2,750
346
5,801
1,850
3.234

West
Montana
Idaho
Wyoming
Colorado
New Mexico
Arizona
Utah
Nevada
Washington
Oregon
California
Alaska
Hawaii

Notes:
a. 	 S t a t e and F e d e r a l do n o t add up t o t o t a l f o r U n i t e d S t a t e s due t o e s t i m a t e s .
b. 	 Excludes P u e r t o R i c o and i n c l u d e s p a r o l e p o p u l a t i o n f o r Delaware (405) i n a d v e r t e n t l y o m i t t e d from r e q u i r e d t o t a l i n source c i t e d f o r 1976.
c. 	 Not r e p o r t e d i n sources u t i l i z e d .
Sources:
U.S. O e ~ a r t m e n to f J u s t i c e . Law Enforcement A s s i s t a n c e A d m i n i s t r a t i o n . N a t i o n a l C r i m i n a l J u s t i c e I n f o r m a t i o n and S t a t i s t i c a l S e r v i c e :
washi"gton, 	 D.C.
(1976) P a r o l e i n t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s : 1976 and 1977; 1978; pgs. 46-47, 52-53.
U.S. Deoartment o f J u s t i c e . Bureau o f J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s (Research C e n t e r West: N a t i o n a l C o u n c i l on Crime and Delinauencv.
,	
. San F r a n c i s c o ) .
(19?9) P a r o l e i n t h e u n i t e d S t a t e s , 1979; 1980; pgs. 38-39.
U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , Bureau o f J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s ; Waahington, D.C.
(1981) P r o b a t i o n and P a r o l e 1982 ( B u l l e t i n ) ; 1983; pg. 4.
U.S. 	 Department o f Commerce, Bureau o f t h e Census; Washington, O.C.
(1981) S t a t i s t i c a l A b s t r a c t s o f t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s 1984; 1983; pg. 11.
U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , Bureau o f J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s ; Washington, D.C.
(1983) P r o b a t i o n and P a r o l e 1983 ( B u l l e t i n ) ; 1984; pg. 2.

Table 7-12.

Prabation P o p u l a t i o n by S t a t e :

Probation
Population
12-31 -77
U n i t e d States
Federal I n s t i t u t i o n s
State I n s t i t u t i o n s

1977, 1979, and 1983
1983
Probationers
per100,OOO
Residents

Probation
Population
12-31 -79

Probation
Population
12-31-83

8~2,485~

1,086,535~

1,502,247

897

46,665
775, 820a

42,441
1,044,094~

51,448
1,450,799

30
866

Northeast
Maine 

New Hampshire 

Vermont 

Massachusetts 

Rhode I s l a n d 

Connecticut 

New York 

New Jersey 

Pennsylvania 

North Central
Ohio 

Indiana 

Illinois 

Michigan 

Wisconsin 

Minnesota 

Iowa 

Missouri 

N o r t h Dakota 

South Dakota 

Nebraska 

Kansas 

South
Delaware
Maryland
D i s t r i c t o f Columbia
Virginia
West V i r g i n i a
North Carolina
South C a r o l i n a
Georgia
Florida
Kentucky
Tennessee
Alabama
Mississippi
Arkansas
Louisiana
Oklahoma
Texas
West
Montana 

Idaho 

Wyoming 

Colorado 

New Mexico 

Arizona 

Utah 

Nevada 

Washington 

Oregon 

California 

Alaska 

Hawaii 


Notes:
a. 	 I n c l u d e s 5,960 i n Puerto Rico i n 1977.
I n c l u d e s 6,002 i n Puerto Rico and 148
p r o b a t i o n e r s under s u p e r v i s i o n i n Guam i n 1979.
b. 	 Probations under s u p e r v i s i o n .
c. 	 Data not a v a i l a b l e .
Source:
N a t i o n a l Council on Crime and Delinquency, Research Center West; San Francisco, CA.
(1977-1979) P r o b a t i o n i n t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s 1979; 1981; pg. 22.
U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , Bureau of J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s ; Washington, D.C. 

(1983)
P r o b a t i o n and P a r o l e 1983; 1984; pg. 2. 


T a b l e 7-13.

P r i s o n e r s R e l e a s e d on P a r o l e , by K i n d o f S u p e r v i s i o n ,

f o r a S e l e c t e d Group o f S t a t e s :

( I n c l u d e s 45 l n s t l t u t l o n s i n t h e following S t a t e s :
A r l z . , Colo, Conn.,
N.J., N.Y., Ohlo, Oreg., Pa., R.I., Utah, Wash., W.Va.,
and Wis.)

Ind.,

Kans.,

Total
F u l l - t l m e s a l a r i e d agents r e s l d e n t i n t h e State
P a r t - t l m e s a l a r l e d and o f f i c i a l p a r o l e o f f i c e r s r e s i d e n t I n t h e S t a t e
P u b l l c s e r v a n t s o r agencles I n t h e S t a t e
P r i v a t e agencies i n t h e S t a t e
Prlvate indlvlduals resldent i n the State
O f f l c l a l p a r o l e o f f l c e r s o r f i e l d agents I n other S t a t e s
Other agencles o r l n d l v l d u a l s i n o t h e r S t a t e s
S u p e r v i s e d o n l y t h r o u g h periodical w r i t t e n r e p o r t s by t h e p r l s o n e r
Released on p a r o l e I n c u s t o d y o f a p e n a l l n s t l t u t l o n
Released on p a r o l e I n c u s t o d y o f t h e U.S. Government on a d e p o r t a t i o n w a r r a n t
W l t h o u t supervision o f any k l n d

Complete t a b l e t a k e n from

U.S. 	 Department o f Commerce, B u r e a u o f Census; Washington, O.C.
Prisoners I n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and Reformatories: 1931 and 1932; 1934; pg. 42.

T a b l e 7-14.

Average Caseload I n P r o b a t i o n and P a r o l e :
Juvenlle
Probation
(percent)

Juvenile
Aftercare
(percent)

Under 40
41 t o 50
51 t o 60
61 t o 70
71 t o 80
81 t o 90
91 t o 100
Over 100

3.66
8.10
11.60
19.55
29.71
5.65
11.05
10.68

19.10
9.06
4.68
48.81
5.73
4.45
5.75
2.42

Total

100.00

100.00

S l z e o f caseloada

Source:

Mlnn.,

Number o f P r i s o n e r s
Released on P a r o l e

K i n d o f Supervision

Source:

1931

1965

Mlsdemeanant
Probatlon
(percent)

Adult
ProbaLlon
(percent)

Adult
Parole
(percent)

0.68
0.18
4.26
3.86
2.38
1.39
10.91
76.34

0.78
2.32
2.65
6.51
7.64
6.64
6.41
67.05

3.08
4.81
25.38
20.74
23.22
3.66
14.70
4.41

100.00

100.00

100.00

Complete t a b i e t a k e n f r o m

Task F o r c e on Corrections, The President's Comrnisslon on Law Enforcement and
A d r n l n l s t r a t l o n o f J u s t l c e ; Washington, D.C.
Task F o r c e R e p o r t : C o r r e c t i o n s ; 1967; pg. 196.

Nebr.,

N.H.,

Percent
Dlstrlbutlon

Table 7-15A. 	

Number o f S t a t e and Local Agencies Performing P r o b a t i o n o r Parole Functions, by L e v e l o f Government,
September 1, 1976
Agency

unction^

Probation
Level o f Government

State/Local

Total

Adult
Probation

Parole
Juvenile
Probation

Adult
Parole

Parole
Authorities
Juvenile
Parole

Number

Percent

Number

Percent

Number

Percent

Number

Percent

Number

Percent

1,929

100

2,126

100

1,154

100

1,221

100

65

100

State 

County 

Municipal 


Notes:
a.
b.

Agencies having m u l t i p l e f u n c t i o n s are counted i n more than one column.
Percent rounds t o zero.

Source:

Complete t a b l e taken from

U.S. Department o f J u s t i c e , Law Enforcement Assistance A d m i n i s t r a t i o n , N a t i o n a l C r i m i n a l J u s t i c e I n f o r m a t i o n and
S t a t i s t i c s Service; 	 Washington, D.C. 

S t a t e and L o c a l P r o b a t i o n and Parole Systems; 1978; pg. 2. 


Table 7-158. 	

Number and Percentage o f S t a t e and L o c a l P r o b a t i o n Agencies That Conducted Presentence I n v e s t i g a t i o n s
D u r i n g 1975 D i s t r i b u t e d by P r o p o r t i o n o f Agency Workload Accounted f o r by I n v e s t i g a t i o n s
Number o f Agencies That Conduct Presentence I n v e s t i g a t i o n s

Type o f Agency

Tot a1
~ g e n c i e s ~ Total

D i s t r i b u t e d by Percent o f Agency
Workload Accounted f o r by I n v e s t i g a t i o n s
Percent
1 t o 25

Total 	
Adult probation only
J u v e n i l e p r o b a t i o n only
A d u l t and j u v e n i l e p r o b a t i o n
A d u l t p r o b a t i o n and p a r o l e
J u v e n i l e p r o b a t i o n and p a r o l e
A d u l t and j u v e n i l e p r o b a t i o n
and p a r o l e 	

3,303

2,540

77

340
808
546
702
564

286
542
453
542
439

84
67
83
77
78

343

278

81

1,392

26 t o 50

51 t o 75

76 and over

86 3

220

65

114
298
21 5
293
329

114
189
179
194
74

43
44
47
45
22

15
11
12
10
14

143

113

19

3

Note:
a.

Excludes t h e 565 agencies t h a t have only p a r o l e f u n c t i o n s .

Source:

Complete t a b l e taken from

U.S. Department o f J u s t i c e , Law Enforcement Assistance A d m i n i s t r a t i o n ,
S t a t i s t i c s Service; 	 Washington, D.C. 

S t a t e and Local P r o b a t i o n and Parole Systems; 1978; pg. 4. 


N a t i o n a l C r i m i n a l J u s t i c e I n f o r m a t i o n and

C

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T a b l e 7-17.

Average L e n g t h o f P a r o l e P e r i o d by Region:

Region

1965

Average
Parole Period
(months)

E a s t and N o r t h e a s t
M i d w e s t and P l a i n s
B o r d e r South
South
West
Insular
National

Source:

Complete t a b l e t a k e n f r o m

Task F o r c e on C o r r e c t i o n s , The P r e s i d e n t ' s Commission o n Law
E n f o r c e m e n t and A d m i n i s t r a t i o n o f J u s t i c e ; Washington, D.C.
Task F o r c e R e p o r t :
C o r r e c t i o n s ; 1967; pg. 187.

T a b l e 7-18.

P a r o l e Outcome I n F i r s t Year A f t e r Release fox Males P a r o l e d I n 1969, 1970, and 1971, U n l t e d S t a t e s a

P a r o l e Outcome

P a r o l e e s w ~ t hProbation
or Parole Vlolatron
Admieslon t o P r r s o n

T o t a l Number Reported P a r o l e d
1969

1970

1971

1969

1970

1971

Parolees w i t h P r l o r
P r i s o n Sentences
1969

1970

1971

Continued on P a r o l e
Percent
Absconder
Percent
R e t u r n t o P r l s o n as T e c h n i c a l V l o l a L o r
Percent
RecornmltLed t o P r l s o n w l L h New M a j o r Conv1ctron:s)
Percent

Total
Percentage of ToLal

Parolees w l t h P r l o r
Non-prrson Sentences

P a r o l e e s w i t h P r r o r Drug Abuse

P a r o l e e s w ~ t hP r l o r A l c o h o l Use

ConLlnued on P a r o l e
Percent
Absconder
Percent
R e t u r n t o P r r s o n as T e c h n i c a l V l o l a L o r
Percent
RecommlLLed Lu P r i s o n w i t h New M a j o r C o n v r c t l o n ( s )
Percent

Total
Percentage o f T o t a l

Note:
a . 	 These d a t a a r e t a b u l a t e d by t h e U n l f o r m P a r o l e Reports Program, whrch publishes i n f o r m a i r o n voluntarily s u p p i l e d t o r t by S t a t e p a r o l e agencies.
However, n o t a l l p e r s o n s p a r o l e d by S t a t e p a r o l e agencles a r e i n c l u d e d ~n t h r s t a b l e .
Some S t a t e s transmitted daLa f u r p a r t i c u l a r years and n o t f o r
I n L h l s r e p o r L , "rnlnor c o n v i c t r o n " i s d e f i n e d as a c o u r t c o n v l c t l o n and
o t h e r s ; some S t a t e s reporLed o n l y o n a random sample o f L h e r r p a r o l e e s .
sentence f o r a minimum t e r m o f a t l e a s t 60 days and a maximum term o f l e s s tha17 1 y e a r ; "major c a n v r c t r o n " is d e f i n e d as a c o u r t c o n v l c t l o n and
sentence Lo confinement f o r a mlnlmum term o f a t l e a s t 1 year; an "absconder" 1 s d e f l n e d as a p a r o l e e whose whereabouts a r e unknown t o t h e p a r o l i n g
authority; a " t e c h n r c a l v l o l a i o r " 1 s a p a r o l e e who has been d e c l a r e d
by t h e p a r o l i n g a u t h u r l l y - t o be i n v l o l a t l o n o f t h e c o n d l t l o n s o f h l s p a r o l e
F a r a d d r t l o n a l i n f o r m a t l o n and d e f r n l t r o n s , s e e G o t t f r e d s o n , eL a l . , "A Y a t l u n a l Uniform P a r o l e Reporting System,"
and who has been r e t u r n e d Lo p r i s o n .

-

N a t r o n a l C o u n c l l on Crlme and Dellnquency Research Center, Davls, C a l l f o r n l a ,
Source:

1970.

Complete t a b l e t a k e n from

U.S. 	 Department of J u s t i c e , Law Enforcement Assistance A d r n l n l s t r a t l o n ,
Sourcebook o f C r i m i n a l 3 u s t l c e Statistics: 1976; 1975; pg. 0 8 8 .

N a L l o n a l C r r r n i n a l Justice I n f o r r n a t l o n and S L a t l s L l c s S e r v i c e ; Washington, O.C.

Sourcebook source:
N a t l o n a l C o u n c l l on C r m e and Dellnquency, N a t r o n a l P r o b a i l o n and P a r o l e I n s t r t u t e s .
U n l f o r m P a r o l e R e p o r t s N e w s l e t t e r ; 1973; Summary Table, P a r t 2.

CHAPTER VIII 

COMBINED INFORhlATION ON 

INCARCERATION 

This chapter includes tables which present
totals obtained if one combines information
from the Federal, State, local, and juvenile
levels on incarceration. Also included are
tables which present data available only in a
combined form.
In certain early years,
information, such as that on offenses, was
tabulated only f o r the combined totals and
not broken down by type of facility.
The chapter also includes brief discussions
of the possibility of undercounts in the 1923
Census and a discussion of military prisoner
counts.
Those Present on the Day of the Survey
Tables 8-1 and 8-2 present information on
the number present and the rate per 100,000
population on the day of the survey in
Federal and State, local, and juvenile
facilities combined and separately at
approximately 10- year intervals since 1850.
Table 8-3 gives rates per 100,000 for the
U.S. population
age
categories most
represented in each type of facility. These
tables document the increase in all levels
over the period. Comparing the rates in
1880 with those about 100 years later (in
1982/83) the rate per 100,000 population in
State and Federal prisons increased from 61
to 179. The increase in rate per 100,000 in
jails over the same period was 44 to 95 and
that for juveniles, 23 to 35. This increase
has not been steady; rather rapid increases
occurred in periods such as the Depression,
and the most rapid increase for State and
Federal prisons occurred in the period since
1972. Corresponding increases in juvenile
facilities in the last 10 years have not
occurred.
Tables 8-4 and 8-5 give
combined totals and rate per 100,000
present by State from 1880- 1983, including
Census data for the period 1880 to 1980.

T h e Possibility of Undercounts in the 1923
Census
As can be seen from Tables 8-1 and 8-2,
between 1910 and 1923 the overall rate of
those under sentence in adult facilities
declined from 121.2 to 99.7. Looking at the
breakdowns by place of incarceration (Table
8-2), it can be seen that the decline was
almost exclusively in the jail population.
State and Federal rates remained almost
stable. These declines have been attributed
to the spread of probation, to Prohibition's
resulting in some decline in public
drunkenness and disorderly conduct, and to
the low unemployment rate of 3 percent at
the time. The 1923 report discussed the
decline as follows:
Too much stress should not be placed
on the significance of these figures for
individual States or divisions, owing to
the possibility that differences noted
may be due, at least in part, to
variations in the completeness of the
returns. Nonetheless, there seems little
doubt that, in most parts of the
country, there was decided decrease
f o r 1923 as compared to 1910 in the
number of prisoners confined in penal
and reformatory institutions.
This
decrease, no doubt, reflects changes in
the laws and in law enforcement, as
well as the number of offenses
occurring.
The increased use of
probation
as
a
substitute
for
imprisonment is a n important example.
This has been especially influential in
affecting the decrease of the prison
population in New England (Census
Bureau, "Prisoners, 1923;" 1926; p.11).
This report alludes to the differences in
reporting but notes that there had been a
real decline. The question arises if and how
much of the decrease between 1910 and
1923 may be due to undercounts rather that
actual declines.
Examination
of
a
preliminary report done in 1922 by the
Census Bureau indicates that apparently
there was indeed some undercounting in the

Table 8-1.

T o t a l Persons and Rate p e r 100,000 U.S.

P o p u l a t i o n Reported P r e s e n t i n A d u l t and J u v e n i l e C o r r e c t i o n a l F a c i l i t i e a :

A l l Classes ( A d u l t s
and ~ u v e n i l e s ) ~
T o t a l U.S.
Population
i n Thousands
1983
1982
1980
1978/79
1972
1970'
1960
1950
1940
1933
1923
1910
1890
1880
1870~
1860~
1850~

Total

Per
100,OUO
Population

A l l Classes
(Juvenile F a c i l i t i e s
Excluded)

Sentenced A d u l t s and
All Juveniles

Total

Per
100,000
Population

Total

Per
100,UOO
Population

1850-1981

Sentenced
(Juvenile F a c i l i t i e s
Excluded)

Total

Per
100,000
Population

(Justice)
(Justice)
(Census)
(Justice)
(Justice)
(Justice)
(Census)
(Census)
(Census)
(Census)
(Census)
(Census)
(Census)
(Census)
(Census)
(Census)
(Census)

Notes:
The f i g u r e s i n c l u d e p e r s o n s incarcerated i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l p r l s o n s and r e f o r m a t o r i e s , j a l l s and o t h e r l o c a l facilities, and
j u v e n i l e c o r r e c t i o n a l i n s t i t u t i o n s ; e x c l u d e d a r e p e r s o n s c o n f l n e d i n m i l i t a r y p r i s o n s and m n t a l hospitals.
b. 	 Data n o t a v a i l a b l e o r n o t obtained.
c. 	 The N a t l o n a l J a i l Survey o f 1970, conducted by t h e Department o f J u s t i c e , LEAA, l i s t e d a s c o n f i n e d ( d e t a i n e d and u n d e r sentence)
i n t h e j a i l s 31,674 more p e r s o n s t h a n d l d t h e census r e p o r t on i n s t i t u t i o n a l i z e d p e r s o n s f o r t h a t same year.
The LEAA d a t a
l i s t e d 2,402 fewer p e r s o n s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l p r i s o n s and r e f o r m a t o r i e s .
The above t a b l e u s e s t h e LEAA r e p o r t s because
sentenced and unsentenced o f f e n d e r s were c l a s s i f i e d s e p a r a t e l y o n l y i n t h e j a i l s u r v e y .
The t o t a l f o r a l l c l a s s e s r e p o r t e d by
t h e census was 404,749, a r a t e of 199.7 p e r 100,000.
The 19110 r e p o r t c o u n t e d o n l y t h o s e 

d. 	 F r a r 1940 u n t i l 1980, t h e census r e p o r t s p r o v i d e d no breakdown o f adjudication s t a t u s .
persons I 4 y e a r s and o l d e r and & d n o t c l a s s i f y a d u l t s and j u v e n i l e s s e p a r a t e l y . 

e. 	 F r a r 1904 t o 1933, t h e census c m n t e d o n l y sentenced o f f e n d e r s .
I n a d d i t i o n , t h e 1904 census e x c l u d e d t h o s e p e r s o n s 

i n c a r c e r a t e d f o r nonpayment o f a f i n e . 

f. 	 Census r e p o r t s f o r 1850-70 a r e u n c l e a r as t o t h e definition o f l n s t l t u t i o n s used I n c o m p i l i n g t h e data.
The c l a s a l f l c a t i o n 

h e r e i s b a s ~ dupon t h e 1923 census r e p o r t . 

F i g u r e s f o r j u v e n i l e s i n 1978/79 a r e f o r 1979; f l g u r e s f o r juveniles a r e a c t u a l l y f o r F e b r u a r y 1, 1983 f o r 1982/83.
g.
a. 	

Sources:
U.S. 	 Department o f t h e I n t e r i o r , Bureau o f Census; Washington, D.C. 

(1850)
Compendium o f S e v e n t h Census:
1850; 1854; T a b l e CLXXVI. 

(1880)
Report o f D e f e c t i v e , Dependent, and D e l i n q u e n t C l a s s e s o f t h e P o p u l a t i o n o f t h e U.S. a s R e t u r n e d a t t h e T e n t h 

Census:
1880; 1888; pg. 562.
U.S. 	 Department o f Commerce, Bureau o f Census; Washington, 0.C.
(1860,1870)
P r i s o n e r s , 1923:
Crime C o n d i t i o n s i n t h e U.S. a s R e f l e c t e d i n Census S t a t i s t i c s o f I m p r l s o n e d U f f e r d e r s ; 1926;
Table 1.
(1890,1910)
P r i s o n e r s and J u v e n i l e D e l i n q u e n t s i n t h e U.S.:
1910; 1918; pgs. 15, 157.
(1923)
S t a t i s t i c a l Abstract o f the United States:
1925; 1926; pg. 70.
(1933)
S t a t i s t i c a l Abstract o f the United States:
1935; 1935; pgs. 74, 77.
(1940)
U.S. Census o f P o p u l a t i o n , 1940:
S p e c i a l R e p o r t s , I n s t i t u t i o n a l i z e d P o p u l a t i o n F o u r t e e n Years o f Age and O l d e r ;
1943; pgs. 2, 3, 15.
(1950)
U.S. Census P o p u l a t i o n 1950:
S p e c i a l R e p o r t s , I n s t l t u t l o n a l P o p u l a t i o n ; 1953; pgs. 11, 19.
(1960)
U.S. Census o f P o p u l a t i o n , 1960:
S u b j e c t R e p o r t s , I n m a t e s o f I n s t i t u t i o n s ; 1963; pgs. 4, 13.
(1970)
U.S. Census o f P o p u l a t i o n , 1970:
S u b j e c t R e p o r t s , Persons i n I n s t i t u t i o n s and O t h e r Group U u a r t e r s ; 1973; pg. 21.
(1980)
19BO Census o f P o p u l a t i o n , Persons I n Institutions and Other L r w p U u a r t e r s ; 1984; pgs. 78-110.
U.S. Department o f J u s t i c e , Law Enforcement A s s i s t a n c e A d m i n i s t r a t i o n , N a t i o n a l C r i m i n a l J u s t l c e I n f o r m a t i o n and S t a t i s t i c s S e r v l c e ;
Washington, D.C.
(1970) 	
N a t i o n a l J a i l Census:
1970; 1971; pgs. 10-11.
(1972) 	
Survey o f I n m a t e s o f L o c a l J a i l s :
1972; 1974; T a b l e 0 .
(1972) 	
Sourcebook o f C r i m i n a l J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s :
1974; 1975; pg. 434.
U.S. Department o f J u s t i c e , O f f i c e of J u v e n i l e J u s t l c e and D e l i n q u e n c y Prevention; Washington, U.C.
(1977,1979) 	 C h i l d r e n i n Custody:
M v a n c e R e p o r t o n t h e 1979 Census o f P u b l i c J u v e n l l e F a c i l i t i e s ; 1980; T a b l e s 1, 2.
C h i l d r e n i n Custody:
Advance R e p o r t o n t h e 1979 Census o f P r i v a t e J u v e n i l e F a c i l l t l e s ; T a b l e s 1, 2.
(1982) 	
Advance R e p o r t o n t h e 1982 Census o f P u b l i c J u v e n i l e F a c i l i t i e s ; 1983; T a b l e 4.
Advance R e p o r t o n t h e 1982 Census o f P r i v a t e J u v e n i l e Facilities; 1984; T a b l e 4.
U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , Bureau o f J u s t i c e Statistics; Washington, D.C. 

(1978,1982)
J a i l Inmates 1982; 1983; pgs. 1-2. 

(1978,1983)
The 1983 J a i l Census; 1 9 W ; pg. 2. 

P r i s o n e r s i n 1982; 1983; pg. 2.
(1982)
Bulletin: P r i s o n e r s a t M l d y e a r , 1983; 1983; T a b l e 2, pg. 2.
(1983)
Bureau o f J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s B u l l e t i n :
The 1983 J a i l Census; 1984; pg. 6.
Source f o r P o p u l a t i o n :
U.S. 	 Department o f Commerce, Bureau o f t h e Census; Washington, D.C.
(1850-1972)
S t a t i s t i c a l A b s t r a c t of U n i t e d States:
1976; 1976; pg. 5.
(1978-1983) S t a t i s t i c a l A b s t r a c t o f t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s :
1983-1984; 1983; pg.

11.

Table 8-2.

Persons Reported Present on a Given Day D u r i n g t h e Year i n S t a t e and Federal P r i s o n s , J a i l s , and J u v e n i l e F a c i l i t i e s :
1880-1 983
S t a t e and Federal
Prisons and
I7eformatoriesa
T o t a l U.S.
Population
i n Thousands

Total

Per
100,000
Population

T o t a l Offenders i n
J a i l and Other
Local F a c i l i t i e s

Total

Per
100,000
Population

Sentenced Offenders
i n J a i l s and Other
Local F a c i l i t i e s

Total

Per
100,000
Population

Juvenile ~ a c i l i t i e s ~

Total

Per
100,000
Population

Notes:
A f t e r 1971, t h e LEAA r e p o r t s s p e c i f y t h a t t h e t o t a l s i n c l u d e o n l y those p r i s o n e r s w i t h sentences o f 1 year o r more. 

A l l f i g u r e s except 1933 i n c l u d e p r i v a t e j u v e n i l e c o r r e c t i o n a l f a c i l i t i e s , which r e c e i v e d c o u r t commitments. 

Ifthese 

F i g u r e i s for t o t a l number convicted.
Excludes 1,736 j u v e n i l e s i n j a i l s f o r whom c o n v i c t i o n s t a t u s was n o t given.
were i n c l u d e d as c o n v i c t e d , t h e number i n j a i l s becomes 115,720. 

Unavailable o r n o t y e t published. 

Not s e p a r a t e l y enumerated. 

Unsentenced inmates were n o t i n c l u d e d between 1904 and 1953. 

Not i n c l u d e d here are 4,879 p r i s o n e r s i n 1880 and 2,308 p r i s o n e r s i n 1890. These were i n c l u d e d i n Table 8-1, and were 

c a t e g o r i z e d as Leased Out by t h e census r e p o r t s . 

The 1904 r e p o r t excluded those persons i n c a r c e r a t e d f o r nonpayment o f a f i n e . 

The 1982 C h i l d r e n i n Custody Survey a c t u a l l y c o l l e c t e d data f o r February 1, 1983. 

Sources:
U.S. Department o f Commerce, Bureau o f Census; Washington, D.C.
(1880,1910)
P r i s o n e r s and J u v e n i l e Delinquents i n t h e U.S.:
1910; 1918: pgs. 15, 157.
(1923)
S t a t i s t i c a l Abstract o f t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s : 1925; 1926; pg. 70.
(1933)
S t a t i s t i c a l Abstract o f t h e U n i t e d States:
1935; 1935: pgs. 71, 74.
U.S. Census o f Population, 1940: S p e c i a l Reports, I n s t i t u t i o n a l i z e d P o p u l a t i o n Fourteen Years o f Age and O l d e r ;
(1940)
1943: pgs. 2, 3, 15. 

(1950)
U.S. Census P o p u l a t i o n 1950: S p e c i a l Reports, I n s t i t u t i o n a l Populations: 1953; pg. 2 c l l . 

(1960)
U.S. Census o f Population, 1960: Subject Reports, Inmates o f I n s t i t u t i o n s : 1963: pgs. 13, 14. 

(1970)
H i s t o r i c a l S t a t i s t i c s o f t h e U n i t e d States, C o l o n i a l Times t o 1970; 1976; pgs. 419-420. 

(1980)
1980 Census o f Population, Persons i n I n s t i t u t i o n s and Other Group Q u a r t e r s ; 1984; pgs. 78-110. 

U.S. Department o f J u s t i c e , Law Enforcement Assistance A d m i n i s t r a t i o n , N a t i o n a l C r i m i n a l J u s t i c e I n f o r m a t i o n and S t a t i s t i c s S e r v i c e ;
Washington, D.C. 

(1970)
N a t i o n a l J a i l Census: 1970; 1971: pgs. 10-11. 

(1972)
Survey o f Inmates o f Local J a i l s : 1972; 1974; Table B. 

(1972-1974) 	 Sourcebook o f C r i m i n a l J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s : 1976: 1977; pg. 686. 

(1974)
C h i l d r e n i n Custody: 1974; 1977; pg. 3 . 

U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , O f f i c e o f J u v e n i l e J u s t l c e and Delinquency Prevention; Washington, D.C. 

(1977,1979)
C h i l d r e n i n Custody: Advance Report on t h e 1979 Census o f P u b l i c J u v e n i l e F a c i l i t i e s ; 1980; Tables 1 , 2. 

C h i l d r e n i n Custody: Advance Report on the 1979 Census o f P r i v a t e J u v e n i l e F a c i l i t i e s ; Tables 1, 2. 

(1982) 	
Advance Report on t h e 1982 Census o f P u b l i c J u v e n i l e F a c i l i t i e s ; 1983; Table 4. 

Advance Report on t h e 1982 Census o f P r i v a t e J u v e n i l e F a c i l i t i e s ; 1984; Table 4. 

U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , Bureau o f J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s ; Washington, D.C. 

(1978,1982)
J a i l Inmates 1982: 1983; pgs. 1-2. 

(1978.1983) The 1983 J a i l Census: 1984: pq. 2. 

(1982)
P r i s o n e r s i n 1982; 1983; pg. i. 

(1983)
Bulletin:
P r i s o n e r s s t Midyear, 1983: 1983; Table 2, pg. 2 . 

Bureau o f J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s B u l l e t i n : The 1983 J a i l Census: 1984; pg. 6. 

Source f o r Population:
U.S.

Department o f Commerce, Bureau o f t h e Census: Washington, D.C.
(1880-1976) 	 S t a t i s t i c a l Abstract o f t h e U n i t e d States:
1976; 1976; pg. 5. 

(1977)
Current P o p u l a t i o n Reports, S e r i e s P.25; 1977; no. 706, pg. 2. 


Table 8-3.

Rate o f I n c a r c e r a t i o n per 100,000 P o p u l a t i o n i n the Age Categories Most Represented i n C o r r e c t i o n a l
1880-1982/83
Institutions:

U.S.
Population
Aged 15-19
(thousands)

U.S.
Population
Aged 20-44
(tbusands)

U.S.
Population
Aged 15-44
(thousands)

Percent o f
Population
Aged 15-44

A l l Classes
( A d u l t s and
Juveniles) :
Rate per
100,000
Aged 15-44

Sentenced
M u l t s and
kl1 J u v e n i l e s :
Rate per
100,000
Aged 1 5 4 4

Juveniles
Facilities:
Rate per
100,000
Aged 15-44

State and
Federal
Prisons and
Refomatorles
Rate per
lOU,OOO
Aged 20-44

Notes:
a. 	 The p o p u l a t i o n i n each of the age c a t e g o r i e s was estimated f o r 1974.
b. 	 Data not a v a i l a b l e .
c. 	 The 1982 j u v e n i l e d a t a a r e a c t u a l l y f r a n February 1983.

Sources:
U.S. 	 Oepartment o f the I n t e r i o r , Bureau o f Census; Washington, D.C.
(1850)
Compendium o f Seventh Census:
1850; 1854; Table CLXXVI.
(1880)
Report of Defective, Oeperdent, and Delinquent Classes o f t h e P o p u l a t i o n o f t h e U.S. as Returned a t the
Tenth Census:
1880; 1888; pg. 562.
U.S. 	 Department o f Commrce, Bureau o f Census; Washington, O.C.
(1860,1870)
Prisoners, 1923:
Crime C o n d i t i o n s i n t h e U.S. as R e f l e c t e d I n Census S t a t i s t i c s o f Imprisoned Offerders;
1926; Table 1.
(1880,1910)
P r i s o n e r s and J u v e n i l e D e l i n q u e n t s i n the U.S.:
1910; 1918; pgs. 15, 157.
(1923) 	
S t a t i s t i c a l A b s t r a c t o f t h e U n i t e d States:
1925; 1926; pg. 70.
(1933) 	
S t a t i s t i c a l A b s t r a c t o f the U n i t e d States:
1935; 1935; pga. 71, 74, 77.
(1940) 	
U.S. Census of Population, 1940:
Special Reports, I n s t i t u t i o n a l i z e d P o p u l a t i o n Fourteen Years o f Age and
Older; 	 1943; pgs. 2, 3, 15.
(1950) 	
U.S. Census P o p u l a t i o n 1950:
Special Reports, I n s t i t u t i o n a l P o p u l a t i o n ; 1953; pgs. 11, 19, 2c11.
(1960) 	
U.S. Census o f Population, 1960:
a b j e c t Reports, Inmates o f I n s t i t u t i o n s ; 1963; pgs. 4, 13.
(1970) 	
U.S. Census o f Pop ulation, 1970:
Subject Reports, Persons i n Institutions and Other Group Uuarters; 1973;
pg. 21.
(1970)
H i s t o r i c a l S t a t i s t i c s o f the U n i t e d States, C o l o n i a l Times t o 1970; 1976; pg. 15, 419-420.
(1980)
1980 Census o f Population, Persons i n I n s t i t u t i o n s and Other Group U u a r t e r s ; 1984; pgs. 7ti-110.
U.S. Department o f J u s t i c e , Law Enforcement Assistance A d m i n i s t r a t i o n , N a t i o n a l C r i m i n a l J u s t i c e I n f o r m a t i o n and Statistics
Service; Washington, D.C. 

(1970)
N a t i o n a l J a i l Census:
1970; 1971; pgs. 10-11. 

(1972)
Survey o f Inmates of Local J a i l s :
1972; 1974; Table 8. 

(1972)
Sourcebook o f C r i m i n a l J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s :
1974; 1975; pg. 434. 

(1972-1974) 	 Sourcebock o f C r i m i n a l J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s :
1976; 1977; pg. 686. 

(1974)
C h l l d r e n i n Custody:
1974; 1977; pg. 3. 

U.S. 	 Oepartment o f J u s t i c e , O f f i c e o f J u v e n i l e J u s t i c e and Delinquency Prevention; Washington, U.C.
(1977,1979)
C h i l d r e n i n Custody:
Advance Report on the 1979 Census o f t'ublic J u v e n i l e F a c i l i t i e s ; 1980; Tables 1, 2.
C h i l d r e n i n Custody:
Mvance Report on t h e 1979 Census o f P r l v a t e J u v e n i l e F a c i l i t i e s ; Tables 1, 2.
(1982) 	
Advance Report on the 1982 Census o f P u b l i c J u v e n i l e F a c i l i t i e s ; 1983; Table 4. 

Advance Report on the 1982 Census o f P r i v a t e J u v e n i l e F a c i l i t i e s ; 1984; Table 4. 

U.S. 	 Oepartment o f J u s t i c e , Bureau o f J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s ; Washington, D.C. 

(1978,1982)
J a i l Inmates 1982; 1983; pgs. 1-2. 

(1978,1983)
The 1983 J a i l Census; 1984; pg. 2. 

Prisoners i n 1982; 1983; pg. 2. 

(1982)
Pulletin:
Prisoners a t Midyear, 1983; 1983; Table 2, pg. 2. 

(1983)
Bureau o f J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s B u l l e t i n :
The 1983 J a i l Census; 1984; pg. 6. 

Source 	 f o r Population:
U.S. 	 Oepartment of Commrce, Bureau o f t h e Census; Washington, O.C. 

1976; 1976; pgs. 5, 6. 

(1850-1976)
S t a t i s t i c a l A b s t r a c t o f t h e U n i t e d States:
1983-1984; 1983; pg. 11. 

(1978-1982)
S t a t i s t i c a l A b s t r a c t o f the U n i t e d States:

T a b l e 8-4.

Combined T o t a l s of P e r s o n s P r e s e n t i n L o c a l ( J a i l s ) , S t a t e , and F e d e r a l C o r r e c t i o n a l F a c i l i t i e s by
S t a t e : 1880, 1890, 1950-1983

United S t a t e s

1880
Census

1890
Census

1950
Census

1960
Census

1970
Census

1970
LEAA

58,609

82,330

264,567

346,015

328,021

337,329

1978~
BJS
465,553

1980
Census
466,371

1983~
BJS
655,380

Northeast
Maine
New Hampshire
Vermont
Massachusetts
Rhode I s l a n d
Connecticut
New York
New J e r s e y
Pennsylvania
North C e n t r a l
Ohio
Indiana
Illinois
Michigan
Wisconsin
Minnesota
Iowa
Missouri
N o r t h Dakota
S o u t h Dakota
Nebraska
Kansas
South
Delaware
Maryland
D i s t r i c t o f Columbia
Virginia
West V i r g i n i a
North C a r o l i n a
South C a r o l i n a
Georgia
Florida
Kentucky
Tennessee
Alabama
Mississippi
Arkansas
Louisiana
Oklahoma
Texas
West
Montana
Idaho
Wyoming
Colorado
New Mexico
Arizona
Utah
Nevada
Washington
Oregon
California
Alaska
Hawaii
Notes:

a.
b.
c.

Not s e p a r a t e l y enumerated. T o t a l f o r Dakota T e r r i t o r y was 60 i n 1880.
Total includes Federal prisoners; individual S t a t e s exclude Federal prisoners.
D a t a n o t c l e a r l y o b t a i n e d . T o t a l r e p o r t e d was 7 , 8 1 8 .

Sources:
U.S. 	 Oepartment o f Commerce, Bureau o f t h e Census; Washington, D.C.
(1880,1890) P r i s o n e r s and J u v e n i l e D e l i n q u e n t s i n t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s : 1910; 1918; pg. 16.
(1940)
S i x t e e n t h Census o f t h e United S t a t e s : 1940, P o p u l a t i o n ; 1943; pgs. 32-129.
(1950)
1950 United S t a t e s Census o f P o p u l a t i o n , I n s t i t u t i o n a l P o p u l a t i o n ; 1953, pgs.
(1960)
United S t a t e s Census o f P o p u l a t i o n 1960: I n m a t e s o f I n s t i t u t i o n s ; 1963; pgs.
(1970)
1970 Census o f P o p u l a t i o n , P e r s o n s i n I n s t i t u t i o n s and O t h e r Group Q u a r t e r s ;
78-94.
(1980)
1980 Census o f P o p u l a t i o n , P e r s o n s i n I n s t i t u t i o n s and O t h e r Group Q u a r t e r s ;
78-1
..
. In.
..

2C-72 t o 2C-79.
67-82.
1973; pgs. 74-77,
1984, pgs. 73-76,

U.S. 	 Oepartment o f J u s t i c e , Law Enforcement A s s i s t a n c e A d m i n i s t r a t i o n , N a t i o n a l C r i m i n a l J u s t i c e I n f o r m a t i o n
and S t a t i s t i c s S e r v i c e ; Washington, O.C.
(1970)
Sourcebook o f C r i m i n a l J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s : 1973; 1973; pg. 351.
U.S. 	 Oepartment of J u s t i c e , Bureau of J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s ; Washington, D.C.
(1978)
Sourcebook o f C r i m i n a l J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s : 1980; 1981 ; pg. 493, 495.
U.S. 	 Department of J u s t i c e , Bureau of J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s B u l l e t i n ; Washington, O.C.
(1978,1983) The 1983 J a i l Census; 1984; pg. 2 .
(1980)
P r i s o n e r s i n 1980; 1981; pg. 2.
(1983)
P r i s o n e r s a t Midyear 1983; 1983; pg. 2.

Table 8-5.

Combined T o t a l s of R a t e s per 100,000 P e r s o n s P r e s e n t i n L o c a l , S t a t e , and F e d e r a l Correctional
Facilities by S t a t e : 1880, 1890, 1950-1983
1880
Census

1890
Census

1950
Census

1960
Census

1970
Census

1970
LEAA

1978
BJS

1980
Census

1983~
8JS

Unlted S t a t e s

117

131

175

193

161

166

21 0

206

283

Northeast
Maine
New Hampshire
Vermont
Massachusetts
Rhode I s l a n d
Connecticut
New York
Neb J e r s e y
Pennsylvania

143
62

162
77

138
120

141
123

115
73

122
76

135
93

149
96

201
141

135
215
102
63
112
63
117
100
85
136
107

144
215
121
59
126
103
160
170
114
139
166

238
135
352
235
252
190
283
292
189
142
201

232
161
379
219
280
251
407
278
181
153
260

21 1
166
243
132
21 3
196
31 5
238
175
171
164

202
61 4
173
117
168
232
174
274
172
175
198

273
634
278
117
280
321
372
348
153
233
274

258
223
274
152
348
291
356
31 0
21 1
229
205

382
d
292
133
331
388
457
408
21 4
322
350

North C e n t r a l
Ohio
Indiana
Illinols
Michiosn
Wlsconsln
Minnesota
Iowa
Missouri
North Dakota
South Dakota
Nebraska
Kansas
South
Delaware
Maryland
D i s t r i c t of Columbia
Virginia
West V i r o i n l a
North c a r o l i n a
South C a r o l i n a
Georois
Florida
Kentucky
Tennessee
Alabama
Mississippi
Arkansas
Louisiana
Oklahoma
Texas
West
Montana
Idaho
Wyoming
Colorado
New Mexico
Arizona
Utah
Nevada
Washington
Oregon
California
Alaska
Hawaii
Notes:

8.

b.
c.
d.

Not s e p a r a t e l y enumerated. Total f o r Dakota Territory: 44.
Calculation based on 1982 p r e l l m l n a r y population.
S t a t i s t i c s n o t available f o r calculation o r d a t a not o b t a i n e d .
For 1983, t h e r a t e f o r O l s t r l c t of Columbla would be 1 , 1 3 8 based on r e p o r t e d t o t a l .

Sources:
U.S. 	 Department of Commerce, Bureau o f t h e Census; Washington, O.C.
(1880,1890) P r i s o n e r and J u v e n i l e Delinquents i n t h e United S t a t e s : 1910; 1918; pg. 16.
(1940)
Sixteenth Census o f t h e Unlted S t a t e s : 1940, P o p u l a t i o n ; 1943; pgs. 32-129.
(1950)
1950 United S t a t e s Census of P o p u l a t i o n , I n s t i t u t i o n a l P o p u l a t i o n ; 1953; pgs.
(1960)
United S t a t e s Census of P o p u l a t i o n 1960: Inmates of I n s t l t u t l o n s ; 1963; pgs.
(1970)
1970 Census of P o p u l a t i o n , P e r s o n s 11 I n s t i t u t i o n s and Other Group Q u a r t e r s ;
78-94.
(1980)
1980 Census o f P o p u l a t i o n , P e r s o n s I n I n s t i t u t i o n s and Other Group Q u a r t e r s ;
7. -~ -. ? i n

2C-72 t o 2C-79.
67-82.
1973; pgs. 74-77,
1984, pgs. 73-76,

U.S. 	 Department of J u s t i c e , Law Enforcement A s s i s t a n c e A d m i n i s t r a t i o n , N a t l o n a l C r i m l n a l J u s t i c e I n f o r m a t i o n
and S t a t i s t i c s S e r v i c e ; Washington, O.C.
(1970)
Sourcebook of Criminal J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s : 1973; 1973; pg. 351.
U.S. 	 Department of J u s t l c e , Bureau o f J u s t l c e S t a t l s t i c s ; Washington, D.C. 

(1978)
Sourcebook of C r l m i n a l J u s t i c e Statistics: 1980:, 1981:, oo.
, = 493., 495. 

U.S. 	 Department of J u s t l c e , Bureau o f J u s t l c e S t a t l s t i c s B u l l e t i n ; Washington, D.C. 

(1978,1983) The 1983 J a i l Census; 1984; pg. 2. 

(1980)
P r i s o n e r s i n 1980; 1981; pg. 2. 

(1983)
P r i s o n e r s a t Midyear 1983; 1983; pg. 2. 

S o u r c e s f o r P o p u l a t i o n used t o c a l c u l a t e r a t e s :
U.S. 	 Department of Commerce, Bureau of t h e Census; Washington, D.C. 

H i s t o r i c a l S t a t i s t i c s of t h e United S t a t e s . C o l o n i a l Times t o 1970: 1976. 

Statistical A b s t r a c t of t h e United S t a t e s : 1982-83; 1982; pg. 32. 

S t a t i s t i c a l A b s t r a c t of t h e United S t a t e s : 1983-1984; 1983, pg. 11 


1923 Census, but it is unclear whether or
not this undercounting also occurred in
1910.
In 1917 and in 1922 special inquiries were
made by the Census Bureau in preparation
for the census of 1923. The 1917 and 1922
reports were published in a small bulletin
not regularly catalogued. Unlike the actual
census of 1923, this report included persons
not under sentence in jails and lockups and
included police stations. Returns for 19 17
were not as extensive as those for 1922, but
adjusted comparisons were made in the
bulletin. These tables indicate that there
were also declines reported between 1917
and 1922 in jails. These were attributed to
probation use and the reduction in draft
evaders present in jails by 1922. Table 8-6
summarizes the totals reported present and
the number of institutions in the 1922
preliminary Census report compared to the
1910 and 1923 published Census reports.
Since the 1922 reports included unsentenced
persons present and did not give complete
breakdowns on adjudication status, direct
comparisons are not possible.
Some
estimates have been made of the resulting
differences; these are included in Table 8-6.
Table 8-6 shows that the 1922 survey
included more institutions than did the 1910
or 1923 regular Census surveys.
Most
notably, all police stations and chain gangs
were included. The 1922 report included
some 6,439 total institutions, almost twice as
many as those in the 1910 and 1923 reports.
Of these, 107 were State and Federal
prisons, 296 were chain gangs, and 24 were
institutions operated by private charitable
groups for women. The rest (6,012) were
city or county jails and police stations; of
these, 1,960 reported prisoners on the day
of the inquiry and 253 did not respond
(these were thought to have had no
prisoners). The 1923 report which limited
itself to only sentenced prisoners included
3,571 institutions, far fewer than did the
1922 report; however, more facilities were
included in 1923 than in 1910.

A comparison of the total number of jails
canvassed in 1923 and 1910 indicates that
the 1923 report included 379 more jails than
did the 1910 report, but 750 of the jails in
1923 were classified as nonreporting. The
1923 report indicated that these were
thought to contain few, if any more,
prisoners.
The 1910 report does not
indicate the number of nonreporting jails.

Because 1923 counted only those under
sentence, estimates of those under sentence
for 1922 must be made in order to achieve
comparable figures.
The 1922 report
provides some information on the number
of sentenced persons in county jails (54
percent of the total) but does not provide
information on the number sentenced in city
jails and police station lockups. The report
does indicate that the percent of sentenced
prisoners was thought to be lower in police
stations. Based upon the number sentenced
in county jails, Table 8-6 includes some
estimates for the total sentenced in 1922.
These comparisons indicate that the 1923
census reported
about
20,000 fewer
sentenced prisoners than the estimated
number for 1922. The estimated rate of
sentenced prisoners was about 118 to 122
per 100,000 population for 1922, about the
same as that reported f o r 1910.
Thus, it is probable that the 1923 report had
undercounts of about 20,000 jail inmates. It
is not clear, however, whether the 1910
report may have had a similar degree of
undercounting, since the 1923 report
included more facilities than did the 1910
report.
Hence, there may have been a
decline in the period in rate per 100,000
population, while both 1910 and 1923
underreported jail inmates. It may be that
both the 1910 and 1923 regular Census
reports excluded a certain number of local
facilities
holding
mostly
unsentenced
prisoners, and also a number of those under
minor sentence.
In summary, it appears that the 1910 and
1923 Census may have undercounted the
number of sentenced prisoners if the 1922

report is to be accepted.
Without
examination of institution by institution
reports for each year and more information
on the number of sentenced prisoners in
municipal jails, any conclusion is tentative.
Military Prisoners
The Census of 1880 reported a total of 468
prisoners present in military prisons.
Reports after 1890 until 1933 did not
include military prisons. In 1933 the Census
Bureau series "Prisoners in State and Federal
Prisons and Reformatories" began to include
a number of tables on military prisons.
This practice was continued until 1946.
Appendix C includes several tables from
these reports, as well as more recent tables
taken from the American Correctional
Association and from the Sourcebook of
Criminal Justice Statistics.
In 1933 the total present in army and naval
prisons was recorded as 421, and in 1940,
the total was 486. During the war years this
total increased, so that by 1945 the total was
32,253. In commenting on this increase, the
Census Bureau noted that although the
civilian prison population had declined over
the period of the war, the total present in
civilian and military prisons actually
increased by 2 percent.
The report
indicated that most of those present in the
military prisons were there for military
violations and
not
civilian offenses;
therefore, it was true that the number
present for civilian offenses had declined
over the period (Census Bureau, "Prisoners
in State and Federal Prisons, 1946;" p.103).
More recent data indicate that the total
present in army facilities (not including
other branches) was 4,266 in 1973 during
the Viet Nam War.
By 1982 the total
present in army facilities had declined to
2,655. By the early 1980's the total present
in all military facilities was about 4,771 (see
Appendix C).

Relative Use
Table 4-4 in the chapter on jails has
presented a comparison of the relative use
of jails, and State and Federal prisons. This
comparison indicates that jails currently
house about one-third of those present in
adult correctional facilities on a given day.
This proportion has declined only slightly
since 1880. In 1880, it was reported that 39
percent of the total were in jails. In 1980,
the corresponding proportion was 34
percent. However, a larger proportion of
those presently in jails are awaiting
disposition than was the case in earlier
decades (see Table 4-4).
Offense Distribution
In the years 1880 and 1910 it was possible
to obtain the distribution of offenses only
for the combined totals of jails and prisons.
Table 8-7 presents this information along
with the combined total distribution of
offense for 1923 and a distribution obtained
for 1972 by combining separate State,
Federal, and jail reports for this year.
These data demonstrate
the
relative
consistency of the distribution of offenses
over the period. The major changes were
the growth in robbery (and corresponding
decline in larceny) and drug offenses. To
some extent the growth in robbery is related
to changes in legal classification (see
Chapter 111).
Table 8-8 presents the distribution of
offenses for all adults committed under
sentence during the years 1910 and 1923.
(Recent data on offenses of jail prisoners
received, which could be combined with
State and Federal distributions, were not
located.) In 1923, of the total number of
prisoners received in State and Federal
prisons and jails under sentence, 75 percent
were received for morals/order charges.
Given the similarity of the 1923 distribution
for those present with more recent
distributions, it can be expected that the
current distribution of those received would
not be too dissimilar.

T a b l e 8-7. 	

P e r c e n t a g e D i s t r i b u t i o n o f O f f e n s e s R e p o r t e d f o r J a i l , S t a t e , a n d F e d e r a l I n m a t e s P r e s e n t o n a G i v e n Day
D u r i n g t h e Year: S e l e c t e d Years 1880-1972/7ja

Category and Offense

Offenses of
A l l Inmgtes
1880

Principal
Offenses of
Sentenced
Inmates
191 0

Offenses of
Sentenced
Inmates
1923

Mast 5 e r l o u s
Offense of
Sentenced
Inmates
1972/73'

Pbst S e r l o u s
Offense of
A i l Inmates
1972/7jc

Person
Homlclde, P4anslaughterd
Assault

ape^

Otherf
Total
Property
Robbery
Embezzlement,
Forgery, ~ r a u d ' 

Burglary 

A l l Larceny 

Arson 

Stolen Property 

Total
Morals, Order,
Goverrment C h a r g e s
Other Sex-Related Crlmes
Liquor-Law V l o l a t l o n s
kunkenness
D i s o r d e r l y Conduct
Vagrancy
h u g - L a w Violations
Gambling
Traffic violatlonsh
Malicious Mischlef
C a r r y i n g a n d Possessing
L apo n s 

bnsupprt 

Revenue-Related O f f e n s e s 

M i l i t a r y Crimes. 

Custody c h a r g e s 1 

National Security 

Violations 

Crimes R e l a t e d t o 

t h e Admln. o f ~ 0 v t . j 

Total
otherk
Total Reported
Unknown o r U n c l e a r
--

-

Notes:
a . 	 The f i g u r e s l n c l u d e i n m a t e s I n a l l l o c a l , S t a t e and F e d e r a l correctional l n s t l t u t l o n s , e x c e p t juveniles and
o f f e n d e r s i n m l l i t a r y p r l s o n s and m e n t a l h o s p i t a l s .
In 1 9 7 3 , r e p o r t s o f o f f e n s e d i s t r l b u t l o n w l t h l n S t a t e
p r l s o n s i n c l u d e d o n l y t h o s e prisoners whose s e n t e n c e s w e r e a t l e a s t 1 y e a r .
tlecause of r o u n d i n g , f l g u r e s d o
n o t always t o t a l 1 0 0 p e r c e n t .
b. 	 Eleven p e r c e n t o f t h e t o t a l w e r e c l a s s l f l e d a s a w a l t l n g t r l a l .
c . 	 R e c e n t s u r v e y s o f l n m a t e s I n t h e l o c a l , S t a t e , a n d F e d e r a l f a c l l l t l e s h a v e b e e n c o n d u c t e d ~ n d e p e n d e n t l y . The
m s t r e c e n t j a i l s u r v e y was c a n p l e t e d I n 1 9 7 2 . T h l s h a s b e e n c m b l n e d w l t h a F e d e r a l r e p o r t f o r t h e same y e a r
and w i t h t h e c l o s e s t s u r v e y o f s t a t e i n s t l t u t l o n s , I n 1 9 7 3 . Those f l g u r e s marked "p" w e r e n o t categorized
The " O t h e r " c a t e g o r y may c o n t a l n a p e r c e n t a g e o f t h e s e o f f e n s e t y p e s .
s e p a r a t e l y by a l l t h r e e s u r v e y s .
d . 	 In t h e 1 9 7 2 j a l l s u r v e y , kidnapping 1s g r o u p e d w i t h h o m l c l d e .
e. 	 Includes s t a t u t o r y rape.
f . 	 I n c l u d e s k i d n a p p l n y and s e x u a l a s s a u l t o t h e r t h a n r a p e .
g. 	 Extortion and c o u n t e r f e l t l n g a r e a l s o l n c l u d e d i n t h l s c a t e g o r y .
h. 	 U s u a l l y d r i v i n g u n d e r t h e influence o f a l c o h o l .
1. 	 I n c l u d e s e s c a p e , h a r b o r i n g a c r i m i n a l , a n d p a r o l e v i o l a t i o n s .
J . 	 I n c l u d e s u n l a w f u l ~ m m i g r a t l o n ,p e r j u r y , c o n t e m p t , and r e l a t e d o f f e n s e s .
k. 	 V a r i e s i n c o n t e n t b e c a u s e of c h a n g e s i n categorization d e t a l l , b u t is l a r g e l y restricted t o t h o s e o f f e n s e s
mounting t o l e s s than 1 percent of the t o t a l .
S u r v e y s I n 1 9 1 0 a n d 1 9 7 2 - 7 3 p r o v l d e d much l e s s d e t a i l d e s c r l b i n y
t h e s p e c i f i c c r i m e s t h a n d l d t h o s e I n 1 8 8 0 o r 1 9 2 3 ; h e n c e t h l s c a t e g o r y 1s much l a r g e r I n t h e f o r m e r c a s e s .
m. 	 Not s p e c i f i e d .
n. 	 In 1 9 1 0 , d i s o r d e r l y c o n d u c t 1s c a n b i n e d w l t h t h e f l g u r e s u n d e r t h e c a t e g o r y e n t l t l e d " d r u n k e n n e s s . "
In 

1972-73, v a g r a n c y a n d d r u n k e n n e s s a r e c a n b i n e d . 

p. 	 S e e f o o t n o t e "C".
Sources:
U.S. 	 D e p a r t m e n t o f t h e I n t e r l o r , C e n s u s O f f l c e ; W a s h l n g t o n , D.C.
(1880) 	
R e p o r t o n t h e Defective, D e p e n d e n t , a n d D e l i n q u e n t C l a s s e s o f t h e Population o f t h e U n l t e d
S t a t e s , a s Returned a t t h e Tenth Census:
1 8 8 0 ; 1888; p g s . 504-510.
U.S. 	 D e p a r t m e n t o f C o m w r c e , Bureau o f C e n s u s ; W a s h l n g t o n , U.C. 

(1910, 1 9 2 3 ) P r i s o n e r s 1 9 2 3 ; 1926; p g s . 198-199. 

U.S. 	 D e p a r t m e n t a f J u s t i c e , Bureau o f P r l s o n s , N a t i o n a l P r l s o n e r statistics; W a s h l n g t o n , D.C. 

(1972)
S t a t i s t i c a l R e p o r t , F l s c a l Y e a r s 1971 a n d 1 9 7 2 ; 1 9 7 4 ; pg. 5 6 . 

U.S. D e p a r t m e n t o f J u s t i c e , Law E n f o r c e m e n t Assistance A d m l n l s t r a t l o n , N a t l o n a l C r l m l n a l Information and
Statistics 	S e r v i c e ; W a s h l n g t o n , D.C. 

(1972)
Survey o f I n m a t e s o f Local J a l l s : 1972; 1973; pg. 17. 

(1973)
Census o f P r i s o n e r s I n S t a t e C o r r e c t i o n a l F a c l l l t l e s :
1 9 7 3 ; 1 9 7 7 ; p g s . ZU-216. 


Table 8-8.

Percentage D i s t r i b u t i o n o f O f f e n s e s Reported f o r J a i l , S t a t e , and F e d e r a l
Inmates Received:

1910, 1923

Category and O f f e n s e

O f f e n s e o f Sentenced
A d u l t s Received
On A l l L e v e l s :
1910

Offense o f Sentenced
A d u l t s Received
On A l l L e v e l s :
1923~

Person
Homicide, Manslaughter
Assault
Rape
Total 	

5.7

Property
Robbery
Embezzlement, F o r g e r y , Fraud
Burglary
A l l Larceny
Total 	
Morals, Order, Government Charges
Other S e x - r e l a t e d Crimes
Liquor-law V i o l a t i o n s
Drunkenness, Vagrancy, D i s o r d e r l y Conduct
Drug-law V i o l a t i o n s
Traffic Violations
C a r r y i n g and Possessing Weapons
Nonsupport
C i t y Ordinance V i o l a t i o n s
Malicious Mischief
Gambling
Total 	
Other 	

12.8

1.3
1.6
66.6
0.1
b
1.4
0.6
1 .I
2.1
1.5
76.3
5.2

T o t a l Reported
Not Reported

Notes:
a. 	 The j a i l survey f o r t h i s year was based on r e p o r t s r e c e i v e d f o r t h e f i r s t 6 months
o f t h e year; t h e y e a r ' s f i g u r e s were t h e n e s t i m a t e d b y t h e Census Bureau.
b. 	 Not enumerated.
Sources:
U.S. 	 Department o f Commerce, Bureau o f Census; Washington, D.C.
(1910, 1923) P r i s o n e r s 1923; 1926; T a b l e 14.
P r i s o n e r s i n J a i l s and Other Penal I n s t i t u t i o n s
County and C i t y J a i l s :
(1933) 	
under County o r M u n i c i p a l J u r i s d i c t i o n 1933; 1935; Table 35.

Characteristics

Table 8-9 is a summary of information in
the 1890 Census report on the characteristics
of persons present in prisons and jails.

APPENDIX A 

SUMMARY OF INSTITUTIONALIZATION RATES 

AS REPORTED BY THE CENSUS BUREAU 


APPENDIX A
SUMMARY OF INSTITUTIONALIZATION
RATES AS REPORTED BY THE CENSUS
BUREAU
The tables in this appendix summarize
Census Bureau data on the number of
persons present in institutions since 1850,
when the first counts were made, up to
1980. Examination of these tables places
into context the changes that occurred in
prison populations over the same period.
These reports indicate
that, of
all
institutions, only correctional facilities and
homes for the aged are currently undergoing
increases.
Data Sources
In addition to data on prisons, the Census
Bureau collected counts of persons present
in
other
forms
of
institutions
at
approximately 10-year intervals. As is the
case with prisons, data prior to 1880 are
viewed as incomplete. Since 1880, reporting
methods and inclusiveness also varied, and
there are significant problems with data
comparability.
However, this source,
despite problems, represents the only
national information spanning the period.
Attempts have been made to note all
significant variations, and in certain years
estimates are made of omissions, based on
other information.
These are noted as
estimates in the tables.
In presenting the data, the time span was
divided into three periods:
1850- 1890,
1904- 1933, and 1940- 1980. These represent
three different periods in the way the data
were reported (see Chapter I).

Table A-1 presents the number and rate per
100,000 reported present in institutions for
the 1850 to 1890 censuses. Prior to 1880, the
only two forms of institutionalization
reported were almshouses and prisons.
While these two categories probably

constituted the largest percent of those in
institutional quarters, it is well known that
other types of institutions existed. About
20 mental asylums were in existence by
1850, and the first public facility for
juvenile delinquents was established in 1825
in New York. Later Census takers have
noted that the 1850 report probably overestimates the number in almshouses due to
inclusion of some outdoor paupers and
underreports the number in prisons and
houses of correction due to omissions.
As was the case with prisons, the first year
that reports are considered comparable to
later years was 1880. In this year, extensive
reports were taken of those in almshouses,
prisons and reformatories, mental hospitals,
schools for juvenile delinquents, homes/
schools for the mentally handicapped, and
schools/homes f o r the deaf and blind. The
1890 report added the category of other
"benevolent institutions," largely consisting
of homes for the aged and chronically ill.
The period can be characterized by
increases not only in prisons but also in
mental hospitals and other forms of
specialized institutions and by declines in
almshouses. In this period the number of
mental hospitals increased from 20 in 1850
to 162 in 1890. Nevertheless, in 1890 a
large portion of those in almshouses were
still classified as mentally ill or physically
ill. Of the total reported in almshouses i n
1890, 23 percent were listed as insane, 5
percent blind, 1 1 percent feeble-minded, 13
percent crippled, and 18 percent had some
other disability. More than half were over
50 years old.
Commenting on the trends observable from
1850 to 1890, the census reporters noted
that the growth in prisons was offset by the
decline in almshouses. However, they noted
that the increase in the population of other
charitable
institutions
(not
previously
included) was known to have been, "rapid,
absolutely and relatively," (Bureau of
Census, "Crime, Pauperism and Benevolence
at the Eleventh Census of the United
States," 1895; p. 11).

Table A-I.

Number and Rate o f I n s t i t u t i o n a l i z e d Persons as Counted by U.S.

Census:

1850-1890

C o r r e c t i o n s ( J a i l s , State, Federal)
Number
Rate p e r 100,000
Rate p e r 100,000 20 t o 44
T r a i n i n g School f o r J u v e n i l e
D e l i n q u e n t s / D e t e n t i o n Centers
Number
Rate per 100,000
Rate per 100,000 Aged 15 t o 19
Almshouses (Paupers)
Number
Rate per 100,000
M e n t a l H o s p i t a l s and Residential
Treatment Centers
Number
Rate p e r 100,000
Homes and Schools f o r M e n t a l l y
Handicapped
Number
Rate per 100,000
Homes f o r Dependent/Neglected
Children
Number
Rate per 100,000
Homes/Schools f o r B l i n d and Deaf
Number
Rate per 100,000
Other Benevolent I n s t i t u t i o n s /
Hospitals
Number
Rate p e r 100,000
Total
Number
Rate per 100,000

Notes:
a.	 Censuses o f p r i s o n e r s b e f o r e 1880 were g e n e r a l l y t h o u g h t t o be i n c m p l e t e by t h o s e w o r k i n g
on subsequent r e p o r t s .
b. 	 Not s e p a r a t e l y enumerated.
c. 	 P r i o r t o 1880, census acccunts t r i e d t o r e p o r t t h e t o t a l number o f " i n s a n e " i n t h e populat i o n , b u t d i d n o t n o t e the number i n s p e c i a l i n s t i t u t i o n s .
I n 1850, o n l y 20 s p e c i a l i n s t l t u t i o n s were i n e x i s t e n c e ; by 189U, t h e r e were 162 r e p o r t e d .
I n 1850, t h e census r e p o r t e d
a t o t a l o f 15,610 i n s a n e persons; i n 1860, 24,042; i n 1870, 37,432 and i n 1880, 91,997 o f
vhom 45 p e r c e n t were i n i n s t l t u t l o n s f o r t h e insane.
Another percentage o f t h e "insane"
were i n almshouses.
d. 	 P r i o r t o 1880, census acccunts t r i e d t o r e p o r t t h e t o t a l number o f " i d l o t s " i n t h e p p u l a t i o n b u t d i d n o t n o t e the number i n s p e c i a l i n s t i t u t i o n s .
P r i o r t o 1900, a l m o s t a l l i n
t h i s g r w p who were i n i n s t i t u t i o n s were i n almshouses.
I n 1890, t h e r e were 2 4 i n s t i t u t i o n s r e p o r t e d ; i n 1910, t h e r e were 63.
The 1850 census r e p o r t e d 15,787 " i d i o t s " ; 1860
r e p o r t e d 18,930, 1870 r e p o r t e d 24,527, and 1880 r e p o r t e d 76,895 o f whom 3 p e r c e n t were i n
s p e c i a l schools o r homes.
e. 	 The 1890 census i s t h e f i r s t t o r e p o r t t h e number o f dependent c h i l d r e n i n s p e c i a l homes.
The 1880 census r e p o r t s t h e number o f homeless c h i l d r e n b u t does n o t c l a r i f y where t h e s e
c h i l d r e n were t o be found; 9,486 have been s h t r a c t e d frm t h e t o t a l o f 54,883 homeless
c h i l d r e n r e p o r t e d because t h i s i s t h e number under 16 i n almshouses f o r t h e same year.
f. 	 Some o f t h e e a r l i e s t census c c u n t s a r e those o f t h e t o t a l deaf and b l i n d i n t h e p o p u l a t i o n ;
towever, s e p a r a t e i n s t i t u t i o n a l c o u n t s a r e a v a i l a b l e o n l y s p r a d l c a l l y .
I n 1850 t h e r e
were 19,597 d e a f and b l i n d r e p o r t e d ; i n 1880 t h e r e were 82,806 o f which 9 p e r c e n t were i n
schools/homes.
g. 	 Not enumerated.
Sources:
U.S.	 Department o f I n t e r i o r , Bureau o f Census; Washington, D.C.
(1850)
Compendium o f t h e Seventh Census:
1850; 1954.
(1860)
Compendium o f t h e E i g h t h Census:
1860; 1864.
(1870,1880)
Report on D e f e c t i v e , Dependent and D e l i n q u e n t Classes as Returned a t t h e
Tenth Census:
1880; 1888.
(1 890)
Crime, P a u p r i m and Benevolence a t t h e E l e v e n t h Census o f t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s :
1890, Vol. 11, P a r t 1; 1895.

Comparisons of the population of the
various institutions by national origin and
race was an abiding concern of census
takers in this period. There was a special
focus on the country of origin for foreignborn inmates. Summarizing the differences
between institutions, the 1890 census taker
notes:
In
other
words
the
benevolent
institutions absorb a large proportion
of the native white population; the
almshouses and hospitals for the
insane, a large proportion of foreign
born white population; and the prisons
a large proportion of the colored
population (Census Bureau, 1895; p.8).
Commenting on the differences in ages of
those in different forms of institutionalization, the Census report of 1890 noted:
"Crime is the experience of youth;
pauperism on the contrary is an experience
of old age." (Census Bureau, 1896; p. 284)

Table A-2 summarizes the numbers aild
rates reported per 100,000 total population
for the years 1904 to 1933. Since in these
years separate reports were completed for
the differing types of institutions, data were
combined from a number of reports. In
1933, only partial reports were completed,
and there is no information on the category
"benevolent institutions" as reported in
earlier censuses. The last year in which a
report was done on almshouses was 1923.
By the late 1930's, few if any of these
institutions were in operation.
Most of
almshouses were closed or converted to
homes for the aged, hospitals, or jails.
Correspondingly in this period, there was a
continued increase in mental hospitals and
homes for the mentally handicapped.
Homes for dependent and neglected children
increased slightly up to 1923 and by the
1933 report had begun a decline in rate per
100,000 total population that was to
continue into 1980. The Census reports

began to talk about deinstitutionalization of
children by 1904. The report in 1904 notes:
During the last decade there have been
marked changes in the methods of
dealing with juvenile delinquents, and
these changes have been in the
direction of noninstitutionalization in
the case of first offenders. (Bureau of
Census, 1907; p.227)
The reports on the children under
institutional care in 1923 and 1933 for the
first time reported the numbers in foster
care. In 1923, about 33 percent of the
children under care were in foster care. By
1933, the percent had increased somewhat to
about 42 percent.
As indicated in earlier chapters, information
on the number of jail inmates between 1904
and 1933 omits those not under sentence.
Estimates of the total number of persons
present as of the time of the count can be
made on the basis of the percent under
sentence in the years before and after this
period. Table A-2 in reporting prison and
jail data includes both the numbers reported
and estimates for the totals including
unsentenced inmates.
As discussed in
Chapter VIII, these figures indicate there
were increases up to 1910 in total
corrections population, a decline by 1923
(although 1923 may have had some
omissions), and large increases by 1933.

Table A-3 presents numbers and rates of
persons under care for the period 19401980. As indicated in previous chapters, in
1940, analysis of institutional population
data was done in connection with analysis
of the work force. For this reason, the
tables of the report include only those aged
14 years and older. T h e text of the report
published by the Census Bureau provides
indications of the numbers this policy
caused to be omitted, and these have been
included in the tables. Some estimates for
correctional and mental health facilities

Table A-2.

Number and Rate o f I n s t i t u t i o n a l i z e d Persons as Counted by U.S.

Correct ions
81 ,7 7za 

100.6 


Number as Reported
Rate p e r 100,000
E s t i m a t e o f Number i f 

Msentenced P r i s o n e r s
Included
Estimated Rate p e r 100,000
Rate p e r Age 20 t o 44

97,308 

118.4 

339.8 


T r a i n i n g School f o r J u v e n i l e
D e l i n q u e n t s / D e t e n t i o n Centers
Number
Rate per 100,000
Rate per 100,000 Aged 15 t o

2

23,034 

28.0 

303.0 


Almshouses (Paupers)
Number 

Rate per 100,000 

Nental Hospitals
Number 

Rate per 100,000 

Homes and Schools f o r M e n t a l l y
Handicapped
Number 

Rate per 100,000 

Homes f o r Dependent/
Neglected C h i l d r e n
Number 

Rate per 100,000 

Homes f o r A d u l t s o r A d u l t s and
Children
Number 

Rate per 100,000 

H o s p i t a l s and s a n i t a r i u m s g
Number 

Rate per 100,000 

I n s t i t u t i o n s f o r B l i n d and Deaf
Number 

Rate per 100,000 

Homes f o r Unwed Mothers
Number 

Rate per 100,000 

Total
Number
Rate per 100,000
Number E x c l u d i n g H o s p i t a l s
Rate per 100,000

649,80 7 

790.9 

578,380 

703.9 


Census:

1904-1933

Notes:
a. 	 R e p o r t s from 1 9 0 4 t o 1 9 3 3 d i d n o t c o u n t t h o s e i n j a i l s who w e r e
under sentence.
These
a r e i n c l u d e d i n r e p o r t s from 1880 and 1890 and a f t e r 1933. The 1 9 0 4 r e p o r t a l s o d i d n o t
i n c l u d e t h o s e i n p r i s o n f o r non-payment o f f i n e s .
b. 	 C o r r e c t i o n s f o r t h e o m i s s i o n of t h o s e n o t u n d e r s e n t e n c e c a n b e made b a s e d upon t h e p e r c e n t
These c o r r e c i n j a i l s who w e r e n o t s e n t e n c e d i n 1880 and 1890 a n d i n y e a r s a f t e r 1933.
t i o n s w e r e made and a r e i n c l u d e d i n t h e t a b l e .
c. 	 A l l y e a r s e x c e p t 1 9 3 3 i n c l u d e p h l i c and p r i v a t e f a c i l i t i e s .
Private f a c i l i t i e s are 

e x c l u d e d i n 1933. 

d. 	 A f t e r 1 9 2 3 , n o r e p o r t s w e r e d o n e o n a l m s h o u s e s .
By 1 9 2 3 , 7 5 p e r c e n t o f i n h a b i t a n t s w e r e
o v e r 50.
I n c r e a s i n g l y t h o s e w i t h p h y s i c a l o r m e n t a l a i l m e n t s and c h i l d r e n w e r e removed
from a l m h o u s e s , s o t h a t t h e y became p r e c u r s o r s o f c u r r e n t homes f o r aged.
e. 	 I n c l u d e s s e p a r a t e f a c i l i t i e s f o r e p i l e p t i c s .
In 1923, t h e r e were 8,777 r e p o r t e d i n m a t e s
in special f a c i l i t i e s for epileptics.
f . 	 I n 1904, t h i s c a t e g o r y was r e p o r t e d t o i n c l u d e homes f o r aged w i t h and w i t h o u t means,
p e r s o n s a f f l i c t e d w i t h i n c u r a b l e d i s e a s e s and o t h e r w i s e d i s a b l e d .
Some w e r e s p e c i a l i z e d ,
others not.
Also i n c l u d e d unemployed, t e m p o r a r y s h e l t e r s , f a m i l i e s , w a y f a r e r s .
These
i n s t i t u t i o n s w e r e d i s t i n c t from p o o r h o u s e s .
A t t e m p t s were made t o e x c l u d e p l a c e s o p e r a t e d
for profit.
g. 	 T h i s i n c l u d e d p r i m a r i l y h o s p i t a l s which w e r e o p e n t o g i v e t r e a t m e n t t o all r e g a r d l e s s o f
m a n s t o pay.
In 1 9 2 3 , t h e r e p o r t o n h o s p i t a l s c o n c e n t r a t e d on t r e a t m e n t e p i s o d e s and d i d
n o t g i v e number p r e s e n t o n g i v e n day.
h. 	 S e p a r a t e l y r e p o r t e d f o r f i r s t t i m e .
C o n t i n u e s i n t o 1980 Census.
Listed a s reason f o r
e n t r a n c e i n t o p o o r h o u s e s i n some y e a r s p r i o r t o t h i s .
i. 	An a d d i t i o n a l 1 0 2 , 5 7 7 w e r e r e p o r t e d i n f o s t e r c a r e u n d e r s t a t e s u p e r v i s i o n i n 1933. I n
1923, t h e number i n f o s t e r c a r e was 78,211.
j. 	 Not e n u m e r a t e d .
Sources:
U.S. D e p a r t m e n t o f Commerce, Bureau o f C e n s u s ; Washington, D.C.
(1904) 	 P a u p e r s i n Almshouses:
1904; 1905.
B e n e v o l e n t I n s t i t u t i o n s : 1904; 1905.
P r i s o n e r s and J u v e n i l e D e l i n q u e n t s : 1 9 0 4 ; 1907.
I n s a n e and Feeble-Minded i n I n s t i t u t i o n s :
1904; 1906.
(191 0 ) 	 P a u p e r s i n Almshouses:
1910; 1918.
B e n e v o l e n t I n s t i t u t i o n s : 191 0 ; 1918.
P r i s o n e r s and J u v e n i l e D e l i n q u e n t s :
1910; 1918.
I n s a n e and Feeble-Minded i n I n s t i t u t i o n s :
1910; 1914.
(1 9 2 3 ) 	 C h i l d r e n Under I n s t i t u t i o n a l C a r e :
1923; 1927.
P a u p e r s i n Almshouses: 1923; 1926.
Prisoners:
1 9 2 3 ; 1926.
P a t i e n t s i n H o s p i t a l s f o r Mental Disease:
1923; 1927.
H o s p i t a l s and D i s p e n s a r i e s ; 1925.
Feeble-Minded and E p i l e p t i c s i n I n s t i t u t i o n s ; 1926.
(1933) 	 P a t i e n t s i n H o s p i t a l s f o r M e n t a l D i s e a s e :
1933; 1935. 

Mental D e f e c t i v e s and E p i l e p t i c s i n I n s t i t u t i o n s :
1933; 1935. 

C h i l d r e n Under I n s t i t u t i o n a l C a r e and I n F o s t e r Homes, 1 9 3 3 ; 1935. 

J u v e n i l e D e l i n q u e n t s i n P u b l i c I n s t i t u t i o n s ; 1936. 

P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and R e f o r m a t o r i e s , 1 9 3 3 ; 1937. 


T a b l e A-3.

Number and Rate o f Persons Under Care 1940-1980
1940a
( ~ n c l u d e sa
l a r g e amount
o f estlmated
data)

1950

1960

1970

1980

Number
Rate p e r 100,000
Rate p e r 100,000 aged 20-44

Number
Rate p e r 100,000
R a t e p e r 100,000 aged 15-19
Homes f o r Aged/Oependent
Number
Rate p e r 100,000
Rate p e r 100,000 aged 65 and o v e r
Mental Hospltals/Resldentlal

296,783
196.1
2418.9

469,717
261.9
2846.8

927,514
456.4
4684.4

1,426,371
629.7
5582.2

593,165~
447.8

613,628
405.5

630,046
351.3

433,890
213.5

255,284
112.8

lncluded
below

134,189
88.7

174,727
97.4

201,992
99.4

149,421
66.0

96,300
63.6

73,306
40.9

47,594
23.4

38,281
16.9

lncluded
below

3,135
2.1

3,497
2.0

4,209
2.1

1,623
.7

lncluded
below

117,374
77.6

131,776
73.5

106,771
52.5

95,392
42.1

Treatment

Number
Rate p e r 100,000
Homes/Schools

245,026~
184.9
2713.2

f o r M e n t a l l y Handicapped

Number
Rate p e r 100,000
Homes f o r Dependent/Neglected C h l l d r e n
Number
Rate p e r 100,000

150,000~
113.2

Homes f o r Unwed Mothers
Number
Rate p e r 100,000
Homes f o r C h r o n l c Disease/
Physically Handlcapped/TB
Number
Rate p e r 100,000
Other/Not

Reported

Number
Rate p e r 100,000
T o t a l Number
Rate p e r 100,OO

23,430~
17.7
1 ,328,79za
1003.1

1, 367d
.8
1,566,846
1035.4

1,886,967
1052.3

2,126,719
1046.6

2,492,157
1100.3

Notes:
a. 	 The 1940 census r e p o r t o n l n s t l t u t l o n a l population c o n t a l n s t a b l e s presenting r e s u l t s o n l y f o r t h o s e 14
y e a r s o f age o r o l d e r .
The t e x t , however, c o n t a l n s some m e n t l o n o f t h e number b e l o w age 14 f o r c e r t a l n
categories. Where possible, a d j u s t m e n t s t o t h e numbers r e p o r t e d have been made t o I n c l u d e t h o s e l e f t
out.
Based on t h e t e x t , 1,800 p e r s o n s were added t o t h e number I n m e n t a l hospitals and 150,000 were
l n c l u d e d a s t h e t o t a l I n Homes f o r Dependent and N e g l e c t e d C h l l d r e n . The t o t a l number l n j u v e n l l e
correctional f a c l l l t l e s was e s t l m a t e d by u t l l l z l n g Bureau o f P r l s o n d a t a f o r t h e same y e a r on t o t a l
I n S t a t e and F e d e r a l p r l s o n s and subtracting t h l s from t h e t o t a l r e p o r t e d excluding j a l l s .
b. 	 I n 1970, LEAA r e p o r t e d 160,863 I n jails and 196,429 I n S t a t e and F e d e r a l p r l s o n s .
T h l a t o t a l (357,292)
1s 29,272 more t h a n census r e p o r t s f o r t h e same year.
I t 1s uncertain as t o w h e t h e r LEAA s u r v e y s done
separately contalned d u p l l c a t l o n .
The 1980 estimates a r e a l s o somewhat l o w e r I n census d a t a t h a n BJS
r e p o r t s I n a s l m l l a r t l m e frame.
c. 	 I n 1940, r e p o r t s d l d n o t b r e a k o u t s e v e r a l c a t e g o r l ~ sl n c l u d e d I n subsequent r e p o r t s .
Excludes c h l l d r e n
under 14.
d. 	 O l a g n o s t l c and reception c e n t e r s I n 1960.
Sources:
U.S. 	 Department o f Commerce, Bureau o f Census; Washington, D.C.
(1940) U.S. Census o f P o o u l a t i o n , 1940:
S ~ e c l a lR e, v o r t s .. I n s t l t u t l o n a l l z e d P o o u l a t l o n , F o u r t e e n Years
o f Age and O l d e r ; 1943.
S p e c l a l R e p o r t s , I n s t l t u t l o n a l P o p u l a t l o n ; 1953.
(1950) U.S. Census o f P o p u l a t l o n , 1950:
(1960) U.S. Census o f P o p u l a t l o n , 1960:
S u b j e c t R e p o r t s , I n m a t e s o f I n s t l t u t l o n s ; 1963.
(1970) U.S. Census o f P o v u l a t l o n . 1970: S u b i e c t R e o o r t s . Persons I n I n s t l t u t l o n s and O t h e r G ~ O U D
Q u a r t e r s ; 1973.
(1984) Data f o r 1980 census from unpublished d a t a o b t a l n e d from F a m l l y S t u d l e s D l v l s l o n ; 1984.

have also been obtained from other reports
and added to the numbers reported in
tables. It is clear from even the numbers
reported that the rate of institutionalization
in 1940 was the highest ever recorded in the
U.S. up to that date.
During the period from 1950 to 1980 the
Census Bureau had relatively consistent
institutional categories.
The period since
1950, especially after 1960, has been one in
which "deinstitutionalization" has been a
dominant theme in social welfare policy. In
the area of child welfare, this policy has
been followed by "permanency planning"
and the attempt to reduce use of foster care
as well. The period has witnessed dramatic
declines in mental hospitals and in homes
for dependent and neglected children, and
lesser declines in facilities for the mentally
handicapped.
It should be noted that
admission data (not available in Census
reports) present a different picture of the

use of institutions, since admissions have
not
declined
(see
Lerman,
P.
Deinstitutionalization and the Welfare State;
1982).
However, looking only at counts of those
present, the total rates of institutionalization
are kept high by the large increases in
homes for the aged between 1950 and 1980.
Table A-3 shows that increases in rates have
occurred, not only relative to the population
as a whole, but also, to a lesser extent, if
one considers only the population over 65
years of age.
This summary indicates that apart from
homes for the aged, correctional facilities
are the only institutions not undergoing a
decline from rates of the 1940's. However,
compared to other institutions, correctional
rates have been relatively more stable over
time.

APPENDIX B 

PERSONS EXECUTED UNDER STATE AUTHORITY 

BY STATE BY DECADE: 1864

-

1984 


T a b l e 6-1.

P e r s o n s E x e c u t e d Under S t a t e Authority by S t a t e by Decade:

1890'sb
and B e f o r e

1864-1984~

1900's

1910's

1920's

1930's

1940's

1950's

1960's

1970's

128
(29)
212
0
0

169
(37)
281
5
3

324
(26)
570
40
26

506
(51)
96 1
69
8

700
(79)
1383
112
28

41 9
(55)
980
172
23
(2)

300
(32)
564
92
19
(9)

92
(1)
152
28
8
(4)

2
(0)
3

Callfornla
(1893-1967)
Total
Whlte
Race Unknown
Murder
Rape
Other

36
17
(9)
36
0
0

48
17
(20)
48
0
0

46
21
(11)
45
0
1

78
29
(37)
78
0
0

107
59
(25)
102
0
5

83
51
(8)
81
0
2

74
49

30
19

71
0
3

26
0
4

Colorado
(1890-1967)
Total
Whlte
Race Unknown
Murder
Rape
Other

12
2
(9)
12
0
0

7
0
0

4
1
(3)
4
0
0

7
4
(3)
7
0
0

25
13
(7)
25
0
0

13
8
(5)
13
0
0

3
1
(2) 

3
0
0

14
5
13

3
1
2

15
(1
14

21
0
21

22
7
19

4
1

4


TOTAL
Whlte
Race Unknown
Murder
Rape
Other
O f f e n s e unknown

19801984'

9
(0)
29

Total

2649
(310)
51 34

Alabama
(1927-1963)
Total
Whlte 

Murder 

Rape 

Other 


Whlte 

Murder 

Rape 

Other 

Arkansas
(1913-1964 )
Total
Whlte 

Race Unknown 

Murder 

Rape 

Other 


7
3

(3)

6
5
6

0

0 


Total 

Whlte 

Murder 

Rape 

Other 

Dlstrlct of
Columbla
(1853-1957)
Total
Whlte
Murder
Rape 

Other 


34
14
34

Notes:
a. 	 Does n o t l n c l u d e e x e c u t l o n s under l o c a l a u t h o r l t y .
E x c e p t f o r D l s t r l c t o f Columbla, d a t a 1 s p r e s e n t e d from 1864 t o 1984. 

The e a r l l e s t r e c o r d e d execution under S t a t e a u t h o r l t y was I n 186h. 

b. 	 I n c l u d e s 57 e x e c u t l o n s p r l o r t o 1890.
c. 	 Does n o t l n c l u d e e x e c u t l o n s a f t e r y e a r end 1984.
d. 	 D a t a by S t a t e does n o t l n c l u d e breakdown b y r a c e f o r 1984 e x e c u t l o n s w h l c h was n o t obtained.
Source: 	 Data t a b u l a t e d by Westat f r o m a l l s t l n g c o m p l l e d by Negley K. T e e t e r s and C h a r l e s J. Z l b u l k a , 1864 t o 1967, and
r e v l s e d by M. Watt Espy, J r .
L l s t r n g published I n Bowers, W l l l l a m ; P l e r c e , Glenn; and M c O e v l t t , John; L e g a l H o m l c l d e :
Death as Punlshment I n Amerlca 1864-1982, N o r t h e a s t e r n U n l v e r s l t y P r e s s , Boston, 1984. D a t a f r o m 1981 t o 1984 t a k e n
f r o m BJS B u l l e t l n , " C a p l t a l Punlshment 1983" and BJS B u l l e t l n " C a p l t a l Punlshment 1984."

Table 0-1.

Persons Executed Under S t a t e Authority by S t a t e by Decade:

1890'sb
and B e f o r e

1900's

1910's

1920's

1930's

1864-1984~ (Continued)

1940's

1950's

1960's

1970's

19801984'

Total

1
1
1
0
0

73
49
73
0
0

Murder 

Rape 

Other 


w 1 9 6 4 )
Total
Whlte
Race Unknown
Murder
Rape
Other

Whlte 

Murder 

Rape 

Other 


Total
Whlte
Race Unknown
Murder
Rape
Other
Indlana
(1897-1981 )
Total
Whlte
Murder
Rape
Other
Iowa
m94-1963)
Total
Whlte
Murder 

Rape 

Other 


1
0
1
0
0

12
6
12
0
0

4
2
4
0
0

12
7
12
0
0

33
26
33
0
0

2
2

1
0

1
0

8
6

8
8

7
5
0
0

2
1
2
0
0

1
1
1
0
0

7
7

1
1

3
3


7

Kansas
(194q-1965)
Total
Whlte 

Murder 

Rape 

Other 


%%%962)
Total
Whlte
Murder
Rape
Other

Notes:
a. 	 Does n o t l n c l u d e e x e c u t l o n s under l o c a l a u t h o r l t y .
Except f o r O l s t r l c t o f Columbia, d a t a 1s p r e s e n t e d from 1864 t o 1984.
The e a r l l e s t recorded execution under S t a t e a u t h o r l t y was I n 1864.
b. 	 I n c l u d e s 57 e x e c u t l o n s p r l o r t o 1890.
c. 	 Does n o t l n c l u d e e x e c u t l o n s a f t e r year end 1984.
d. 	 Data by S t a t e does n o t l n c l u d e breakdown by r a c e f o r 1984 e x e c u t l o n s whlch was n o t obtained.
Source: 	 Data t a b u l a t e d by Westat from a l l s t l n g compiled by Negley K. T e e t e r s and C h a r l e s .I.
Z l b u l k a , 1864 t o 1967, and
L l s t l n g published I n Bowers, W l l l l a m ; P l e r c e , Glenn; and M c D e v l t t , John; L e g a l Hornlclde:
r e v l s e d by M. Watt Espy, J r .
Death as Punlshment I n Arnerlca 1864-1982, N o r t h e a s t e r n U n l v e r s l t y Press, Boston, 1984. Data from 1981 t o 1984 t a k e n
from BJS Bulletin, " C a p l t a l Punlshment 1983" and BJS B u l l e t i n " C a p l t a l Punlshment 1984."

Table 8-1.

Persons Executed Under S t a t e Authority by S t a t e by Decade:

1890'sb
and BeFore

1900's

1910's

1920's

1930's

1 8 6 4 - 1 9 ~ 4(Continued)
~

1940's

1950's

1960's

1970's

19801984'

Total

Louisiana
(1957-1961)
Total
Whlte
Murder
Rape
Other

, - -

Total
Whlte
Murder
Rape
Other

- .
7
6
7
0
0

0

0

0

0

0

9
3
(3)
9
0

13
10
(3)
13
0

16
12
(3)
16
0

18
8
(10)
18
0

9
2
(7)
9
0

0

0

0

?%%961)
Total
Whlte
Murder
Rape
Other
Massachusetts
(1901-1947)
Total
Whlte
Race Unknown
Murder
Rape
Other

Whlte
Murder
Rape
Other
Mlssourl
(1938-1965)
Total
Whlte
Murder
Rape
Other

White
Murder
Rape
Other
Nevada
(1905-1978)
Total
Whlte
Race Unknown
Murder
Rape
Other

Notes:
a.
b.
c.
d.

Does n o t l n c l u d e executions under l o c a l a u t h o r i t y .
Includes 57 executlons p r l o r t o 1890.
Does n o t l n c l u d e executlons a f t e r year end 1984.
Data by State does n o t l n c l u d e breakdown by race f o r 1984 executlons whlch was n o t obtained.

Source: 	 Data t a b u l a t e d by Westat from a l l s t l n g complled by Negley K. Teeters and Charles
r e v l s e d by M. Watt Espy, J r .
L l s t i n g published I n Bowers, Wllllam, Plerce, Glenn,
Death as Punlshment I n Amerlca 19864-1982, Northeastern University Press, Boston,
from 835 B u l l e t l n , " C a p l t a l Punlshment 1983" and BJS B u l l e t l n " C a p l t a l Punlshment

3. Zlbulka, 1864 t o 1967, and
and McDevltt, John, Legal Homlclde,
1984. Data from 1981 t o 1984 t a k e n
1984."

T a b l e 8-1.

P e r s o n s Executed Under S t a t e Authority by S t a t e by Decade:

1890'sb
o r Before

Total
Whlte
Race Unknown
Murder
Rape
Other

(1869-

1900) 

9
8
(1 )
9
0
0

1900's

0

1910's

1920's

2
2

0

2
0
0

1930's

1 8 6 4 - 1 9 8 4 ~ (Continued)

1940's

1950's

1960's

1970's

19801984~

Total

1
1
1
0
0

Total
Whlte
Race Unknown
Murder
Rape
Other
New M e x l c o
(1933-1960)
Total
Whlte
Race Unknown
Murder
Rape
Other
New York
(1890-1963)
Total
Whlte
Race Unknown
Murder
Rape
Other

51
29
(8)
51
0
0

66
57
(4)
66
0
0

36
31
36
0
0

25
17
25
0
0

121
99
(4) 

121
0
0

125
106

154
125

114
69

55
39

10
2


125
0
0

154
0
0

112
0
2

53
0
2

10 

0

0


85
52
85
0
0

82
57
82
0
0

51
27
51
0
0

32
18
32
0
0

7
3
7
0
0

North Carollna
(1901-1961)
Total
Whlte
Murder
Rape
Other
N o r t h Dakota
(1905)
Total
Whlte
Race Unknown
Murder
Rape
Other

Total
Whlte
Murder
Rape
Other

26
15
26
0
0

Oklahoma
(1915-1966)
Total
Whlte 

Murder 

Rape 

Other 


Notes:
a. 	 Does n o t l n c l u d e e x e c u t l o n s under l o c a l a u t h o r i t y .
Except f o r D l s t r l c t o f Columbia, d a t a 1s p r e s e n t e d from 1864 t o 1984.
The e a r l l e s t r e c o r d e d execution under S t a t e a u t h o r l t y was I n 1864.
b. 	 I n c l u d e s 57 e x e c u t l o n s p r l o r t o 1890.
c. 	 Does n o t l n c l u d e e x e c u t l o n s a f t e r y e a r end 1984.
d. 	 D a t a b y S t a t e does n o t l n c l u d e breakdown b y r a c e f o r 1984 e x e c u t l o n s w h l c h was n o t obtained.
Source: 	 Data t a b u l a t e d by Westat from a l l s t l n g c o m p l l e d by Negley K. T e e t e r s and C h a r l e s J. Z l b u l k a , 1864 t o 1967, and
r e v l s e d bv M. Watt Esov. J r . L l s t l n o o u b l l s h e d I n Bowers. W l l l l a m : P l e r c e . Glenn: and M c O e v l t t . John: L e o-a-l H -o m
i c- i-d.~ :
- D e a t h as Punishment i n ' ~ m e r 1 c a1864-1982, N o r t h e a s t e r n ~ n i v e r s l t yP r e s s , Boston, 1984. Data f r o m 1981 t o 2 1 9 8 4 t a k e n
from BJS B u l l e t l n , " C a p l t a l Punlshment 1983" and 8J5 B u l l e t l n " C a p l t a l Punlshment 1984."
A

,




T a b l e 0-1.

Persons E x e c u t e d Under S t a t e Authority by S t a t e by Decade:

1890'sb
and B e f o r e

1900's

1910's

1920's

1930's

1 8 6 4 - 1 9 8 4 ~ (Continued)

1940's

1950's

1960's

1970's

19801984'

Total

%-I 962)
Total
Whlte
Murder
Rape
Other

Total
Whlte
Race Unknown
Murder
Rape
Other
South C a r o l l n a
(1912-1962)
Total
Whlte
Murder
Rape
Other
South Dakota
(1947)
Total
Whlte
Murder
Rape
Other
Tennessee
( 1 909-1 960 )
Total
Whlte
Murder
Rape
Other
Texas
(1924-1982)
Total
Whlte 

Race Unknown 

Murder 

Rape 

Other 

Utah
m03-1977)
Total
Whlte 

Murder 

Rape 

Other 

Vermont
-1954)
Total
Whlte
Race Unknown
Murder
Rape
Other

(18641899)
13
11
(2)
13
0
0

1
1
1
0
0

3
2
(1)
3
0
0

0

1
NA
(1
1
0
0

1
NA
(1)
1
0
0

2
2
2
0
0

Notes:
a. 	 Does n o t l n c l u d e e x e c u t l o n s under l o c a l a u t h o r l t y .
E x c e p t f o r D l s t r l c t o f Columbia, d a t a 1 s p r e s e n t e d f r o m 1866 t o 1984.
The e a r l l e s t r e c o r d e d execution u n d e r S t a t e a u t h o r l t y was I n 1864.
b. 	 I n c l u d e s 57 e x e c u t l o n s p r l o r t o 1890.
c . 	 Does n o t l n c l u d e e x e c u t l o n s a f t e r y e a r end 1984.
d. 	 D a t a by S t a t e does n o t l n c l u d e breakdown b y r a c e f o r 1984 e x e c u t l o n s w h l c h was n o t obtained.
Source: 	 Data t a b u l a t e d by Westat from a l l s t l n g c o m p l l e d by Negley K. T e e t e r s and C h a r l e s 3. Z l b u l k a , 1864 t o 1967, and
r e v l s e d by M. Watt Espy, J r .
L l s t l n g published I n Bowers, W l l l l a m ; P l e r c e , Glenn; and M c D e v l t t , John; L e g a l H o m l c l d e :
D e a t h a s Punlshment I n Amerlca 1864-1982, N o r t h e a s t e r n U n l v e r s l t y Press, Boston, 1984. D a t a f r o m 1981 t o 1984 t a k e n
From BJS B u l l e t l n , " C a p l t a l Punlshment 1983" and BJS B u l l e t l n " C a p l t a l Punlshment 1984."

Persons Executed Under S t a t e Authority by S t a t e by Decade:

Table 0-1.

1890'sb
and Before

1900's

1910's

1920's

1930's

1864-1984~ (Continued)

1940's

1950's

1960's

1970's

1980198bc

Total

Murder 

Race Unknown 

Rape 

Other 


%$%3
Total
Whlte
Murder
Rape
Other

)

W:;;9t;;;;;;a
Total
White
Murder
Rape
Other

T-o t -a-l
Whlte
Race Unknown
Murder
Rape
Other

3
0
3
0
0

10
4
9
1
0

17
4
16
1
0

24
14
17
7
0

20
17
17
0

4

0

5
0
0

1
0
0

2
(1)
4

3

11
6
10
1
0

9
8
9
0
0

~

0
0

2

0

3
0
0

I
0
0

8
(1
14
0
0

Notes:
Except f o r D l s t r l c t o f Columbia, data 1s presented from 1864 t o 1984.
a. 	 Does n o t l n c l u d e executlons under l o c a l a u t h o r l t y .
The e a r l l e s t recorded execution under S t a t e a u t h o r l t y was I n 1864.
b. 	 I n c l u d e s 57 executlons p r l o r t o 1890.
c. 	 Does n o t l n c l u d e executlons a f t e r year end 1984.
d. 	 Data by S t a t e does n o t l n c l u d e breakdown by r a c e f o r 1984 executlons whlch was n o t obtained.
Source: 	 Data t a b u l a t e d by Westat from a l l s t l n q complled by Neqley K. Teeters and Charles J. Zlbulka, 1864 t o 1967, and
r e v i s e d by M. Watt Espy, J r . L l s t l n g published i n Bowers, Wllllam; Plerce, Glenn; and McOevltt, John; L e g a l Homlclde:
Death as Punishment I n Amerlca 1864-1982, Northeastern U n l v e r s l t y Press, Boston, 1984. Data from 1981 t o 1984 taken
from BJS B u l l e t i n , " C a p i t a l Punishment 1983" and BJS B u l l e t l n " C a p l t a l Punishment 1984."

APPENDIX C 

MILITARY PRISON TABLES 


T a b l e C-1 	 .-MOVEMENTO F 	POPULATION
IN PRINCIPAL
MILITARY
AND NAVAL

PRISONS:1933

--

--

-

Total

ITEM

- -

-

-

Naval

i

ITEM

---	
Prisoners present at be-	
ginning of year .--,-,,, 421
Admissions during the
year

106

315

--

-1

Discharges durlng the
y
e
a
r
.

1

282


 -1
Sentence expirod,, .

-

--	

Paroled ----- ---- Releaqed by court
- .
order
Received from
117
Died -------150
courts ..------------ 287
Escaped. -,--,
- ,,-.
Parole violntors reTransferred to other pe1
-1 -,___-,-turned- --,,----nal institutions.
Transferred from 	
Prisoners present a t end
other penal insti_,,
of year --,-.,,.,,,,,
tutions -----,---,-- 64 

7
215
339
---

124

-------------.-._




1

197

85

175
12

85

==

200
12

3

8

1
0

- -- - -- - --- - -- -- ---- - - -- - - - - -

94

88

8

384

247

137

:

,.,,,,

71

:!;- Naval

Total

1




T a b l e C-~.-PRIBONERS
RECEIVED
F R O M COURTS,
B Y LENGTH
O F SENTENCE
AND

OFFENSE,
FOR PRINCIPAL
MILITARY
AND NAVAL
PRISONS:1933
0

u

I

I

u

4-a

5

U

2	

9

as

u 

I

LENQTII OF 

8 


SENTENCE

-----

I
-

3
5
34
8
---------------------------

Total,,,,,,-, 287

12

73

19

36

31

18

8

22

2 -----28
4
1
3 -,-,-1
8
3
Under 1 year -,---60 ------ -,-_-2
19
5
8
15
9
9
23
1
5
lyear -------__---- 103 7
1
1 ---,-3
6
3
6
4
9
5
9 -,---2 years ------_--,-.. 47
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
9
4
3 -,,,-, 2
3 years ---------,.28
1
1
2
1
2 ---------------,-----1 8
4 years
3 4
1
2
1
-- 1
7 -,-,--2
21 5 years ---.--_----1
1
1 -------,,-,,
1 - 1
6toOyenrs .--_-_5 --------,,,
,,-,,- 2
1 y e
4 -----.1 ------ --,-,-1 -,---1 ---------,-,
-------,,-,,--,,----,,-,
1 ---,---------------,-15years---"-------

.

-,.,--

.

------ ------

------I

T a b l e C-3.-PRISONERSRECEIVED
FROMCOURTS,
BY RACEAND NATIVITY
AND
BY

AGE,FOR PRINCIPAL
MILITARY
AND NAVAL
PRISONB:
1033

RACE A N D N l T l \ ' l l T

T o th

Total

NIYB~

--287
117
160
---

,

562
150
e	
Native white -----,-254 	
143
Foreign-born white-8
7
1 --- - Negro. --.
- ------- -,
- -,- 4 --- , Filipino- - ----- ----- ----

-

Source:

--- ---

112
1 1
1
1
4

Total

AGE

Total

.-.,.,.,..,,,,,

287

150

117

3

9
46
38
1S

-==

-,-,,,,,,,.. 12
-,,.,,,,.,.,
	 7483
,,,-,-,,,,.,
27

18 to 20 years
21 to 24 years
25 to 29 years
30 to 34 years .._-,-,,,,,,
35 yonrs nnd over
,,.

,,-.

~nval

tary
---

12

Age not reported --.,--,_79

28
27
9
4

79

__

8

- - - -	- ,

Complete t a b l e t a k e n from

U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , Bureau o f J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s ; Washington, D.C.
P r i s o n e r s i n S t a t e and F e d e r a l P r i s o n s and H e f o r m a t o r i e s : 1933; 1935;
pg. 68.

Table C-4.--PRISONERSDISCHARGED
FROM PRINCIPAL
MILITARYA N D NAVAL

PRISONS,
B Y METHODO F DISCHARGE
AND 	 OFFENSE, AND

TIMESERVED:

BY

1933
I

OFFENSE

ExT O ~ ~ Ipila	
tion

2;

Other 	
TIME S E R V E D

TOM

1

Exn~ratlon

Other

2; metllods

------12 	
282

280
10
Total ..-----.200
12
10 

-----------1 ------- Under 0 months.-.
Homicide .-------------41
8
7
1
40 -----Total ............... 282

14
2
1 O to 11 months - - - . 55
Robbery ..-.-.-.--.----.
11
10
Aggrnvntcd assault
10 -.---.
12 to 17 months--21
-.-.--.
44
Other assnolt .---------..
4
3 18 to 23 months--34
27
42
2 2year
15
Bunry
12
1
Lnrccny, except auto
2
41
81
3 3 years .-.-.--.---.
theft ..-.--.-.--------86
17 ............. 4 years ............ 13
Auto theft ............... 17
20
Elnbezzlementandfmud.
21
1 ....... 5 years ............
7
1 ---.--.
F o r
25
24
6 to 9 yenrs ---.--.1G
4
4 ---.-.
R
a
p
e
	 I0 to 19 years -.--.-2
.--.--.
Other sex offenses--.-.-34
34 ------ ------3
3 - - .- - - .- - .- ..
Disorderly cond. and dr..
Other offenses ........... 11
10 ......
1 


64
21
30
38

30
10
6
12
2

-----1
------ - - - - - - 3
2

2
2

1

1
2
1 


1

1
4

-------

- - -- - - - - - - - -

Table C-~.--PRISONERS DISCHARGED
F R O M PRINCIPAL
MILITARY


AND NAVAL

PRISONS,
BY TIMESERVED
A N D 	 OFFENSE, A N D

BY

LENGTET
OF SENTENCE:


1933
OFFENSE AND LENOTH
OF SENTENCE

2
4
3
6 6 to9 

Under 6 6 to 11 12 to 17 18 to 23
months months months months yenrs years years years years 


----------42
41
282
65
21
44
13
7
16
Total ..---..---.-.a
41
--------------------

By offense:
1Iomicide------------	
8 ---------------1
1
2 - 2
1
1
Robbery .............
14 ........
2 	
2
4
4
1
1 -..-.-

2
1 ........................ 

10
1
Aggravated assnult-.3 -- ---- 3
2
Other nssault .------;
2
4
4 -----34
3
13
1
5 -----2
4
3
15 ........
1 .- ..- .- 2
Burglnry .............
3 ------

Larceny, except auto
9
1 -----17
13
t h e- 86
8
8
4 -----26
10
2
1 -----1 -----------------Auto theft ..--..-..-.
17
2
1
Embezzlement and
1
4
3
5
3 ........................ 

frnud ............... 21
6
5
7
1
6
4 ........................ 

2
Forgery .............. 25
1 ......
1 ......
1 ......
1 

Rape ................. 	 4 ........................
1 .-.-..
10
12
3
Other sox offenses .-.- 34 -------2
3
3
Disorderly cond. and
1
1 ....................................

3
I
drunkenness .......
---1 ........
1 ..................
1 ......
6
3
11
Other oUenses.----.-R y length of sentence:
0 .................................................... 

42
Under 1 year .--.--..36
48
12
2 .................................... 

1 year ................ 64
2
34 .................................... 

1
6
2 years ............... 41 ........
22 .............................. 

2
3
1 ........
3 years ............... 28
10
1
1 ........................ 

3
4 years ............... 16 ........ .-..,..
4 .................. 

2
7 3 4
1 ................
6 years ...............
48
3
4
0
3
4 ...... 

........................
1
6 to 0 years ........... 21
2
2
1
7 ...... 

12 ......................................
10 ye:us ..............
1
2 ...... 

1 ......
4 ......................................
11 to 14 yenrs .........
2 ...... 

1
.
.
.
.
.
.
............................................
3
15 to 10 years .........
1
1
2 

20 yecirs and over ..... 	 4 ..................................................

-

- -

-

-.--

Source:

Complete t a b l e taken from

U.S. 	 Department of J u s t l c e , bureau of J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s ; Washington, D . C .

Prisoners i n S t a t e and Federal P r i s o n s and Heformatories:
pg. 6 4 .

1933; 1935;

Table 	~ - ~ . - A R A GENERAL
~Y
PRISONERS
PRESENTO N D E C E ~ ~ R31,
E RI N UNITED

STATESDISCIPLINARY
BARRACKS,
REIIABILITATION
C ENTERS,A N D FEDERAL
INSTITUTIONS:
1940 TO 1046

I

II-All institutions 	

Yenr

Total 	

----

Army Institutions
Federal

Discl- Rehnbiipllnnry
ltation
bnrracks centers

instituOversens
l
,
"
.
:
;
tions :
installaUnitct,

stntcs

- - _ _ _ _

tions

10.652 ----..-... 357
11,884
15.7i4
1940----.---.-.--..-----------875
10,055
3,629
29,193
1,009
32,2-53
1046--.---.----.-.------------8,500
8.562
22.359
7.710
24,217
1,531
1044--.-------..--------------4,556
2.603
5,642
10,627
718
11,701
1813...-----..---.------------1, 574
1,938
713
3,880
4,389
954
1942---..-.---..--------------275
654
..
.
.
.
-.
1,194
554
1,4W
9 4
	
273
278 ..-.-..-. .--.--_-- --- ----86
486
1940

...--.-..--.-----------.---

I

- -

.

---

3,890
3,093
1,858
1,Oil
509
302
108

Btntistlca lor Federal Institutions prosentod In other Part3 of this report cover the army prisonersconhed


ln such institutions. 


Table 	C - 7 . - ~ ~ O V E ~ I E N T
O F POPULATION,
ARMYGENERAL
PRISONERS
I N UNITED 

A N D 	 REIIABILITATION

CENTERS:1946
STATES DISCIIJLINARY
BARRACKS

hlovement of populntion

Totnl

Dlsciplinnrg liarrucks

Rehnhilitntion
centers

10,664
16,055
Prisoners prrsc~ltJnnnnry 1 .-.-.-.-.---.-------------------------3,620
10,749
10,748
Admissioris .......-------------------------------------------------1
10,494
10,493
Received by rommitment ...--.-.----------------------------1
Susl~cndedsentence vacated ....---.-.-.---.
---..----.-..-.-...--	
198
198
-- .
Iibt~rr~lod
from
	 parole. .-.--.---...------------------------------7
7 -- 0 : her n:l~nissions----- ----M)
60
-

- - -- ----- -- -- ------------.------------------------------ -----

'l'ra~isferrcd from Federal institutions, disc:il~linnrybnrrncks, nnd
16, 053
15,624
rrhnhilitntion centers .--...-.-.-.--------------------------------429

--

18,773
16,707
Reductions .---.-..--------------------------------------------2,

Restored to tlutg -.---------.------------------------------------Q. 136
4.204
1,931
10,896
10,603
T)ishonornl)ly dischnrgcd .-.--,..------------------..---.--------93
Heltknscd on porolc ...-.-------..-.-.-..--------------------------

444
444
14
13
1

Pied
1,284
1,243
O t l ~ c rcductions
r 	
. - - - - - - - - ----,.--------.------------------------	
41

------------

Tmnslerl.t~dt,o Federal institutions, disciplinary bnrrncks, a n d
17,OGl
15,008
1,903
rcl~nhilitnlioncontcrs .----...-------------------------------------


------------


10,652
10,652
Prisoners 11rescnt T)cccmbcr 31 ..--.---.----------------------------

Table 	C-~.-GENERAL COURTS-MARTIAL
PRISONERS
P RESENTON

UNITEDSTATESNAVALPLACESO F CONFINE~IENT:
1940
Yenr 	

Year

--

--

Source:

JUNE30,.
1946

IN 


TO


Prisonen
present

Complete t a b l e taken from

U.S. 	 Department of Commerce, Bureau of Census; Washington, D.C. 

Prisoners i n S t a t e and Federal P r i s o n s and Reformatories: 1946; 1948; 

pgs. 103, 104. 


Table C-9. Average d a i l y population of U.S. Army confinement and c o r r e c t i o n a l f a c i l i t i e s , '
f a c i l i t y , 1973-82

Facility 	

1973

1974

1975

1976

1977

1978

1979

1980

1981

1982

Fort
Fort
Fort
Fort
Fort

Bragg
Campbell
Carson
Hood
Lewis

177
165
77
I18
140

154
131
117
135
144

85
86
47
96
77

30
77
42
55
49

10
35
21
33
22

7
24
10
31
18

6
22
II
37
20

9
28
31
49
29

12
3U
39
67
40

II
41
50
56
54

Fort
Fort
Fort
Fort
Fort

Meade
Ord
Polk
Riley
Benning

131
162
42
93
127

122
171
27
52
67

71
73
13
36
37

20
42
10
24
27

18
26
8
27
18

12
13
8
48
13

16
12
13
57
12

20
16
25
82
32

36
33
21
78
43

35
78
16
84
52

Fort
Fort
Fort
Fort
Fort

Bliss
Dix
Cordon
Jackson
Knox

49
280
125
39
244

42
171
97
20
196

33
71
53
15
63

21
33
38
2
47

14
19
20
2
21

10
12
17
2
19

10
7
1 6 ~ 26
19
23
2
I
23
27

12
20
30
I
25

Fort S i l l
Fort Leonard Wood
Fort F itzsimnons

155
179
1

109
46

1

19
21
2

19
13
3

21
7
2

16
4
I

18
7
3

21
IU
2

30
4
2

56
2
0

931

1,153

1,152

1,189

1,038

818

1,022

1,315

1,402

1,452

1,031

953

580

412

450

518

502

714

805

578

by

-

14
38

-

38

U.S. 	 Army Disciplinary
Barracks
U.S.	 Army Retraining
Brigade

a~risonersa t Navy facility.
Source:
the Army.

Source:

Table provided t o S M C E B O O K staff by the U.S. Department of Defense, Department of

Complete t a b l e taken from

U.S. 	 Department of J u s t i c e , Bureau of J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s ; Washington, D . C . 

Sourcebook of Criminal J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s : 1983; 1984; pg. 5 9 0 , 

Table 6 . 4 4. 


Table C-10. Normal capacity and average population of U.S.
Army correctional centers, by location, 1982
WTE: Data hove been collected from the organizations or
ogencies through o mail survey. Facilities listed ore for
m i l i t a r y personnel 17 years of age and older.
"Normal
copacity" is the nwnber of inmcrtes the facility was designed
to hold.
Correctional center
ond location

krrnal
capacity

U.S.	 Disciplinary Barracks, 

Fort Leavenworth, Konsos
1,500 

Fort Benning 

Confinement Facility, 

Fort Benning, Georgia
62 

Fort Cordon
Confinement Focility,
Fort Cordon, Georgia
60
Fort Knox Area
Confinement Focility,
Fort Knox, Kentucky
50
Fort Sill
Confinement Focility,
Fort Sill, Oklahoma
70
U.S.	 Army Retraining Brigade, 

Fort Riley, Konsos
1,000 

Fort Cunpbell
Confinement Focility,
Fort Canpbell, Kentucky
60
Fort Carson
Confinement Facility,
Fort Carson, Colorado
62
Fort b d
Confinement Facility,
Fort tbod, Texas
75
Fort Lewis
Confinement Facility,
Fort Lewis, Washington
50
Fort Meode
Confinement Facility,
Fort George G. Meode,
Maryland
55
Fort Ord
Confinement Focility,
Fort Ord, Colifornio
100
Fort Polk
Confinement Focility,
34
Fort Polk, Louisiana
Fort Richordson
Confinement Facility,
Fort Richardson, Alaska
25
Fort Riley
Confinement Focility,
Fort Riley, Kansas
96
U.S.	 Eighth Army
Confinement Focility,
50
Camp Hunphries, Koreo
Berlin 

Confinement Focility, 

Berlin, Germany 

SETAF
Confinement Focility,
4
Camp Dorley, ltoly
Monnheim
Confinement Focility,
Monnheirn, Germany
156
Fort Clayton
Confinement Focility,
19
Fort Clayton, Panama

.

Averaqe papulotion
Mole
Female

I

0

182

4

6

0

Source:
American C o r r e c t i o n a l Association., 1983
D i r e c t o r y o f J u v e n i l e and A d u l t C o r r e c t i o n a l Departments, I n s t i t u t i o n s , Agencies and P a r o l i n g A u t h o r i t i e s
( C o l l e q e Park, Md. : American ' C o r r e c t i o n a l A s s o c i a t i o n .
1983), pp. 341-343.
Table c o n s t r u c t e d by SOURCEBOOK
staff.
Reprinted by permission o f ACA.
Source:

Complete t a b l e taken from

U.S. 	 Department o f J u s t i c e , Bureau o f J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s ; Washington,
Sourcebook o f C r i m i n a l J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s :
1983; 1984; pg. 591,
Table 6.4 5.

D.C.

Table C-11. Normal capacity and average population of U.S.
Navy correctional centers, by location, 1982
WTE: See MTE, Table C-10, The Navy alsa operates other small
correctional centers and detention spaces in the M i t e d Stater
and overseas. All facilities are for Naval personnel 17 years of
age and older awaiting murt-martial or serving court-martial
sentences. "Normal capacityll is the number of i m t e s the
facility was designed to hold.
Correctional center
and location
Naval Station,
Long Beach, California
Naval Station,
San Diego, California
Naval Station, Treasure Island,
San Francisco, California
Naval Submarine Base,
New London, Connecticut
Naval Air Station,
Jacksonville, Florida
Naval Air Station,
Pensacola, Florida
Naval Station,
Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
Noval Administrative Comnand,
Great Lakes, Illinois
Naval Station,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Naval Education and
Training Center,
Newport, Rhode Island
Naval Station,
Charleston, South Carolina
Naval Air Station,
Mill ington, Tennessee
Naval Air Station,
Corpus Christi, Texas
Naval Station,
Norfolk, Virginia
Naval Station,
Seattle, Washington
Naval Station,
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
Naval Station,
Cum

Fleet Activities,
Yokosuka, Japan
Naval Base,
Subic Bay, Philippines
Naval Station,
Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico
Naval Station,
Rota, Spain

krrnal
capacity

Average
population

34

23

187

170

148

Ill

20

14

50

64

72

46

82

54

170

130

2 10

143

75

32

95

82

68

57

65

35

287

264

59

62

24

6

23

14

49

40

56

48

10

7

15

20

.-

Source: American C o r r e c t i o n a l Association. 1983
Directory of Juvenile and Adult correctional oedartments,
Institutions, Agencies and Paroling Authorities (College Park,
Md.: American Correction01 Association, 1983). DD. 345. 346.
Table constructed by SOCRCEBOOK s t a f f . k e p r i n t e d by
permission.
Source:

Complete t a b l e taken from

U.S. 	 Department of J u s t i c e , Bureau of J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s ; Washington, D.C.
Sourcebook of Criminal J u s t i c e S t a t i s t i c s : 1983; 1984; pg. 591,
Table 6.4 7.

APPENDIX D 

SOURCES OF CORRECTIONS STATISTICS 


GOVERNMENT SOURCES OF CORRECTIONS STATISTICS
Sources cited here include written reports. In addition, data from 1904 to the present on the number of
received in, and released from prison by State will soon be made available as a public use data tape by
National Criminal Justice Archives at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

ersons present,
AS
through the

(Publication date given in left column. An asterisk (*)
indicates publication date not given or not obtained.)

U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Census; Washington, D.C.
Compendium of Seventh Census: 1850.
Compendium of Eighth Census: 1860.
Report on the Defective and Delinquent Classes of the Population of
United States as Returned at the Tenth Census: 1880.
Report on Crime, Pauperism, and Benevolence in the United States at t h e
Eleventh Census: 1890, Part I.
Report on Crime, Pauperism, and Benevolence in the United States at the
Eleventh Census: 1890, Part 11.

U.S. Department of Commerce (or Commerce a ~ l dLabor), Bureau of Census; Washington, D.C.
Prisoners and Juvenile Delinquents in Institutions: 1904.
Summary of the State Laws Relating to the Dependent Classes: 1913.
Prisoners and Juvenile Delinquents in the U.S.: 1910.
Number of Prisoners in Penal Institutions: 1922 and 1917.
Prisoners, 1923: Crime Conditions in the U.S. as Reflected in Census
Statistics of Imprisoned Offenders.
Children Under Institutional Care: 1923.
The Prisoner's Antecedents: Supplementary to "Prisoners, 1923."
Prisoners in State and Federal Prisons and Reformatories:
1926 Summary
1926
1927
1928
1929 and 1930
1931 and 1932
1933
1934
1935
1936
1937
1938
1939

U.S. Department of Commerce (or Commerce and Labor), Bureau of Census; Washington, D.C.
(Continued)
Prisoners in State and Federal Prisons and Reformatories: (Continued)
1940
1941
1942
1943 and 1942
1943
1944
1945
1946
County and City Jails: Prisoners in Jails and Other Penal Institutions
Under County or Municipal Jurisdiction: 1933.
Juvenile Delinquents in Public Institutions: 1933.
Judicial Criminal Statistics:
1933
1934
1935
1936
1938
1940
Judicial Criminal Statistics in 43 Ohio Counties: 1937
Judicial Criminal Statistics:
Columbia: 1938.

Ohio, Minnesota, and the District of

U.S. 	 Census of Population, 1940:
Special Reports, Institutionalized
Population Fourteen Years of Age and Older.

U.S. 	 Census of
Population.

Population,

1950:

Special

Reports,

Institutional

U.S. Census of Population, 1960: Subject Reports, Inmates of Institutions.
U.S. Census of Population, 1970: 	 Subject Reports, Persons in Institutions
and Other Group Quarters.
1980 Census of Population:
Quarters.

Persons in Institutions and Other Group

General Statistical Reference
1926

Statistical Abstract of the United States: 1925.

1935

Statistical Abstract of the United States: 1935.

1976

Historical Statistics of the United States, Colonial Times to 1970.

1976

Statistical Abstract of the United States: 1976.

1983

Statistical Abstract of the United States: 1982-83.

1983

Statistical Abstract of the United States: 1984.

U.S. Office of Education; Washington, D.C.

1868 - 1917

Annual Report of Commissioner of Education (yearly reports on reform
schools and State industrial schools).

U.S. Department of Labor, Children's Bureau; Washington, D.C.

1936

The Child-Monthly News Summary: Vol. 1, No. 1.

1937

Social-Statistics Supplement to the Child-Monthly News Summary: No. 1.

1937

Social-Statistics Supplement to the Child-Monthly News Summary: No. 2.

Federal Security Agency, Social Security Administration: Children's Bureau Statistical Series;
Washington, D.C.
1946

Number 3: Children Served by Public Welfare Agencies and Institutions
1945.

1951

Number 8: Juvenile Court Statistics 1946- 1949.

Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, Social Security Administration; Children's
Bureau Statistical Series; Washington, D. C.
Number 18: Juvenile Court Statistics 1950- 1952. 

Number 28: Juvenile Court Statistics 1953. 

Number 31: Juvenile Court Statistics 1954. 

Number 33: Some Facts About Public State Training Schools for Juvenile 

Delinquents.
Number 37: Juvenile Court Statistics 1955.
Number 48:
1956.

Statistics on Public Institutions for Delinquent Children

Number 52: Juvenile Court Statistics 1957.
Number 57: Juvenile Court Statistics 1958.
Number 65: Juvenile Court Statistics 1960.
Number 69: Juvenile Court Statistics 1961.

U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, Welfare Administration; Children's
Bureau Statistical Series; Washington, D. C.

Number 70:
1962.

Statistics on Public Institutions for Delinquent Children

Number 73: Juvenile Court Statistics 1962.
Number 79: Juvenile Court Statistics 1963.
Number 78:
1963.

Statistics on Public Institutions for Delinquent Children

Number 81:
1964.

Statistics on Public Institutions for Delinquent Children

Number 83: Juvenile Court Statistics 1964.
Number 85: Juvenile Court Statistics 1965.
Number 86: Personnel and Personnel Practices in Public Institutions for
Delinquent Children: A Survey.
America's Children and Youth in Institutions:
Low).

1950-1960-1964 (Seth

U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, Social and Rehabilitation Service;
Children's Bureau Statistical Series; Washington, D. C.

1967

Number 89:
1966.

Statistics on Public Institutions for Delinquent Children

1967

Number 90: Juvenile Court Statistics 1966.

1967

Number 93: Juvenile Court Statistics 1967.

1969

Number 94: Statistics on Public Institutions for Delinquent Children 1967

U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.

1886- 1930

Annual Report of the Attorney General (yearly reports which contain
Federal prison reports until 1930).

U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons, Washington, D.C.

1930- 1960

Annual Report of the Work of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (contains
yearly report on Federal prison system).

U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Prisons; National Prisoner Statistics; Washington, D.C.

Prisoners in State and Federal Institutions: 1950; Number 4.
Prisoners in State and Federal Institutions: 1951; Number 7.
Prisoners in State and Federal Institutions: 1950.
Prisoners in State and Federal Institutions: 1952; Number 9.
Prisoners Released from State and Federal Institutions: 195 1.
Prisoners Released from State and Federal Institutions: 1952 and 1953.
Prisoners in State and Federal Institutions: 1953; Number 11.
Prisoners in State and Federal Institutions: 1956; Number 17.
Prisoners in State and Federal Institutions: 1957; Number 19.
Prisoners in State and Federal Institutions: 1958; Number 21.
Personnel in State and Federal Institutions: 1958; Number 22.
Prisoners in State and Federal Institutions: 1959; Number 24.
Prisoners in State and Federal Institutions: 1960; Number 27
Personnel in State and Federal Institutions: 1961; Number 31.
Personnel: 1962; Number 35.
Characteristics of State Prisoners: 1960.
Prisoners Released from State and Federal Institutions: 1960.
State Prisoners: Admissions and Releases, 1964.
Executions: 1930- 1966; Number 4 1.
Prisoners in State and Federal Institutions for Adult Felons:
Number 43.

1966;

Prisoners in State and Federal Institutions for Adult Felons:
Number 44.

1967;

State Prisoners - Admissions and Releases: 1970.
Capital Punishment: 1930- 1970; Number 46.
Prisoners in State and Federal Institutions for Adult Felons:
1970; Number 47.

1968, 1969,

U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons; Washington, D.C.
Federal Bureau of Prisons Statistical Tables: Fiscal Year 1964. 

Federal Bureau of Prisons Statistical Report: Fiscal Years 1967 and 1968. 

Federal Bureau of Prisons Statistical Report: Fiscal Years 1969 and 1970. 

Federal Bureau of Prisons Statistical Report: Fiscal Years 197 1 and 1972. 

Federal Bureau of Prisons Statistical Report: Fiscal Year 1973. 

Federal Bureau of Prisons Statistical Report: Fiscal Year 1974. 

Statistical Report: Fiscal Years 1978- 1980. 

Statistical Report: Fiscal Years 198 1- 1983. 


U.S. Department of Justice, Law Enforcement Assistance Administration (National Criminal
Justice Information and Statistics Service); Washington, D.C.

National Jail Census: 1970. 

National Jail Census: 1970. 

Capital Punishment 197 1-72; National Prisoner Statistics Bulletin SD-

NPS-CP- I .
Children in Custody: A Report on the Juvenile Detention and Correction
Facility Census of 197 1.
Survey of Inmates of Local Jails: 1972.
Census of State Correctional Facilities 1974: Advance Report; National
Prisoner Statistics Special Report, Number SD-NPS-SR- 1.
Capital Punishment 1973; National Prisoner Statistics Bulletin SD-NPSCP-2.
Capital Punishment 1974; National Prisoner Statistics Bulletin SD-NPSCP-3.
The Nation's Jails.
Capital Punishment 1975; National Prisoner Statistics Bulletin SD-NPSCP-4.
Census of Prisoners in State Correctional Facilities 1973:
Prisoner Statistics Special Report.

National

Capital Punishment 1976; National Prisoner Statistics Bulletin SD-NPSCP-5.
Prisoners in State and Federal Institutions on December 31, 1975; National
Prisoner Statistics Bulletin SD-NPS-PSF-3.
Children in Custody: 1974.
Prisoners in State and Federal Institutions on December 31, 1976; National
Prisoner Statistics Bulletin SD-NPS-PSF-4.
Parole in the United States: 1976 and 1977.

U.S. Department of Justice, Law Enforcement Assistance Administration (National Criminal
Justice Information and Statistics Service); Washington, D.C. (Continued)
1978

State and Local Probation and Parole Systems.
Children in Custody: A Report on the Juvenile Detention and Correction
Facility Census of 1975.

1979

Census of Jails and Survey of Jail Inmates:
Statistics Bulletin, No. SD-NPS-J-6P.

1978; National Prisoner

Prisoners in State and Federal Institutions on December 31, 1977; National
Prisoner Statistics Bulletin SD-NPS-PSF-5.
1979

Expenditure and Employment Data for the Criminal Justice System 1977

1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979

Sourcebook of Criminal Justice Statistics: 

1973 

1974 

1975 

1976 

1977 

1978 


U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics; Washington, D.C.
A National Survey of Parole-Related Legislation Enacted During the 1979

Legislation Session.
Prisoners in State and Federal Institutions on December 31, 1978; National
Prisoner Statistics Bulletin SD-NPS-PSF-64671.
Profile of Jail Inmates: Sociodemographic Findings from the 1978 Survey
of Inmates of Local Jails; National Prisoner Statistics Report SD-NPS5-6, NCJ-65412.
Parole in the United States: 1979.
Bureau of Justice Statistics Bulletin SD-NPS-PSF-7A, Advance Report:
Prisoners in State and Federal Institutions on December 31, 1979.
Probation in the United States: 1979.
Census of Jails, 1978: Vols. I-IV. Data for Individual Jails in the
Northeast, North Central, South, and West.
Prisoners in State and Federal Institutions on December 31, 1979; National
Prisoner Statistics 'Bulletin NPS-PSF-7, NCJ-737 19.
Characteristics of Parole Population, 1978.
Parole in the U.S., 1979.
Bureau of Justice Statistics Bulletin: Veterans in Prison.
Bureau of Justice Statistics Bulletin: Prisoners in 1980.

U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics; Washington, D.C. (Continued)

Bureau of Justice Statistics Bulletin: Capital Punishment 1980. 

Capital Punishment 198 1; NCJ-86484. 

Bureau of Justice Statistics Bulletin: Prisoners at Midyear 1982. 

Bureau of Justice Statistics Bulletin: Prisons and Prisoners. 

Bureau of Justice Statistics Bulletin: Prisoners 1925-81. 

Bureau of Justice Statistics Bulletin: Prisoners in 198 1. 

Bureau of Justice Statistics Bulletin:
Parole During 1978 and 1979.

Characteristics of Persons Entering 


Bureau of Justice Statistics Bulletin: Setting Prison Terms.
Bureau of Justice Statistics Bulletin: Probation and Parole 1982.
Justice Expenditure and Employment in the U.S., 1979; NCJ-87242.
Prisoners in State and Federal Institutions on December 31, 1981.
Bureau of Justice Statistics Bulletin: Prisoners and Alcohol.
Bureau of Justice Statistics Bulletin: Prisoners and Drugs.
Bureau of Justice Statistics Bulletin: Prisoners in 1982.
Bureau of Justice Statistics Bulletin: Jail Inmates 1982.
Bureau of Justice Statistics Bulletin: Prisoners at Midyear 1983.
Bureau of Justice Statistics Special Report: Career Patterns in Crime.
Bureau of Justice Statistics Bulletin: Case Filings in State Courts, 1983.
Prisoners in State and Federal Institutions on December 31, 1982.
Capital Punishment 1982; NCJ-91533,
Bureau of Justice Statistics Bulletin: Capital Punishment 1983.
Bureau of Justice Statistics Special Report:
Releases, 198 1.

Prison Admissions and

Bureau of Justice Statistics Special Report: Returning to Prison.
Bureau of Justice Statistics Bulletin: The 1983 Jail Census.
Bureau of Justice Statistics Bulletin: Federal Drug Law Violators.
Bureau of Justice Statistics Special Report: Time Served in Prison.
Bureau of Justice Statistics Bulletin: Prisoners in 1984.
Bureau of Justice Statistics Special Report: Examining Recidivism.
Bureau of Justice Statistics Special Report: Prevalence of Imprisonment.
Bureau of Justice Statistics Bulletin: Capital Punishment 1984.
Bureau of Justice Statistics Bulletin:
1982.

Prison Admissions and Releases,

Bureau of Justice Statistics Bulletin: Jail Inmates, 1983.

U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics; Washington, D.C. (Continued)

Bureau of Justice Statistics Bulletin: Probation and Parole, 1984.
Bureau of Justice Statistics Bulletin:
and 1981.

Parole in the United States, 1980

Sourcebook of Criminal Justice Statistics:
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984

U.S. Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice; Washington, D.C.

American Prisons and Jails, Vol. I:
Implications of a National Survey.

Summary Findings and Policy

1980

American Prisons and Jails, Vol. 11: Population Trends and Projections.

1980

American Prisons and Jails, Vol. 111:
Confinement.

Conditions

American Prisons and Jails, Vol. IV: Supplemental Report
of New Legislation Governing Sentencing and Release.

and Costs of

-

Case Studies

U.S. Department of Justice; Washington, D.C.

Report: The United States Parole Commission, October 1, 1976 to
September 30, 1978.
Attorney General's Survey of Release Procedures, Vol. 11, Probation.
Attorney General's Survey of Release Procedures, Vol. IV, Parole.

U.S. Department
Washington, D.C.

of

Justice, Office of

Juvenile Justice

and Delinquency Prevention;

Children in Custody:
Juvenile Facilities.

Advance Report on the 1979 Census of Private

Children in Custody:
Juvenile Facilities.

Advance Report on the 1979 Census of Public

Children in Custody:
Juvenile Facilities.

Advance Report on the 1982 Census of Public

Children in Custody: Unpublished Advance Report on the 1982 Census
of Private Juvenile Facilities.

U.S. Department of Justice, Office of
Washington, D.C. (Continued)
1984

Juvenile Justice

and Delinquency

Prevention;

Children in Custody: Advance Report on the 1982 Census of Private
Juvenile Facilities, Including Comparisons with Public Facilities.

The President's Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Justice; Task Force on
Corrections; Washington, D.C.
1967

Task Force Report: Corrections.

NON-GOVERNMENT SOURCES USED
Barnes, H.E. and Teeters, N.K., New Horizons in Criminology. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.:
Prentice-Hall, 1942.
Bedau, The Death Penalty in America. New York: Anchor Press, 1967.
Bye, R.T. Capital Punishment in the United States. Philadelphia: The Committee of
Philanthropic Labor of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of Friends, 1919.
Bowers, William; Pierce, Glenn; and McDevitt, John. Legal Homicide: Death as Punishment in
America 1864-1982. Boston: Northeastern University Press, 1984.
Cahalan, Margaret. Trends in Incarceration in the United States Since 1880, Crime and 

Delinquency, 25: 1, 1980. 

Huston, Luther A. The Department of Justice. Washington, D.C.: Frederick A. Praeger, 1967.
Lerman, Paul. Deinstitutionalization and the Welfare State. 1982.
Pappenfort, Donnell M.; Kilpatrick, Dee Morgan; and Roberts, Robert W. Child Caring: Social
Policy and the Institution. Chicago: Aldine Publishing Co., 1973.
Ploski, Harry; and Williams, James. The Negro Almanac: A Reference Work on the Afro- 

American, 4th ed. New York: Wiley, 1983. 

Probation in the United States: 1979. San Francisco: National Council on Crime and 

Delinquency, Research Center West, 1981. 

Rubin, Sol. Crime and Delinquency. Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.: Oceana Publishing, 1970.
Sellin, T. "A Note on Capital Executions in the U.S." British Journal of Delinquency 1:6, 1950.
Young, Thomas M.; Pappenfort, Donnell M.; and Marolow, Christine R. Residential Group
Care, 1966 and 1981: Facilities for Children and Youth with Special Problems and Needs.
Preliminary Report submitted to OJJDP. Chicago: School of Social Service Administration,
University of Chicago, 1983.

APPENDIX E 

SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT CURRENT STATISTICS 


APPENDIX E
SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT CURRENT
STATISTICS

Throughout
the
preceding
chapters,
individual problems with statistics have
been mentioned, and the gaps in the tables
point to those items for which more
consistent data are needed. This Appendix
presents
a
few
additional
thoughts
concerning current data collections gained
by the review of existing past data. Any set
of recommendations reflects the needs or
orientation of the reviewer. This review has
been done within the perspective of
attempting to construct, through the use of
statistics, a picture of trends over a
100-year period. As a result, the discussion
focuses on what would be of most use in
maintaining and improving this historical
picture, which is one part of the history of
the United States.
Another major reason for collecting criminal
justice
statistics
concerns
providing
information to make planning and policy
decisions relevant for the present and near
future. It is not always clear when the goals
of recording an "objective" picture and of
formulating policy might conflict.
The
review has indicated that policy perspectives
have been present to differing degrees in
each data collection period. Policy issues
and perspectives are apparent in the type of
data items which are given attention and in
the way in which the data are presented.
In general, the data presented by the Census
Bureau in the Institutional Population Series
and in the State and Federal Prisoner
Statistics series up until 1946 reflected the
goal of presenting an overall picture of
prisons, while addressing, through the data
items chosen for study, major issues of
concern.
The series stopped short of
making policy recommendations.
The
Bureau of Justice Statistics, the major
agency currently responsible for data
collection in this area, has indicated its
interest
in
producing
policy-relevant
statistics, and recent bulletins have not
hesitated to address policy questions.

To some extent, historical tables in the
previous chapters reflect the items of special
concern in each particular time period, such
as the nativity of prisoners in the late
nineteenth century, or juveniles in jails in
the 1920's, or criminal careers in the 1980's.
However, several of these same concerns
have reoccurred over the period.
These
include race/ethnicity, juveniles in adult
facilities, over-crowding, recidivism, the
impact of different types of sentences and
methods of release on time served, offense
distribution, and employment and substance
abuse among prisoners.
One factor the review has demonstrated is
that there is a common core of data which
has been attempted to be collected almost
since data collection in this area began.
While new series have been instituted, the
data items concerning prisons, jails, and
facilities for juveniles are not significantly
different than they were in 1923.
Differences have existed in the legal
mandates and corresponding resources of the
various agencies responsible for data
collection in this area. Currently more data
are being collected in the area of corrections
and crime than ever before. New series
have been initiated on victimization,
probation and parole, and jails, all of which
did not have regular data collection efforts
prior to the 1970's. No longer is there a
simple lack of data, as was the case in many
areas prior to 1970. Of more concern is
how best to collect and present the
information.
The following are some thoughts coming out
of the effort to pull together the statistics:
It would be helpful if there were
more coordination between the Census
Bureau Institutional Population Census and
BJS and OJJDP. The differences which
occurred to varying degrees in both 1970
and 1980 in totals reported for persons
present and for the number of institutions
are significant cause for confusion. Either
consistent definitions of institutions should
be used, or, if different definitions are
used, the methodology sections should
explain why.

rn
It would be helpful if the
Institutional Population Reports contained
more explanatory text. The Census Bureau
decennial reports in which explanatory text
was provided (up to 1940) are more useful
than current reports. Perhaps the detailed
tables by metro area could be published
separately and a smaller national and State
report could be prepared which would. give
more explanation. Because Census reports
contain the
only
unified
data on
institutionalization, a brief discussion would
make the data much more useful, especially
for historical purposes.

rn
The
reconciliation
of
juvenile
reports from various sources is of special
concern. The Census Bureau and Children
in Custody differ significantly in definitions
of facilities included.
Studies which
attempt to present the total picture of
facilities housing juveniles, such as the
University of Chicago studies, are especially
useful.
It is also helpful when studies
classify the primary function of a facility
and the legal status of residents. Only in
this way can one be sure there is no double
counting of the same facility: it cannot be
counted by one study as a facility for
delinquents and by another as a facility for
dependent or emotionally disturbed youth.
rn
It would be useful to have data on
offense
and
time
served
of
jail
commitments.
These data were last
published for the year 1933.
Recent BJS Bulletins on State
prisoners contain much data not available or
not published in the 1970's, especially on
admissions and releases. These data include
time served and sentence and recidivism of
those received. These bulletins also present
much
historical
information.
This
information resembles that produced in the
yearly reports of the Census Bureau between
1926 and 1946. On the other hand, the
bound versions of National Prisoner
Statistics
(the
continuation
of
the
Census/Bureau of Prison series) do not
contain extensive information. There are
some problems with this policy from an
historical perspective. One is format. The
unbound short bulletins are easily lost.
Many of bulletins published in the 1950's
by the Bureau of Prisons are currently
unavailable in most government document

were never received. Microforms will be
available, but are less readily used. A more
substantial publication that is issued at
regular intervals and contains consistent
information would be more valuable
historically. This publication should cover
the data items included in the old Census
Bureau series and contain sufficient
explanatory text. Recent bulletins make the
data interesting and relevant to policy issues
that are of concern. Many statistical reports
have lacked these aspects in the past, but
the condensed bulletin format does not
provide complete methodological notes.
Much of the information in BJS Bulletins
has a policy orientation, while the reduced
NPS reports contain less information but
have a more straightforward data-reporting
stance. It would be helpful if NPS reports
contained an expanded core of items
regularly published.
rn
Consideration should be given to a
unified study covering all levels of
corrections in one year, perhaps every 5
years. The 1880 and 1923 Census reports
were useful because they had a unified
approach. The 1965 study done for the
President's Task Force was very useful
because it covered State, Federal, jails,
juveniles, and probation and parole data.
rn
Statistics published by the Federal
Bureau of Prisons would be more useful if
they were accompanied by explanatory text.
The tables contain extensive statistical
information, but the computer-generated
tables are sometimes confusing and require
some discussion to clarify meaning.

Detail should be maintained in the
published distribution of offenses.
The
categories "violent" and "not violent" are too
broad to be meaningful but have been used
in recent reports on jails and juveniles. The
detailed
information
is available in
unpublished tables, at least for jails, and
should be published in the reports.
H
It would be helpful to have actual
counts of the number of persons who are
under certain ages in jails and prisons,
rather than only counts of those persons
considered legal juveniles, especially as
States differ on age definitions of a
juvenile.