Survey of inmates of state correctional facilities, 1986

The purpose of this data collection was to obtain information on the characteristics of persons confined to state prisons, their current and past offenses, and the circumstances or conditions of their confinement. This information, which is not available on a national basis from any other source, is intended to assist the criminal justice community and other researchers in analysis and evaluation of correctional issues. The collection focuses on topics and issues of current concern in research and policy within the field of corrections. Chief among these are the characteristics of the inmate population and the criminal histories and backgrounds of inmates. Also included is extensive information on inmates' drug and alcohol use, program participation, and the victims of the inmates' most recent offenses.