Survey of Prison Inmates (SPI) Series (Formerly Survey of Inmates in State and Federal Correctional Facilities (SISFCF))

collection: series

Investigator(s): Bureau of Justice Statistics

Studies

5

Variables

5,677

Publications

299

About this Collection

Conducted by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, this survey is part of a series of data gathering efforts undertaken to assist policymakers in assessing and remedying deficiencies in the nation's correctional institutions. Its primary objective is to produce national statistics of the state and sentenced federal prison populations across a variety of domains. The survey gathered information on demographic, socioeconomic, and criminal history characteristics of prisoners. Also obtained were details of prisoner’ military service, current offense and sentence, incident characteristics, and firearm possession and sources. Other information includes age at time of interview, ethnicity, education, lifetime drug use and alcohol use and treatment, mental and physical health and treatment, and pre-arrest employment and income. Data on characteristics of victims, prison programs and services, and rule violations are provided as well.

With the 2016 administration, the survey was renamed the Survey of Prison Inmates.

More information can be found in NACJD's Survey of Prison Inmates Resource Guide.

Studies

5 results

Survey of Inmates of Federal Correctional Facilities, 1991

This survey provides nationally representative data on persons held in federal prisons. The survey was designed to supply information on individual characteristics of prison inmates, such as their current offenses and sentences, criminal histories, prior drug and alcohol use and treatment, gun possession and use, gang membership, and family background. Data on characteristics of victims and on prison activities, programs, and services are provided as well.

Survey of Inmates of State Correctional Facilities, 1979

The purpose of this survey was to obtain information on the characteristics of persons confined to prison and the circumstances and conditions of their confinement. The survey focuses on topics and issues that are of current and continuing concern to the correctional community and researchers. Information in the survey includes prison conditions such as staffing, space, and overcrowding, inmate rights and privileges, and rules and regulations concerning prison operation and inmate behavior. Additional data are provided on the presence of educational and vocational programs, drug and alcohol programs, medical treatment, and health care.

Survey of Inmates of State Correctional Facilities, 1986: [United States]

This data collection provides information about topics and issues of concern in research and policy within the field of corrections. Chief among these are the characteristics of persons confined to state prisons, their current and past offenses, and the circumstances or conditions of their confinement. Also included is extensive information on inmates' drug and alcohol use, program participation, and the victims of the inmates' most recent offenses. 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.
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