Monthly Fact Sheet

March 2003

Did you know....

That 71.2% of those in prison are serving a MINIMUM of 85% of their sentences?

From June 1997 through June 2002, the number of inmates serving a minimum of 85% of their sentences increased from 7.0% to 68.0%, and in February 2003 it rose to 71.2%.

Ask any layperson how much of their sentences they think inmates serve, and the answers will vary tremendously. Few people believe inmates serve the majority of their sentences, but the fact is that as of February 28, 2003, almost 3/4 of those in prison were serving a MINIMUM of 85% of their sentences. Specifically, 71.2% of those in prison on that date will serve at least 85% of their sentences, and another 8% are serving life sentences. (The remaining 20% committed their crimes prior to October 1, 1995 and therefore are not required to serve under the 85% law.) As the chart illustrates, the number of inmates who are serving under the 85% law has grown dramatically over the years, from only 7.0% in 1997 to 68.0% in 2002.

Table of Contents:

• Inmates in Prison
• Inmate Programs
• Offenders on Supervision
• Supervision Programs
• Personnel and Budget
• Of Note this Month

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