Research Reports

Canadian Federal Women Offender Profiles: Trends from 1981 to 2002

PDF

Roberta Lynn Sinclair
Roger Boe
Research Branch
Correctional Service of Canada

Revised: December 2002

Executive Summary

This report summarizes and presents profiles of the federal women inmate population over a twenty-two-year period, from 1981 to 2002. The report extends the trends covered in the earlier Canadian Federally Incarcerated Adult Women Profile Trends from 1981 to 1998 (Colleen Anne Dell, Roberta Lynn Sinclair and Roger Boe, CSC Research Branch, Report R-99, 2001 1) up to the 2002 fiscal year-end. The original report was written in response to a special request from the Heads of Corrections and the format and many of the passages describing the data sources are drawn directly from the initial report.

The information used to compile this report is derived from three sources: the Offender Population Profile Reports (1981-1991); the Offender Population Profile System (OPPS, 1992-1993), and the Offender Management System (OMS, 1994-2002). The latter two sources are electronic databases while the first is a multi-volume report that was compiled quarterly until 1991. All three sources represent official Correctional Service of Canada offender population statistics. It is important to note that the OMS database, while it represented a significant advance in the amount of information on offenders, also introduced new data definitions that disrupted the continuity of several historical series such that current information may no longer directly matches the old definitions. 2

The March 31 population profiles typically present federal offender information directed toward 6 offender characteristics and 6 offence characteristics. For the purpose of this report, the actual numbers are analyzed where appropriate to examining some trends, but generally the trends are presented in terms of changing proportions (i.e., as a percentage of the total federal women inmate population). Highlighted findings of the proportion of the federal women inmates include:

1. Federal Women Incarceration Rate:

• The federal women offender population increased by approximately 75% from 1981 to 2002 (i.e., from 200 to 351). However, when we control for the increase in the population of adult women in Canada during this period - the incarceration rate of federal women prisoners per 100,000 adult women in the population edged up only slightly (i.e., from 2.2 in 1981 to 2.8 in 2002). The average incarceration rate for federal women has remained much lower than that for federal men (average of 2.7 for women versus 116 for men incarcerated per 100,000 adult men or women in Canada since 1981).

2. Age Distribution:

• There was considerable “ageing” of the federal women inmate population from 1981 to 2002. The proportion of women offenders under the age of 25 decreased from 25% in 1981 to 15% in 2002 and the proportion of women offenders over 25 increased from 75% in 1981 to 85% in 2002.

3. Race:

• There was a significant increase in racial diversity of the federal women inmate population between 1981 and 2002. Caucasian women decreased in overall proportion from 78% of the inmate population in 1981, to 61% in 2002. Aboriginal representation increased significantly from 18% in 1981 to 27% in 2002. The representation of Black women also increased during the period, from 1% to 6% over the twenty-two-year period. Asiatic women increased from 1% in 1981 to 4% in 1996, but they have since dropped back to 1% in 2002.

4. Marital Status:

• The marital status of federal women fluctuated considerably over the twenty-two years, without any outstanding trend. Since 1981, roughly 4 out of every 10 federal women were single.

5. Citizenship:

• The citizenship of federal women inmates remained predominately Canadian from 1981 to 2002, with a just a slight overall increase in Canadian Citizenship over the whole period (from 92% in 1981 to 97% in 2002).

6. Primary Language Spoken:

• The majority of federal women inmates reported English as their primary language spoken, which increased from 1981 (76%) to 2002 (82%). The proportion that reported French as their primary language increased from 9% in 1981 to 18% in 2002. The proportion of women who spoke both English and French decreased during this 18-year period, from 14% in 1981 to 4% in 1998.

7. Region of Residence at Time of Conviction:

• Because of administrative reporting changes, there are few clear trends in the Region of Residency at time of Conviction. There was an overall increase in the proportion of women who were residents of the Ontario region (from 21% in 1981 to 28% in 2002). There was a decrease in women who were residents of the Pacific region (from 20% in 1981 to 9% in 2002). The Quebec region experienced a decrease from 1981 (26%) to 2002 (18%) while the Atlantic region increased from 8% in 1998 to 11% in 2002. The proportion of women from outside Canada remained relatively the same.

8. Type of Admission:

• A majority of women admitted to a federal penitentiary were by a Warrant of Committal directly from the court. In 1981 they represented 87% of admissions but by 2002 this had declined to 81%. Since 1991, the proportion represented by Revocations from Community Supervision has been increasing, from 5% in 1991 17% in 2002.

9. Most Serious Offence

• Crimes of Violence represented the most serious offence for federal women, at between 50% and 60% over the whole period between 1981 and 2002. To put this finding in context it is important to remember that this research focuses wholly on federal incarcerations (i.e., sentences of 2 years and over). The proportion of women offenders incarcerated for a Property Crime slightly decreased (9%) and Drug Offences slightly increased (4%).

10. Aggregate Sentence:

• There is a gap in this series because of administrative reporting changes. Overall, there was a small increase in the proportion of women receiving sentences of 2 to 5 years from 48% in 1981 to 53% in 2002. This was offset by a decrease in the proportion of women serving sentences between 5 and 10 years (down from 27% in 1981 to 15% by 2002). During this same period, the proportion of women offenders serving a Life sentence decreased from 16% to 14%.

11. Time Served Since Last Admission:

• The proportion of federal women who had served 12 months or less since their last federal penitentiary admission increased from 38% in 1981 to 55% by 2002. Women serving 1-to-2 years decreased form 23% to 18%, from 2-to-5 years decreased from 27% to 14%, and 5+ years decreased from 12% to 8% in 1998 and then increased until 2002 (13%).

12. Number of Previous Commitments:

• Overall, approximately 82% of federal women were serving their first federal terms; this proportion dropped to around 71% after 1998.

13. Region of Sentence:

• Because of administrative reporting difficulties with this series, no clear trends are possible. Overall, however, the proportion sentenced in the Ontario region decreased from 1998 to 2002. During the same period the rates in the Prairie and Atlantic regions increased, while Quebec and the Pacific region remained relatively unchanged.

Table of Contents

• Executive Summary
• LIST OF CHARTS
• Introduction
• Historical Trends
• APPENDICIES

LIST OF CHARTS

• Chart 1A:Total Number of Federal Women Inmates, 1981-2002
• Chart 1B:Incarceration Rates of Federal Women and Men, 1981-2002
• Chart 2:Age Distribution of Women Inmates, 1981-2002
• Chart 3:Race of Women Inmates, 1981-2002
• Chart 4:Marital Status of Women Inmates, 1981-2002
• Chart 5:Citizenship of Women Inmates, 1981-1993, 1995, 1998-2002
• Chart 6:Language Spoken by Women Inmates, 1981-2002
• Chart 7:Region of Residence at Time of Conviction of Women Inmates, 1981-1993, 1995, 1998-2002
• Chart 8:Type of Admission of Women Inmates, 1981-2002
• Chart 9:Most Serious Offence of Women Inmates, 1981-1991, 1995, 1998-2002
• Chart 10:Aggregate Sentence of Women Inmates, 1981-1991 & 1994-2002
• Chart 11:Time Served Since Last Admission of Women Inmates, 1981-1991 & 1994-2002.
• Chart 12:Number of Previous Federal Commitments of Women Inmates, 1981-2002
• Chart 13:Region of Sentence of Women Inmates, 1987-1991, 1995, 1998-2002

Introduction

Limited attention has been given to an historical profile of the federal women inmate population of Canada . Other than information observed by individuals working within the correctional field, only minor data have been gathered on the consistency and/or fluctuation in the profile of the women in federal prisons over longer time periods.

The purpose of this investigation is to examine the profile of the federal women inmate over more than two decades — from March 1981 to March 2002. Six offender specific characteristics and six offence specific characteristics are examined. Offender characteristics refer to an individual's personal identifying factors (i.e., age, citizenship) and offence characteristics pertain to elements relate to an individual's criminal offence(s) (i.e., type of offence, aggregate sentence).

The information is presented as: (1) tables at the end of the main report (Appendix C) which provide the actual numbers and percentage distributions, and (2) charts in the body of the report, which typically present the information as a proportional trend. This provides the reader with information on two separate areas. The first provides an accurate portrayal of the federally incarcerated women population. The second allows for a comparison of increases/decreases of the actual numbers with the total population for a proportional understanding.

Although Royal Commissions, Inquiries and Task Forces have been conducted on women corrections in the 20th Century in Canada , it is only within the past decade that women offenders have been physically distributed among special federal women's institutions in each Region. 3The restructuring of the system from one central federal correctional institution, the Prison for Women in Kingston , Ontario , to five regional facilities was initiated by the Report of the Task Force on Federally Sentenced Women. 4The first of the new institutions opened in Edmonton , Alberta in 1995, followed by Nova, Okimaw Ohci, Grand Valley , etc. The trends identified in this report may be of significance to the operational future of the regional women institutions, ranging from appropriate offender programming and accommodation to staffing requirements.

Historical Trends

The data used in this report are compiled from three sources. 5

1. The first source is the information that was published quarterly in the Offender Population Profile Reports , from 1981 to 1991, by the Management Information System Division of the Correctional Service Canada. The Offender Population Profile Reports are snapshots of inmates “on register” at an institution on specific dates of each year. The end of the fiscal year, March 31 st , is the data publication date normally used in this report. 6Note that inmates escaped or unlawfully at large from an institution are included on the institution register counts.
2. The second source of data used in this inquiry is the Offender Population Profile System (OPPS), which is the electronic system developed in 1990 to compile electronic offender population profiles similar to the earlier paper reports. This source was used for 1992 and 1993, and accounted for both federal inmates who may be incarcerated in provincial institutions and provincial inmates incarcerated in federal institutions. The end of fiscal year (March 31 st ) date was used.
3. The third data source used to compile this report is the Offender Management System (OMS). OMS is CSC 's newest offender information database (September 1993) and offender profile statistics are compiled by extracting the appropriate information for the years 1994 to 2002. Once again, federal inmates who may be incarcerated in provincial institutions and provincial inmates incarcerated in federal institutions, under the federal/provincial transfer agreement, are accounted for. The data for the Tuesday nearest to the fiscal year (March 31 st ) date are used.
4. All three sources represent official Correctional Service of Canada offender population statistics. While the new OMS database represented a significant advance in the amount of information collected on offenders, new definitions introduced into this information also disrupted the historical series in a number of cases where current information definitions no longer directly matches the old ones.

The information presented in this report is provided as both: (1) the actual numbers, and (2) a percentage of the total federal women inmate population. Each is explained using most serious offence as the example.

The actual number indicates characteristics of the total number of federal women inmates. For example, 30 women were incarcerated in Canada in 1981 for a property crime (out of 200 total).

The percentage of total federal women inmate population is the percentage of federal women inmates with a specific characteristic as a proportion of the total incarcerated women population. For example, in 1981, 15% (30 divided by 200) of the federal women inmate population was incarcerated for a property crime.

Incarceration Rates:

The total number of women incarcerated under federal jurisdiction in Canada increased by approximately 75% between 1981 (200) and 2002 (351). Thus there were approximately 1.75 times as many federal women offenders in 2002 as in 1981.

Chart 1 A: Total Number of Federal Women Inmates, 1981-2002

However, the increase in the federal women offender population did not significantly outstrip the growth of the population of adult women in Canada during the same period. The incarceration rate of federal women prisoners per 100,000 adult women population in Canada increased from 2.2 (1981) to 2.8 (2002). As well, the rate continues to be significantly lower than the male incarceration rate, which is illustrated below.

Chart 1B: Incarceration Rates of Federal Women and Men, 1981-2002

Age Distribution:

Actual Number

Women inmates less than 18 years of age remained stable at zero from 1981 to 2002, other than in 1982 (2) and 1984 (1).

There was great fluctuation in the number of women ages 18 to 24,with an overall increase from 1981 (50) to 1987 (70), followed by a significant decrease to 1994 (29), a significant increase to 1996 (55), and decreasing again to 1998 (40). This decrease was followed by an increase to 53 (1999 and 2000) and then to 56 (2001 and 2002). Overall, there was an increase from 1981 (50) to 2002 (56).

In the 25 to 34 category, there was an overall increase from 1981 (89) to 1991 (136) followed by great fluctuation with an overall downward trend through to 1998 (117). A substantial increase in 1999 (145) was followed by a decrease in 2000 (131) after which there was an increase to the highest number (148) in 2001 and 2002.

The 35 to 49 category increased significantly from 1981 (51) to 1992 (135). A downward trend followed until 1995 (110) replaced with an increase trend through to 2002 (134). There was marked fluctuation throughout, with the peak in 1992 (135) and the low in 1983 (43).

There was an overall increase in the 50 plus category from 1981 (10) to 1993 (41), decreasing to 1996 (22), followed by fluctuating increases stabilizing in 2001 and 2002 (29).

Percentage Distribution by Age

There was zero population in the under 18 category, with the exception of 1982 and 1984.

The proportion of women 18 to 24 years of age decrease from 25% in 1981 to 15% in 2002.

The 25 to 34 category decreased overall from 1981 (45%) to 2002 (40%). There was fluctuation between the years, specifically from 1995 to 2001.

The 35 to 49 age group increased overall from 1981 (26%) to 2002 (37%). There was a relatively stable increase from 1981 (26%) to 1991 (43%) followed by fluctuation ranging from 37% to 41% until 2002 (40).

The 50 plus category increased from 1981 (5%) to 1993 (13%), decreased to 1997 (7%), and increased slightly in 1998 (10%). The rate decreased to 7% in 1999 and 2000 and 8% in 2001 and 2002.

Chart 2 : Age Distribution of Women Inmates, 1981- 2002

Note: Sum of individual categories may not total to 100% because of missing or unknown cases.

Race:

Actual Number

There was a fairly steady increase in Caucasian from 1981 (158) to 1993 (228), followed by a decrease to 1996 (178). An increase to 1999 (210) and a decrease in 2000 (194) were followed by an increase in 2001 (223) and a decrease in 2002 (213).

There was an overall general increase in Aboriginal from 1981 (35) to 2002 (94).

There was an overall increase in Asiatic from 1981 (1) to 1992 (10). This was followed by a decrease until 1995 (4). Increased rates fluctuated until 1999 (11) when a decrease trend began through to 2002 (3), which is the same number as in 1986 when the initial increase occurred.

There was a substantial increase in Black from 1981 (2) to 1997 (37) followed by a decrease in number until 2002 (21). The greatest consecutive increase occurred between 1989 (10) and 1990 (25).

There was an increase with fluctuation in the Other category from 1981 (4) to 2002 (20). The greatest increase occurred between 1997 (22) and 1998 (38).

Percentage Distribution by Race

Caucasian consistently decreased from 1981 (78%) to 1992 (65%). This was followed by an increase in 1993 (71%), decreasing steadily again until 1997 (58%), with slight fluctuation continuing until 2002 (61%).

Aboriginal remained relatively stable from 1981 (18%) to 1999 (20%). There is an increase in the latter years reaching the highest rate in 2002 (27%).

Asiatic was similar to the actual numbers with an overall increase from 1981 (1%) to 1992 (3%). This was followed by a decrease to 1995 (1%) and an increase in 1996 (4%) which was followed by a decrease trend to 2002 (1%).

There was an increase in Black from 1981 (1%) to 1989 (4%). There was a sharp increase in 1990 (8%), remaining relatively stable to 1995 (7%). A substantial increase in 1996 to 12% was followed by a decrease thereafter to 6% in 2002.

There was an increase in Other from 1981 (2%) to 1993 (5%). The rate decreased in 1994 (4%), and was followed by an increase to 1998 (12%). A decrease trend then continued until 2002 (6%).

Chart 3 : Race of Women Inmates, 1981- 2002

Note: Sum of individual categories may not total to 100% because of missing or unknown cases.

Marital Status:

Actual Number

There was an increase in single from 1981 (90) to 2002 (149). There was relative stability from 1986 (132) through to 2002 (149), ranging from between 128-153.

Married/Common-Law increased with minor fluctuation from 1981 (61) to 1992 (108), followed by a decrease to 1996 (84). An increase trend began in 1997 (92) and continued through to 2001 (140) followed by a decrease in 2002 (132).

Widowed remained relatively stable from 1981 (13) to 1993 (13), followed by a sharp increase in 1994 (36) through to 1997 (38). A sharp decrease in 1998 (18) was followed by an increase in 2001 (20) and a slight decrease in 2002 (18).

Separated/Divorced fluctuated from 1981 (34) to 2002 (39), yet remained at a relatively stable rate over the 22-year period. The peaks were in 1986 (49) and 2001 (48) and the low was in 1995 (28).

Percentage Distribution by Marital Status

There was a slight decrease in single from 1981 (45%) to 2002 (42%). However, there was fluctuation throughout the twenty-two year period with the highest point in 1987 (54%) and the lowest point in 2001 (40%).

Married/Common-Law increased slightly from 31% in 1981 to 35% in 1992, decreasing to 27% in 1996, followed by an increase to 38% in 2000.

Widowed decreased from 1981 (7%) to 1992 (3%) when increased rates occurred until 1996 (14%). The rate then decreased to 5% by 2002.

From 1981 to 2002, Separated/Divorced decreased (17% to 11%), with the highest rate in 1986 (18%) and the lowest plateau from 1995 to 1997 and 2000 (9%).

Chart 4 : Marital Status of Women Inmates, 1981- 2002

Note: Sum of individual categories may not total to 100% because of missing or unknown cases.

Citizenship:

Note: After 1994, the OMS categories of Citizenship data collected changed to “Canadian,” and “Non-Canadian” (there was about 1 case of “Dual” citizenship).

Actual Number

• There was a relatively steady increase in Canadian from 1981 (184) to 1993 (280). The rate decreased in 1995 (262) returning to an increased trend in 1998 (300) through to 2002 (339).
• There was a decrease in American from 1981 (12) to 1984 (6), increasing thereafter to 1993 (16).
• Non-Canadian decreased steadily from 1995 (40) to 2002 (10).
• Dual remained stable at approximately 1.
• There was an overall increase in Other/Unknown from 1981 (4) to 1992 (39), followed by a sharp decrease in 19 95 (1).

Percentage Distribution by Citizenship

• Canadian decreased steadily from 1981 (92%) to 1991(83%) followed by an increase back to 97% by 2002. The lowest points were in 1990 and 1991 (both 83%). A slightly lower rate in 1995 (86%) was followed by an increase trend from 1998 (93) to 2002 (97).
• There was a slight decrease in American from 1981 (6%) to 1993 (5%), fluctuating throughout with the high in 1981 and 1990 (6%) and the low in 1983-1986 and 1988 (3%).
• The Non-Canadian rate decreased steadily from 1995 (13) to 2002 (3).
• There was an overall increase in Other/Unknown from 1981 (2%) to 1991 and 1992 (both 12%). After 1995 the proportion hovered around 0%.

Chart 5 : Citizenship of Women Inmates, 1981-1993 , 1995, 1998-2002

Data not available for 1994 and 1996-1997.

Primary Language(s) Spoken:

Actual Number

• There was an increase in English from 1981 (151) to 2002 (287). There was an increase from 1981 (151) to 1983 (171), followed by a decrease to 1985 (156). An overall increase through to 2002 (287) followed.
• There was an increase in French from 1981 (18) to 1993 (61), with a decrease starting in 1994 (58) through to 1996 (35). This was followed by an increase in number to 2002 (62).
• Both languages spoken, English and French, remained relatively stable from 1981 (28) to 1988 (27), followed by a sharp decrease to 1990 (5). An overall increase to 1996 (20) was followed by a decrease trend to 1998 (13).
• Neither language spoken, French nor English, fluctuated slightly through the 22-year period, with the highest point in 1999 (9) and the lowest in 1998 (0). There was an overall decrease from 1981 (3) to 2002 (2).

Percentage Distribution by Primary Language Spoken

• There was an increase from 76% in 1981 to 82% in 2002 in English.
• Overall, there was a two-fold increase in French from 9% in 1981 to 18% in 2002.
• Both languages spoken, English and French, fluctuated, revealing an overall decrease from 1981 (14%) to 1998 (4%). Note the low proportion between 1990 and 1993 (average 2%).
• Neither languages spoken, French nor English, fluctuated slightly, with an overall decrease from 1981 (2%) to 2002 (1%).

Chart 6 : Language Spoken by Women Inmates, 1981- 2002

Note: Sum of individual categories may not total to 100% because of missing or unknown cases.

Region of Residency at Time of Conviction:

Actual Number

There was a decrease in the Atlantic region from 1981 (15) to 1985 (13), and a significant increase in 1986 (24), followed by a decrease to 1988 (14) and an increase to 1993 (22). A significant decrease occurred in 1995 (9) followed by a significant increase in 1998 (31) that was sustained until 2002 (39).

There was an overall increase in the Quebec region from 1981 (51) to 1990 (72). This increase was followed by a decrease until 1995 (58). A significant increase in 1999 (73) was followed by a decrease and then increase trend to 64 in 2002.

In the Ontario region there was a steady and dramatic increase from 1981 (41) to 1995 (129), followed by a decrease through to 2002 (99).

There was great fluctuation in the Prairie region from 1981 (42) to 1987 (69), followed by an increase trend to 2000 (124). Decreases in 2001 (1202) and 2002 (116).

There was a decrease in the Pacific region from 1981 (39) to 1985 (33), followed by a significant increase in 1986 (52) that was stable to 1988. A decrease to 2000 (30) was followed by a slight increase to 2002 (33).

Outside Canada had slight fluctuation, with an overall increase from 1981 (12) to a peak in 1991 (28).

Percentage Distribution by Region of Residence at Time of Conviction

Overall, there was fluctuation in the Atlantic region with a slight increase from 8% in 1981 to 11% in 2002.

In the Quebec region, there was some fluctuation, with an overall decrease from 1981 (26%) to 2002 (18%). After 1993 (24%) the rate decreased rather steadily.

In the Ontario region, there was an increase from 21% in 1981 to 31% in 1992. A sharp increase in 1995 (42%) was followed by a decrease trend until 2002 (28%).

There was an increase in the Prairie region from 1981 (21%) to 2002 (33%), with slight fluctuation throughout.

In the Pacific region, there was a relatively stable decrease from 1981 (20%) to 2002 (9%).

Outside Canada/Unknown residency had slight fluctuation, with an overall rate from 1981 to 1993 around 6%, and thereafter zero.

Chart 7 : Region of Residence at Time of Conviction of Women Inmates, 1981-1993 , 1995, 1998-2002

Note: Sum of individual categories may not total to 100% because of missing or unknown cases.

Data not available for 1994 and 1996-1997.

Type of Admission:

Actual Number

There was an overall increase in Warrant of Committal from 1981 (173) to 1993 (287). This was followed by a decrease to 1995 (240), increasing thereafter to 1999 (280). Lower numbers in 2000 (272) and 2001 (275) were followed by a higher number in 2002 (285).

Revocations from Community Supervision decreased from 1981 (23) to 1989 (13). A steady increase began in 1990 (17) through to 2001 (89). A lower number followed in 2002 (61).

There were lower numbers of Provincial/Federal Transfers from 1981 (4) to 1984 (4). These were followed by higher numbers 1985 (5) to 1990 (14). The numbers drop of significantly in 1991 (7) with no Provincial/Federal Transfers from 1996-2002.

The category of Other consistently fluctuated at a low number between 1981 and 2002. The highest points were in 1990 and 1996 (8).

Percentage Distribution by Type of Offence

Warrant of Committal fluctuated slightly (between 79% and 92%) and declined overall from 1981 (87%) to 2002 (81%).

Revocations from Community Supervision decreased from 1981 (10%) to 1992 (7%). The rate returned to 10% in 1993 and increased until 2001 (24%) followed by a decrease in 2002 (17%).

Provincial/Federal Transfers remained at a steady percentage from 1981 to 1986 (2%), increasing from 1987 to 1990 (average 5%), and then decreasing to zero from 1994 onward.

The category of Other/Unknown has fluctuated mainly around 0% but rising as high as 3% occasionally (reached in 1990, and 1996).

Chart 8 : Type of Admission of Women Inmates, 1981- 2002

Most Serious Offence:

Actual Number

There was an almost two-fold increase in Crimes of Violence from 1981 (110) to 2002 (202). A downshift in 1991 (174) and 1995 (167) was followed by an increase trend to 2002 (202).

Property Crimes fluctuated from 1981 (30) to 1984 (28) and remained stable to 1985. An increase trend began in 1986 (35) and continued to 1988 (44), followed by a decrease to 1991 (33). A significant increase occurred in 1995 (72) and 1998 (75), after which the number decreased to the lowest numbers in the time span (2002 – 21).

Drug Offences increased from 1981 (32) to 1985 (36), increasing sharply in 1986 (66), and decreasing substantially in 1987 (45) through to 1989 (42). A significant increase occurred in 1990 (57) through to 1991 (67). The number remained relatively stable from 1995 (56) until reaching a peak in 2001 (77) followed by a slight decrease in 2002 (69).

Other Crimes increased, with slight fluctuation, from 1981 (28) to 1991 (37). Low numbers in 1995 and 1998 (0's) were followed by a significant increase in 1999 (66) with high numbers until 2002 (58).

Percentage Distribution by Most Serious Offence

There was relative stability in Crimes of Violence from 1981 (55%) to 2002 (58%). The rate fluctuated moderately throughout the period, reaching its peak in 1984 (62%) and its low of 50% in 1999 and 2000.

Property Crimes decreased from 1981 (15%) to 2002 (6%), noting slight fluctuation throughout, peaking in 1995 (24%).

Overall, Drug Offences increased from 1981 (16%) to 2002 (20%). The peak in 1986 (24%) was followed by a decrease to 1989 (15%) and an increase to 1991 (21%). A similar decrease pattern followed until 1999 when an increase pattern began through to 2002 (20%).

Other slightly decreased from 1981 (14%) to 1991 (12%). The rate increased significantly in 1999 (19%) followed by slight decrease fluctuation to 2002 (17%). Overall, the rate increased slightly from 1981 (14%) to 2002 (17%).

Chart 9: Most Serious Offence of Women Inmates, 1981-1991, 1995, 1998-2002

Note: Sum of individual categories may not total to 100% because of missing or unknown cases.

Data not available for 1992 – 1994 and 1996-1997.

Aggregate Sentence:

Actual Number

There was an overall increase in Less Than 2 Years from 1981 (11) to 1991 (15), averaging at 12. In the later years (1999 – 2002) the number was approximately 3 times higher, ending with the 48 in 2002.

Two to 5 Years notably increased from 1981 (95) to 1998 (190), with minor fluctuations throughout. After 1999 (176), the number decrease but rose again in 2001 (167) and reached (187) in 2002, approximately two-times the number in 1981.

Five to 10 Years increased from 1981 (53) to 2002 (54). There was consistent fluctuation throughout the time period ranging from a high of 67 in 1986 to the low of 39 in 1998.

There was an overall increase from 1981 (8) to 1998 (20) in the 10 to 15 Years category. This increase was followed by a decrease trend in the latter years (1999 – 2002) ending in 2002 at 12.

Acknowledging the extremely small number within the 15 to 20 Year category, there was relative stability between 1981 and 1990, at an average of 2. An increase in 1994 (5) was followed by a decrease through to 2002 (2).

There was relative stability in the 20 Plus category from 1981 to 1998, averaging 1. From 1999-2002, there were no aggregate sentences of 20 plus years.

There was a gradual and significant increase in Life from 1981 (31) to 2000 (84). In the years that followed, the number decreased to 2002 (48).

Percentage Distribution by Aggregate Sentence

There was relative stability from 1981 (6%) to 1991 (5%) in Less Than 2 Years. From 1999 – 2002, the rate was significantly higher, averaging 13%.

There was a slight increase from 1981 (48%) to 2002 (53%) in the 2 to 5 Year category, with minor fluctuations throughout.

There was an overall decrease in 5 to 10 Years from 1981 (27%) to 2002 (15%).

For 10 to 15 Years, there was fluctuation between 1981 and 1986 (both 4%), plateauing thereafter at 7% in 1996 followed by a decrease to 3% from 1999 - 2002.

The Fifteen to 20 Year category was stable from 1981 to 2002 at an average of 1%.

20 Plus Years decreased from 1% in 1981 to zero in 2002.

The category of Life increased from 1981 (16%) to 2000 (25%) with a decrease in rate to 2002 (14%).

Chart 10 : Aggregate Sentence of Women Inmates, 1981-1991 & 1994- 2002

Note: Data were not available for 1992 and 1993.

Time Served Since Last Admission:

Actual Number

There was a substantial increase in Less Than 12 Months from 1981 (76) to 2002 (194).

Time served between 1 and 2 Years increased (with slight fluctuation) from 1982 (36) to 2002 (63). There was relative stability from 1988 (53) to1991 (55). A notably higher number in 1994 (73) was followed by a decrease trend until 2002 (63).

For sentences of 2- to-5 Years, there was a decrease from 1981 (53) to 1984 (35), followed by an increase until 1988 (62), and a decrease to 1995 (51). A three-year increase in numbers reached a plateau in 1998 (61) and was followed by a decrease to 2002 (49).

There was an increase from 1981 (23) to 1990 (51) in 5 Plus Years. This was followed by a decrease to 1998 (26), after which an increase began through to 2002 (45).

Percentage Distribution by Time Served Since Last Admission

There was an increase from 1981 (38%) to 2002 (55%) in Less Than 12 Months.

Time served between 1 to 2 Years increased from 1982 (19%) to 1984 (27%), then decreased in 1985 (19%) to 1991 (17%). A higher rate in 1994 (23%) was followed by a decrease in rate to 2002 (18%).

Time served between 2 to 5 Years revealed a decrease from 1981 (27%) to 2002 (14%).

There was an increase in 5 Plus Years from 1981 (12%) to 1990 (17%). A decrease trend ran from 1991 (15%) through to 2002 (13%).

Chart 11 : Time Served Since Last Admission of Women Inmates, 1981-1991 & 1994- 2002

Note: Sum of individual categories may not total to 100% because of missing or unknown cases.

Note: Data were not available for 1992 and 1993.

Number of Previous Federal Commitments:

Actual Number

There was a fairly consistent increase in offenders with No Previous Federal Commitments between 1981 (157) and 2002 (256).

1 to 5 Previous Commitments slightly increased from 1981(42) to 2002 (91). There were several fluctuations, with the most prominent a decrease from 1993 (70) to 1994 (36) after which the number again underwent an increase trend.

6 to 9 Previous Commitments was negligible in representation from 1981 – 1998. A higher number in 1999 (7) was followed by a decrease trend ending in 2002 (3).

There were no inmates with 10 Plus Previous Commitments between 1981 and 1998. From 1999 – 2002, the number of inmates with 10 Plus Previous Commitments was 1 per year.

Percentage Distribution by Number of Previous Commitments

Overall, the percentage of inmates with No Previous Commitments increased slightly from 1981 (79%) to 1994 (88%). The rate decreased since that year, ending in 2002 (73%) with a rate lower than in 1981 (79%).

The percentage of inmates with 1 to 5 Previous Commitments decreased from 1981 (21%) to 1998 (18%). In 1999, the rate increased to 27% and remained close to this level until 2002 (26%). There was fluctuation throughout the time period, with the highest percentage in 2001 (33%) and the lowest in 1994 (11%).

The 6 to 9 Previous Commitments percentage was sparse.

There were minimal inmates with 10 Plus Previous Commitments.

Chart 12 : Number of Previous Federal Commitments of Women Inmates, 1981- 2002

Note: Sum of individual categories may not total to 100% because of missing or unknown cases.

Region of Sentence:

Actual Number

Overall, the Atlantic Region decreased between 1987 (23) and 1991 (17). A significant decrease in 1995 (3) was followed by a significant increase in 1998 (32). The number continued to increase to the highest numbers in 2001 (52) and 2002 (45).

There was a steady increase in the Quebec Region from 1987-1991 (59 to 80). This was followed by a significant decrease in 1995 (46) and an increase to 1999 (76). The number remained higher in the latter years – 2001 (65) and 2002 (68).

In the Ontario Region, there was a steady increase from 1987 (72) to 1995 (153). The highest number was reached in 1995 (153) and the number decreased steadily from 1998 (112) to 2002 (86).

In the Prairie Region, there was a decrease from 1987 (73) to 1988 (59), followed by an increase trend to 1991 (83). Following a lower number in 1995 (72), the number increased until 2001 (131). The number decreased in 2002 (122).

There was a steady decrease in the Pacific Region from 1987 (56) to 1991 (36). In the remaining years, the number averaged 31.

•  Offenders whose region of sentence was Outside Canada increased slightly from 1 in 1987 to 3 in 1991.

Percentage Distribution by Region of Sentence

The percentage decreased in the Atlantic region from 1987 (8%) to 1995 (1%). From 1998 to 2002, the rate is significantly higher ranging from 7% to 14%.

In the Quebec region, the percentage increased slightly from 1987 (21%) to 1991 (25%). The rate decreased in the remaining years to 2002 (19%).

The percentage increased in the Ontario region from 1987 (25%) to 1995 (50%) and decreased to 2002 (25%).

The Prairie region experienced fluctuation from 1987-2002 (between 22% and 38% throughout). The rate was higher from 1999 (34%) to 2002 (35%), with the highest rate in 2000 (38%).

The Pacific region experienced an overall decrease from 1987 (18%) to 2002 (9%).

Offenders whose region of sentence was outside Canada increased from 1987 (0%) to 1991 (1%), but the percentage remained minimal.

Chart 13 : Region of Sentence of Women Inmates, 1987-1991 , 1995, 1998-2002

Data not available for 1992 – 1994 and 1996-1997

6 This is true for every year except 1981, for which September 30 is used because it is the first report of the series.

APPENDICIES

APPENDIX A: METHODOLOGY

Data

Due to inconsistency in data collection methods, not all data for the 1981-2002 period were available. It is indicated in the report where data were unavailable. The accessible data used to compile this report were:

OFFENDER CHARACTERISTICS

1. Federal women inmate population1981-2002
2. Age Distribution1981-2002
3. Race1981-2002
4. Marital status1981-2002
5. Citizenship1981-1993, 1995, 1998-2002
6. Primary Language spoken1981-2002
7. Region of residence at time of Conviction1981-1993, 1995, 1998-2002
8. Type of admission1981-2002
9. Most serious offence 1981-1991, 1995, 1998-2002
10. Aggregate sentence 1981-1991, 1994-2002
11. Time served since last admission1981-1991, 1994-2002
12. Number of previous commitments1981-2002
13. Region of sentence 1987-1991, 1995, 1998-2002

Offender and Offence Characteristic Measures

Offender Characteristic Measures

Variable	Grouping Reported
Age	<18 18-24 25-34 35-49 50+ Unknown
Race	Caucasian North American Indian Metis Inuit Asiatic Black Other Unknown
Marital Status	Single Married/Common- Law Widowed Separated/Divorced Unknown
Citizenship	Canadian American Other Unknown
Language Spoken	English French Both English and French Neither English nor French Unknown
Region of Residence	Atlantic Quebec Ontario Prairie Pacific Outside Canada Unknown

Type of Admission	Warrant of Committal Parole Revocation; Parole Revocation and Offence; Parole Forfeit Mandatory Supervision (M.S.) Revocation; M.S. Revocation and Offence; 1-Chance M.S. Revocation; M.S. Forfeit Provincial Transfers; Federal/Provincial Contract Other Unknown
Major Offence 1981-1986 1987-1991	Crimes of Violence: Murder, Attempted Murder, Manslaughter, Rape, Other Sexual Offences, Kidnapping and Abduction, Wounding, Assaults, Robbery, Dangerous Sexual Offenders, Dangerous Offenders Property Crimes: Break and Enter, Theft, Possession of Stolen Goods, Fraud Drugs: Narcotics, Food and Drug Act Othe: Offensive Weapons, Prison Breach, Criminal Negligence, Habitual Criminal, Other Offences, Other Statutes Unknown Crimes of Violence: Murder 1, Murder 2, Capital Murder, Non-Capital Murder, Attempted Murder, Manslaughter, Rape/Aggravated Sexual Assault, Other Sexual Offences, Kidnapping and Abduction, Wound, Assaults, Robbery, Dangerous Sexual Offenders Property Crimes: Beak and Enter, Theft, Possession Stolen Goods, Fraud Drugs: Narcotics, Food and Drug Act Other: Offensive Weapons, Prison Breach, Criminal Negligence, Arson, Attempts, Conspiracies, Habitual Criminal, Other Offences, Other Statutes Unknown
Aggregate Sentence	<2 years 2<5 years 5<10 years 10<15 years 15<20 years 20+ years Life Unknown
Time Served Since Last Admission	<12 months 1<2 years 2<5 years 5+ years Unknown
Number of Previous Commitments	0 1-5 6-9 10+ Unknown
Region of Sentence	Atlantic Quebec Ontario Prairie Pacific Outside Canada Unknown

Offender and Offence Characteristics Defined

Offender Characteristics

Age	The current age of the inmate (in years only) as of the date of the profile (March 31 of the given year except for 1981 which is September 30).
Race	The particular ethnic or racial group the inmate claims to identify with.
Marital Status	The marital status claimed by the inmate at the time of her admission.
Citizenship	The country in which the inmate established citizenship.
Primary Language Spoken	The language(s) the inmate claims as her primary language at the time of admission.
Region of Residence at Time of Conviction	The inmate’s region of residence at the time of conviction for the offence.

Offence Characteristics

Type of Admission	The basis for the inmate’s reception and admission to a penitentiary.
Major Offence	The offence for which the inmate was given the longest sentence for the current period of incarceration. If the same length of sentence was awarded to more than one offence, the major offence is the most serious as measured by the maximum penalty allowed by law. If more than one offence has the same maximum penalty, major offence is the first of these offences listed on the warrant of committal. Note: If the inmate is admitted on a technical violation (violates conditions of her release, but has not been sentenced for an offence) the major offence reverts to the previous major offence.
Aggregate Sentence	The total of all the sentences awarded to the inmate for her current term of incarceration, including any remnant of parole or mandatory supervision period if the parole or mandatory supervision was revoked.
Time Served Since Last Admission	The length of time the inmate has served since her most recent admission date.
Number of Previous Commitments	The number of previous admissions to a federal institution. Note: This does not include sentences completed prior to 1970.
Region of Sentence	The region in which the inmate was sentenced for her major offence.

Appendix B: Most Serious Offence Definitions

Other Sexual Offences	Attempted Rape; Sexual Assault; Sexual Intercourse with Female Under 14; Sexual Intercourse with Female Under 16; Sexual Intercourse with Feeble Minded; Indecent Assault on Female; Incest; Seduction of Female Under 18; Seduction with Promise of Marriage; Sexual Intercourse with Step-Daughter; Sexual Intercourse with Female Employee, Seduction of Female Passenger on Vessel; Buggery or Bestiality; Indecent Assault on Male; Gross Indecency
Kidnapping and Abduction	Kidnapping; Forcible Confinement; Abduction of Female; Abduction of Female Under 14, Abduction of Female Under 16
Wounding	Causing Bodily Harm with Intent to Wound, Maim or Disfigure; Causing Bodily Harm with Intent to Endanger; Causing Bodily Harm with Intent to Prevent Arrest or Detention
Assaults	Causing Bodily Harm to Servant or Apprentice, Common Assault (Old Legislation), Assault Causing Bodily Harm; Assault with Intent
Robbery	Robbery with Violence, Armed Robbery, Robbery, Stopping Mail with Intent
Offensive Weapons	Intent to Cause Explosion; Explosive Substance Likely to Cause Death or Bodily Harm; Explosive Substance Likely to Cause Property Damage; Possession of Explosives; Possession of Explosive Substance; Possession of Bomb, Grenade, etc.; Use of Firearm in Committing or Attempting to Commit; Point Firearm, Careless Use of Firearm; Possession of Weapon Dangerous to Public Peace; Possession of Weapon at a Public Meeting; Carry Concealed Weapon; Possession of a Prohibited Weapon; Prohibited Weapon in a Car; Possession of Unregistered Restricted Weapon; Possession of a Weapon in a Place Not Indicated on Certificate; Delivering Weapon to Person Under 16; Wrongful Delivery of Firearms; Importation or Delivery of a Prohibited Weapon; Delivery of Restricted Weapon to a Person Without Permit; Importing Restricted Weapon; Delivery of Firearm to Person without Acquisition Certificate; Acquisition of Firearm without Acquisition Certificate; Possession of a Weapon While Prohibited by Court; Alter, Deface or Remove Serial Number of Firearm; Possession of Weapon with Altered, Defaced or Removed Serial ; Alter, Deface or Remove Serial Number of Firearm; Possession of Weapon with Altered, Defaced or Removed Serial ; Failure to Report Found, Lost, Misplaced or Stolen Weapon; False Statement in Procuring Firearm Acquisition Certificate; Tamper with Acquisition Certificate; Failure to Comply with Conditions on Certificate
Prison Breach	Prison Breach by Force or Violence; Prison Breach with Intent; Escape Lawful Custody; Unlawfully at Large; Failure to Attend Court; Breach of Condition; Summons – Failure to Appear; Fail to Attend; Appearance Notice – Failure to Appear; Permit Escape – Assist Escape; Direct Escape; Rescue/Assist escape; Peace Officer or Prison Employee Permits Escape; Assist Prisoner of War or Parolee to Escape
Break and Enter	Break and Enter with Intent; Break, Enter and Commit; Break Out-Dwelling-Other; Unlawfully in Dwelling
Theft	Theft; Theft Over; Theft Under; Theft of Cattle; Take Motor Vehicle or Vessel without Consent; Theft, Concealment, Forgery, etc. of Credit Cards; Theft from the Mail
Possession of Stolen Goods	Possession of property Obtained by Crime; Possession of Stolen Property Over; Possession of Stolen Property Under; Bringing into Canada, Property Obtained by Crime
Fraud	Fraud Upon Government; Breach of Trust by Public Official; Personating Peace Officer; Cheating at Gambling; Obtain Property by False Pretences; Obtain Credit by False Pretences; False Pretences Under, Over; False Pretences General; Obtain Execution of Valuable security by Fraud; Fraudulently Obtain Food and Lodging; Pretending to Practice Witchcraft, Telling Fortunes, Etc.; Forgery, Uttering Forged Documents; Exchequer Bill Paper, Making, Possessing, etc.; Counterfeit Proclamation; Telegram in False Name; Drawing Document Without Authority; Obtain By Means of False Document; Use, Possession of Counterfeit Stamp; Damaging Documents; Falsifying Certified Copy, Extract or Certificate; Fraud Under, Over; Fraudulent manipulation of Stock Exchange Transaction, etc.; Gaming in Stocks or Merchandise; Broker Reducing Stocks For His Own Accounts; Fraudulent concealment of Title Documents; Fraudulent Registration of Title; Fraudulent sale of property; Giving or Receiving Misleading Receipt; Fraudulent Disposal or Receipt of Goods or Property; Fraud in Relation to Fares; Obtaining Transportation by Fraud; Fraud in Relation to Mines; Falsification of Books and Documents; Falsifying Employment Records; False Return By Public Officer; Trader Failing to Keep Accounts; personification; Forgery of Trademarks; Falsely Claiming Royal Warrant; Offences Relating to Wrecks; Applying or Removing Trademarks; Selling Defective Stores to Her Majesty; Unlawful Use of Military Uniforms, Certificates, etc.; Buying, Receiving or Trading in Military Stores
Criminal Negligence	Cause Death by Criminal Negligence; Cause Bodily Harm by Criminal Negligence
Arson	Arson; Willfully Set Fire; Set Fire By Negligence
Attempts	Attempts to Commit An Indictable Offence
Conspiracies	Conspire to Commit An Indictable Offence
Other Criminal Code	All Criminal Codes Not Listed Elsewhere
Narcotic Control Act	Possession of Narcotics; Trafficking in Narcotics; Possession of Narcotics for Trafficking; Importing and Exporting Narcotics; Cultivating Opium, Poppy, Marijuana
Food and Drug Act	Violation of FDA Regulations; Trafficking in Controlled Drugs; Possession of Controlled Drugs for Trafficking; Possession of Restricted Drug, Possession of Restricted Drugs for Trafficking
Other Statutes	Juvenile Delinquent Act; Other Federal Statutes; Provincial Statutes; Municipal by-laws

Appendix C: Data Tables

Table 1A: Federal Women Population & Rate Per 100,000 Adult Women Population, 1981-2002

March 31st	Women Inmates	Women Incarceration Per 100,000 Adult Population	Adult Population in Millions 1
1981	200	2.2	9.1
1982	194	2.1	9.3
1983	229	2.4	9.5
1984	228	2.4	9.6
1985	216	2.2	9.8
1986	279	2.8	9.9
1987	284	2.8	10.1
1988	273	2.7	10.2
1989	285	2.7	10.5
1990	308	2.9	10.6
1991	317	2.9	10.8
1992	313	2.9	10.9
1993	323	2.9	11.0
1994	315	2.8	11.2
1995	296	2.6	11.3
1996	308	2.7	11.5
1997	328	2.8	11.6
1998	321	2.7	11.8
1999	352	2.9	11.9
2000	337	2.7	12.1
2001	367	3.0	12.2
2002	351	2.8	12.4

1. Source: Statistics Canada, Census and Household Statistics Branch, Demography Division June 1^st population and estimates.

Table 1B: Federal Male Population & Rate Per 100,000 Adult Male Population, 1981-2002

March 31st	Male Inmates	Male Incarceration Per 100,000 Adult Population	Adult Population in Millions 1
1981	8,315	96	8.6
1982	8,866	101	9.0
1983	9,820	110	9.2
1984	10,275	114	9.3
1985	10,627	117	9.1
1986	10,742	117	9.2
1987	10,167	109	9.3
1988	10,437	110	9.5
1989	10,869	114	9.5
1990	11,137	115	9.7
1991	11,172	112	10.0
1992	11,757	116	10.1
1993	12,410	121	10.3
1994	13,445	129	10.5
1995	14,009	133	10.7
1996	13,845	130	10.9
1997	13,838	128	11.1
1998	13,410	122	11.2
1999	12,870	116	11.4
2000	12,615	112	11.6
2001	12,761	112	11.7
2002	12,743	110	11.9

1. Source: Statistics Canada, Census and Household Statistics Branch, Demography Division June 1^st population and estimates.

Table 2: Federal Women Inmate Age Distribution Profile, 1981-2002

March 31st	18 - 24 years	%*	25 - 34 years	%	35 - 49 years	%	50+ years	%	TOTAL
1981	50	25	89	45	51	26	10	5	200
1982	47	24	88	45	48	25	9	5	194
1983	62	27	111	49	43	19	13	6	229
1984	54	24	106	47	47	21	20	9	228
1985	44	20	104	48	54	25	14	7	216
1986	62	22	122	44	73	26	22	8	279
1987	70	25	121	43	73	26	20	7	284
1988	52	19	121	44	79	29	21	8	273
1989	48	17	121	43	93	33	23	8	285
1990	38	12	133	43	116	38	21	7	308
1991	37	12	136	43	122	39	21	7	317
1992	28	10	122	38	135	43	28	9	313
1993	31	10	127	39	124	38	41	13	323
1994	29	9	136	43	115	37	35	11	315
1995	31	10	129	44	110	37	26	9	296
1996	55	18	111	36	120	39	22	7	308
1997	47	14	135	41	122	37	24	7	328
1998	40	13	117	36	133	41	31	10	321
1999	53	15	145	41	129	37	25	7	352
2000	53	16	131	39	129	38	24	7	337
2001	56	15	148	40	134	37	29	8	367
2002	56	15	148	40	134	37	29	8	367

* % of total federal women inmate population.

Table 3: Federal Women Inmate Race Profile, 1981-2002

March 31st	Caucasian	%*	Aboriginal**	%	Asiatic	%	Black	%	Other / Unknown	%	TOTAL
1981	158	78	35	18	1	1	2	1	4	2	200
1982	152	78	34	18	1	1	0	0	7	4	194
1983	176	77	42	18	0	0	3	1	8	3	229
1984	170	75	43	19	0	0	6	3	9	4	228
1985	165	76	38	18	1	1	2	1	10	5	216
1986	215	77	44	16	3	1	3	1	14	5	279
1987	211	74	53	19	4	1	6	2	10	4	284
1988	210	77	37	14	4	1	8	3	14	5	273
1989	214	75	41	14	7	2	10	4	13	5	285
1990	215	70	43	14	7	2	25	8	18	6	308
1991	218	69	49	16	5	2	28	9	17	5	317
1992	204	65	62	20	10	3	25	8	12	4	313
1993	228	71	54	17	5	2	21	7	15	5	323
1994	216	69	57	18	6	2	23	7	13	4	315
1995	190	64	64	22	4	1	22	7	16	5	296
1996	178	58	64	21	11	4	36	12	19	6	308
1997	191	58	69	21	9	3	37	11	22	7	328
1998	191	60	58	18	5	2	29	9	38	12	321
1999	210	60	71	20	11	3	19	5	40	11	352
2000	194	58	85	25	7	2	22	7	29	9	337
2001	223	61	85	23	4	1	23	6	31	8	367
2002	213	61	94	27	3	1	21	6	20	6	351

*% of total federal women inmate population.

** TOTAL ABORIGINAL is the summation of North American Indian, Metis and Inuit.

Table 4: Federal Women Inmate Marital Status Profile, 1981-2002

March 31st	Single	%*	Married/ Common-Law	%	Widowed	%	Separated/ Divorced	%	Unknown	%	TOTAL
1981	90	45	61	31	13	7	34	17	2	1	200
1982	91	47	59	30	12	6	30	15	2	1	194
1983	118	52	66	29	7	3	36	16	2	1	229
1984	107	47	74	32	12	5	35	15	--	--	228
1985	93	43	80	37	9	4	33	15	1	1	216
1986	132	47	84	30	10	4	49	18	4	1	279
1987	152	54	76	27	11	4	44	15	1	0	284
1988	132	48	87	32	13	5	33	12	8	3	273
1989	128	45	89	31	10	4	41	14	17	6	285
1990	135	44	89	29	14	5	43	14	27	9	308
1991	147	46	91	29	12	4	36	11	31	10	317
1992	137	44	108	35	10	3	40	13	18	6	313
1993	138	43	104	32	13	4	43	13	25	8	323
1994	132	42	101	32	36	11	34	11	12	4	315
1995	137	46	88	30	31	10	28	10	12	4	296
1996	132	43	84	27	44	14	32	10	16	5	308
1997	151	46	92	28	38	12	33	10	14	4	328
1998	140	44	109	34	18	6	37	12	17	5	321
1999	153	43	124	35	18	5	36	10	21	6	352
2000	151	45	127	38	16	5	30	9	13	4	337
2001	148	40	140	38	20	5	48	13	11	3	367
2002	149	42	132	38	18	5	39	11	13	4	351

* % of total federal women inmate population.

Table 5: Federal Women Inmate Citizenship Profile, 1981-1993, 1995, 1998-2002

March 31st	Canadian	% **	American	%	Non-Canadian *	%	Other / Unknown *	%	TOTAL
1981	184	92	12	6	NA	NA	4	2	200
1982	176	91	10	5	NA	NA	8	4	194
1983	213	93	7	3	NA	NA	9	4	229
1984	209	92	6	3	NA	NA	13	6	228
1985	192	89	7	3	NA	NA	17	8	216
1986	245	88	9	3	NA	NA	25	9	279
1987	255	90	10	4	NA	NA	19	7	284
1988	243	89	9	3	NA	NA	21	8	273
1989	248	87	11	4	NA	NA	26	9	285
1990	256	83	17	6	NA	NA	35	11	308
1991	263	83	15	5	NA	NA	39	12	317
1992	263	84	11	4	NA	NA	39	12	313
1993	280	87	16	5	NA	NA	27	8	323
1994
1995	262	86	NA	NA	40	13	1	0	303
1996
1997
1998	300	93	NA	NA	21	7	1	0	322
1999	330	94	NA	NA	21	6	1	0	352
2000	323	96	NA	NA	13	4	1	0	337
2001	348	94	NA	NA	17	5	2	0	367
2002	339	97	NA	NA	10	3	2	1	351

* OMS Citizenship categories changed in 1995 to include "Canadian," "Non-Canadian," and, "Dual." The table reflects that change (Dual is included in Other / Unknown)..

** % of total federal women inmate population.

Table 6: Federal Women Inmate Primary Language Spoken Profile, 1981-2002

March 31st	English	% *	French	%	Both**	%	Neither	%	Unknown	%	TOTAL
1981	151	76	18	9	28	14	3	2	0	0	200
1982	149	77	16	8	27	14	2	1	0	0	194
1983	171	75	22	10	33	14	3	1	0	0	229
1984	166	73	28	12	29	13	5	2	0	0	228
1985	156	72	22	10	31	14	7	3	0	0	216
1986	211	76	31	11	30	11	7	3	0	0	279
1987	224	79	31	11	26	9	2	1	1	0	284
1988	209	76	26	10	27	10	1	0	10	4	273
1989	216	76	35	12	18	6	1	0	15	5	285
1990	235	76	44	14	5	2	2	1	22	7	308
1991	244	77	53	17	5	2	1	0	14	4	317
1992	247	79	51	16	4	1	1	0	10	3	313
1993	251	78	61	19	6	2	1	0	4	1	323
1994	231	73	58	18	18	6	8	3	0	0	315
1995	239	81	38	13	14	5	5	2	0	0	296
1996	252	82	35	11	20	6	1	0	0	0	308
1997	271	83	38	12	18	5	1	0	0	0	328
1998	266	83	42	13	13	4	0	0	0	0	321
1999	287	82	56	16	NA	NA	9	3	0	0	352
2000	288	85	47	14	NA	NA	2	1	0	0	337
2001	314	86	50	14	NA	NA	3	1	0	0	367
2002	287	82	62	18	NA	NA	2	1	0	0	351

* % of total federal women inmate population.

** Data not available for "both" languages spoken for 1999 - 2002.

Table 7:Federal Women Inmate Region of Residence at Time of Conviction, 1981-1993, 1995, 1998-2002

March 31st	Atlantic	% *	Quebec	%	Ontario	%	Prairie	%	Pacific	%	Outside Canada / Unknown	%	TOTAL
1981	15	8	51	26	41	21	42	21	39	20	12	6	200
1982	14	7	47	24	38	20	42	22	37	19	16	8	194
1983	16	7	60	26	48	21	52	23	40	17	13	6	229
1984	13	6	56	25	55	24	54	24	34	15	16	7	228
1985	13	6	49	23	59	27	48	22	33	15	14	6	216
1986	24	9	62	22	64	23	60	22	52	19	17	6	279
1987	21	7	60	21	68	24	69	24	52	18	14	5	284
1988	14	5	61	22	73	27	56	21	52	19	17	6	273
1989	15	5	67	24	75	26	58	20	49	17	21	7	285
1990	20	6	72	23	77	25	66	21	46	15	27	9	308
1991	17	5	71	22	85	27	76	24	40	13	28	9	317
1992	18	6	64	20	97	31	73	23	42	13	19	6	313
1993	22	7	76	24	89	28	80	25	38	12	18	6	323
1994
1995	9	3	58	19	129	42	72	24	36	12	0	0	304
1996
1997
1998	31	10	58	18	126	39	70	22	37	11	0	0	322
1999	26	7	73	21	107	30	112	32	34	10	0	0	352
2000	38	11	54	16	91	27	124	37	30	9	0	0	337
2001	54	15	63	17	98	27	120	33	32	9	0	0	367
2002	39	11	64	18	99	28	116	33	33	9	0	0	351

Note: Data were not available for 1994, 1996-1997.

* % of total federal women inmate population.

Table 8: Federal Women Inmate Type of Admission Profile, 1981-2002

March 31st	Warrant of Committal	% *	Revocations from Community Supervision	%	Prov./Fed. Transfer	%	Other / Unknown	%	TOTAL
1981	173	87	23	10	4	2	0	0	220
1982	177	91	14	7	3	2	0	0	194
1983	202	88	19	8	6	3	2	1	229
1984	208	91	15	7	4	2	1	0	228
1985	196	91	15	7	5	2	0	0	216
1986	257	92	15	5	6	2	1	0	279
1987	261	92	12	4	10	4	1	0	284
1988	244	89	13	5	13	5	3	1	273
1989	253	89	13	5	14	5	5	2	285
1990	269	87	17	6	14	5	8	3	308
1991	286	90	17	5	7	2	7	2	317
1992	284	91	22	7	2	1	5	2	313
1993	287	89	31	10	2	1	3	1	323
1994	271	86	37	12	0	0	7	2	315
1995	240	81	53	18	1	0	2	1	296
1996	244	79	56	18	0	0	8	3	308
1997	271	83	53	16	0	0	4	1	328
1998	261	81	59	18	0	0	1	0	321
1999	280	80	68	19	0	0	3	1	352
2000	272	81	64	19	0	0	1	0	337
2001	275	75	89	24	0	0	3	1	367
2002	285	81	61	17	0	0	5	1	351

* % of total federal women inmate population.

Table 9: Federal Women Most Serious Offence, 1981-1991, 1995, 1998-2002

March 31st	Crimes of Violence	% *	Property Crimes	%	Drugs	%	Other	%	Unknown	%	TOTAL
1981	110	55	30	15	32	16	28	14	0	0	200
1982	115	59	24	12	32	16	23	12	0	0	194
1983	131	57	31	14	38	17	29	13	0	0	229
1984	142	62	28	12	34	15	24	11	0	0	228
1985	129	60	28	13	36	17	23	11	0	0	216
1986	154	55	35	13	66	24	24	9	0	0	279
1987	167	59	35	12	45	16	36	13	1	0	284
1988	158	58	44	16	40	15	31	11	0	0	273
1989	170	60	37	13	42	15	36	13	0	0	285
1990	176	57	35	11	57	19	34	11	6	2	308
1991	174	55	33	10	67	21	37	12	6	2	317
1992
1993
1994
1995	167	55	72	24	56	18	0	0	9	3	304
1996
1997
1998	181	56	75	23	51	16	0	0	15	5	322
1999	177	50	23	7	53	15	66	19	33	9	352
2000	168	50	17	5	63	19	45	13	44	13	337
2001	187	51	21	6	77	21	60	16	22	6	367
2002	202	58	21	6	69	20	58	17	1	0.3	351

Note: Data were not available for 1992-1994 and 1996-1997.

* % of total federal women inmate population.

Table 10: Federal Women Aggregate Sentence Profile, 1981-1991 & 1994-2002

March 31st	<2 years *	% **	2-5years	%	5-10 years	%	10-15 years	%	15-20 years	%	20+ years	%	Life	%	TOTAL
1981	11	6	95	48	53	27	8	4	1	1	1	1	31	16	200
1982	6	3	93	48	48	25	10	5	1	1	2	1	34	18	194
1983	14	6	107	47	55	24	14	6	1	0	1	0	37	16	229
1984	14	6	107	47	51	22	12	5	1	0	1	0	42	18	228
1985	9	4	102	47	53	25	6	3	2	1	2	1	42	19	216
1986	11	4	140	50	67	24	11	4	1	0	2	1	47	17	279
1987	12	4	146	51	56	20	16	6	3	1	1	0	50	18	284
1988	13	5	140	51	48	18	16	6	2	1	1	0	53	19	273
1989	12	4	139	49	57	20	17	6	2	1	4	1	54	19	285
1990	13	4	154	50	63	21	19	6	1	0	1	0	56	18	308
1991	15	5	160	51	58	18	20	6	3	1	1	0	58	18	317
1992
1993
1994	NA	NA	193	61	45	14	18	6	5	2	1	0	53	17	315
1995	NA	NA	167	56	50	17	17	6	4	1	1	0	56	19	296
1996	NA	NA	170	55	48	16	21	7	4	1	2	1	63	20	308
1997	NA	NA	187	57	45	14	21	6	4	1	1	0	70	21	328
1998	NA	NA	190	59	39	12	20	6	4	1	1	0	67	21	321
1999	36	10	176	50	52	15	10	3	3	1	0	0	75	21	352
2000	41	12	154	46	47	14	8	2	3	1	0	0	84	25	337
2001	59	16	167	46	59	16	12	3	2	1	0	0	68	19	367
2002	48	14	187	53	54	15	12	3	2	1	0	0	48	14	351

Note: Data were not available for 1992 & 1993.

* Data were not available for the <2 years sentence for 1994-1998.

** % of total federal women inmate population.

Table 11: Federal Women Inmate Time Served Since Last Admission Profile, 1981-1991 & 1994-2002

March 31st	<12 months	% *	1-2 years	%	2- 5 years	%	5+ years	%	Unknown	%	TOTAL
1981	76	38	46	23	53	27	23	12	2	1	200
1982	81	42	36	19	42	22	25	13	10	5	194
1983	103	45	43	19	48	21	25	11	10	4	229
1984	90	40	62	27	35	15	30	13	11	5	228
1985	94	44	42	19	41	19	35	16	4	2	216
1986	139	50	55	20	44	16	38	14	3	1	279
1987	99	35	80	28	52	18	43	15	10	4	284
1988	105	38	53	19	62	23	47	17	6	2	273
1989	117	41	57	20	56	20	46	16	9	3	285
1990	134	44	53	17	57	19	51	17	13	4	308
1991	142	45	55	17	56	18	49	15	15	5	317
1992
1993
1994	152	48	73	23	52	17	38	12	0	0	315
1995	142	48	71	24	51	17	32	11	0	0	296
1996	160	52	61	20	60	19	27	9	0	0	308
1997	179	55	59	18	60	18	28	9	2	1	328
1998	179	56	55	17	61	19	26	8	0	0	321
1999	213	61	53	15	48	14	38	11	0	0	352
2000	193	57	60	18	45	13	39	12	0	0	337
2001	223	61	54	15	45	12	45	12	0	0	367
2002	194	55	63	18	49	14	45	13	0	0	351

Note: Data were not available for 1992 & 1993.

* % of total federal women inmate population.

Table 12: Federal Women Inmate Number of Previous Commitments Profile, 1981-2002

March 31st	None	% *	1-5	%	6-9	%	10+	%	TOTAL
1981	157	79	42	21	1	1	0	0	200
1982	153	79	41	21	0	0	0	0	194
1983	194	85	34	15	1	0	0	0	229
1984	200	88	28	12	0	0	0	0	228
1985	184	85	32	15	0	0	0	0	216
1986	230	82	49	18	0	0	0	0	279
1987	238	84	44	15	2	1	0	0	284
1988	229	84	44	16	0	0	0	0	273
1989	237	83	47	16	1	0	0	0	285
1990	254	82	53	17	1	0	0	0	308
1991	264	83	52	16	1	0	0	0	317
1992	257	82	56	18	0	0	0	0	313
1993	252	78	70	22	0	0	0	0	323
1994	278	88	36	11	1	0	0	0	315
1995	242	82	53	18	1	0	0	0	296
1996	251	81	57	19	0	0	0	0	308
1997	275	84	53	16	0	0	0	0	328
1998	262	82	59	18	0	0	0	0	321
1999	249	71	95	27	7	2	1	0.3	352
2000	243	72	90	27	3	1	1	0.3	337
2001	241	66	121	33	4	1	1	0.3	367
2002	256	73	91	26	3	1	1	0.3	351

There was 1 Unknown case in 1993.

* % of total federal women inmate population

Table 13: Federal Women Inmate Region of Sentence Profile, 1987-1991, 1995, and 1998-2002

March 31st	Atlantic	% *	Quebec	%	Ontario	%	Prairie	%	Pacific	%	Outside Canada	%	TOTAL
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987	23	8	59	21	72	25	73	26	56	18	1	0	284
1988	16	6	62	23	79	29	59	22	55	20	2	1	273
1989	16	6	70	25	88	31	62	22	48	17	1	0	285
1990	22	7	74	24	90	29	70	23	47	15	2	1	308
1991	17	5	80	25	91	29	83	26	36	12	3	1	317
1992
1993
1994
1995	3	1	46	15	153	50	72	24	30	10	NA	NA	304
1996
1997
1998	32	10	59	18	112	35	87	27	32	10	NA	NA	322
1999	25	7	76	22	100	28	118	34	33	9	NA	NA	352
2000	38	11	53	16	87	26	128	38	31	9	NA	NA	337
2001	52	14	65	18	87	24	131	36	32	9	NA	NA	367
2002	45	13	68	19	86	25	122	35	30	9	NA	NA	351

Note: Data were not available for 1981-1986, 1992-1994, and 1996-1997.

* % of total federal women inmate population.