1974, 1979, 1986, 1991, 1997, and 2004
Conducted periodically, the survey provides information on individual characteristics of prison inmates, current offenses and sentences, characteristics of victims, criminal histories, family background, gun possession and use, prior drug and alcohol use and treatment, medical and mental health history and treatment, educational programs and other services provided while in prison, as well as other personal characteristics. Data are collected through personal interviews with a nationally representative sample of inmates in state prisons. The survey utilizes a two-stage sample design in which prisons are selected in the first stage and inmates within prisons are selected in the second stage.
With the 2016 implementation, the survey was renamed the Survey of Prison Inmates.