Line chart of the number of persons in prison by offense from 1980 to 2004 (four lines for violent offenses, property offenses, drug offenses, and public order offenses.)
For violent offenses, the number of persons in prison began at 173,300 in 1980 and increased to a high of 650,400 in 2003. Then the number decreased to 633,700 in 2004.
For property offenses, the number of persons in prison began at 89,300 in 1980 and rose to 265,600 in 2004.
For drug offenses, the number of persons in prison began at 19,000 in 1980 and rose, reaching 265,000 in 2002. Then the number decreased to 249,400 in 2004.
For public order offenses, the number of persons in prison began at 12,400 in 1980 and increased to a high of 129,900 in 2001. The number then decreased, reaching 86,400 in 2003. After 2003, it increased to 88,900.