The Nation - News from Jan. 18, 1988

Nearly two-thirds of the people arrested on felony charges in 11 states did not go to jail, according to a Justice Department survey. The survey by the Bureau of Justice Statistics of 532,000 felony arrests shows 84% led to prosecution and 62% brought convictions, while 36% resulted in jail or prison terms. The survey covered felony cases resolved during 1984. Convicted offenders who were not jailed received sentences such as probation, fines or mandatory community service, the bureau reported. The states surveyed, including California, accounted for about 37% of all reported crimes in the country, said Steven R. Schlesinger, bureau director.