Data was collected from prison records and interviews of the prisoners. A general background of convicted armed robbers indicates most were under age 25, uneducated, involved with drugs, and had extensive involvement with the criminal justice system. The study found a significant involvement of both alcohol and drugs and that the time period between deciding to and actually carrying out the robbery was related to the offender's motive, the number of offenders involved and degree of planning. Banks were the most frequent target, and cash was the type of property most commonly stolen. These subjects did not fit the public stereotype of the meticulous planner and cool operator. Further, the data suggest an increasing use of firearms and an increasing readiness to use them. 22 references.