The research used two data sets. The first data set consisted of 1,212 parolees on whom data were collected in 1979 and 1980 by the Bureau of Research at the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. The second data set was collected by the same organization and covered 539 parolees who were considered parole violators at large as of October 1994. Results indicated that absconders have a longer criminal history than non-absconders. They also tend to have had more parole supervisions, incarcerations, and revocations than non-absconders. A follow-up also revealed that the majority of absconders were caught and returned to prison within 1 year. Findings indicated that absconders tend to be men and women who have developed a lifestyle of criminal behavior that is long and strong, although no more violent or threatening than that of regular parolees. Findings also suggested the need for guidelines to predict absconders, who generally have characteristics that differ from those of non-absconders, and for parole officers to have more of a social worker than law enforcement role with potential absconders. Notes and 14 references (Author abstract modified)