Of the 18,179 first releases in 1997, 26 percent were committed for violent felony offenses, 7 percent for other coercive offenses, 48 percent for drug offenses, 15 for property and other offenses, and 3 percent as youthful and juvenile offenders. The time served by the 18,179 first releases in correctional facilities averaged 28.9 months, and the median time served was 22.5 months. The average total time served in custody for the 18,179 first releases averaged 34.7 months, and the median total time served was 27 months. The total time served in custody for a first felony offender averaged 30.6 months, while the total time served in custody for persons sentenced as a second felony offender averaged 38 months. The total time served in custody for first releases to parole supervision increased from an average of 31.4 months among first releases in 1993 to an average of 34.7 months among first releases in 1997. Average total time served for violent felony offenders increased from 45.3 months in 1993 to 52.5 months in 1997. Average total time served for first felony offenders convicted of a violent crime increased from 38.5 months in 1993 to 46.6 months in 1997. Average total time served for a second felony offender convicted of a violent crime increased from 53.1 months in 1993 to 58.8 months in 1997. Average total time served for property offenders rose slightly from 21.8 to 23.5 months over the 1993-1997 period. The average total time served for drug offenders increased from 26.2 months in 1993 to 30.2 months in 1997. Second felony drug offenders served more time (33.8 months) than first felony drug offenders (24.8 months) in 1997. Additional data are appended on time served by specific offense for first releases, felony offenders, second or persistent felony offenders, minimum and maximum sentences, and commitment offense. 35 tables and 14 figures