The female offenders were divided into three groups--lifers serving sentences for first degree murder, lifers serving sentences for second degree murder, and offenders serving fixed sentences of 10 years or more. It was found about 25 percent of female offenders in custody were serving long sentences, as compared to about 33 percent of male offenders. Approximately 75 percent of women serving long sentences were Caucasian, while 15 percent were Aboriginal and 10 percent were from other racial groups. Female offenders in the first degree murder group were an average of 10 years older than female offenders in the other two groups. The most serious offenses committed by women in custody serving long determinate sentences were manslaughter, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit murder. Female offenders serving sentences for first degree murder were rated as having fewer criminogenic needs than female offenders in the other two groups. Based on the comparisons made, the female offenders serving life sentences for second degree murder showed characteristics more similar to female offenders serving determinate sentences of 10 years or more than female offenders serving life sentences for first degree murder. The authors believe characteristics of female offenders serving sentences for first degree murder present an important challenge for correctional personnel since these women will spend a considerable amount of their life incarcerated. 4 footnotes, 3 tables, and 2 figures