Since 1971, the State's prison population has tripled to 41,000. That figure is expected to exceed 50,000 by the turn of the century. This dramatic increase in the prison population represents a shift in the use of imprisonment, with the State now incarcerating many offenders it would previously have released as a result of the State's mandatory sentencing laws. Despite the increased use of imprisonment, crime rates in New York again started increasing in 1986 following a period of decline. This suggests that current prison expansion efforts may be inadequate to future needs. As the inmate population has increased, so has the overrepresentation of blacks and Hispanics in correctional facilities. This has resulted in problems associated with staff-inmate racial imbalances, particularly in the case of Hispanic inmates, about half of whom speak no English. The rising prison population also has contributed to a drop in the level of inmate programming and services, although the State is now spending over $100 million a year on prison programs. While lawmakers have authorized funds for additional prison expansion, they have also enacted legislation to stem the influx of inmates, including an earned eligibility (for parole) program and a camp program. Alternatives to incarceration also are being implemented including restitution, community service, work furlough, and intensive supervision programs. A prison chronology and supplemental information are included.