Data were available for the United States starting in 1926, while the German data started in the 1950's. Both nations experienced declines in imprisonment rates during the 1960's, followed by increased starting in the early 1970's. Both nations experienced sharp increases in crime rates during the late 1960's and the 1970's. In Germany the rates of crime and imprisonment were positively correlated for the more serious crime types but negatively correlated to the less serious crime types. Data for California also showed a close and direct relationship between crime rates and prison admissions for the most serious crimes of homicide and robbery. Results showed the importance of examining crime and imprisonment rates for specific types of crime, rather than using aggregate data, to understand the relationship between crime rates and imprisonment. Findings provided no support for either of the contrasting hypotheses that imprisonment deters crime and that imprisonment is criminogenic. Thus, policies that presume either effect are questionable. Finally, the analysis did not appear to support any specific theory on which to base criminal justice policy. Figures and tables.