Past criminal justice statistics are used to compose a picture of the characteristics of the institutionalized by age, sex, main offense for incarceration, sentence length, percentage of first-time incarceration, and immigration status. The drug use among inmates and prevalence of known HIV infection among the incarcerated are considered. The report looks at the psychological status of the inmate population and the correctional and community resources and methods used to treat institutionalized persons. Among other trends, the report finds a gradual increase in first-time incarcerates from 1970-1988, a near doubling of the percent of inmates who abuse drugs (as well as a sharp increase of serious abusers), and an increase in violent and sexual crimes among inmates. Charts and appended statistical tables.