The introduction briefly describes the foundations and components of the criminal justice system and the corrections subsystem (institutional corrections, community-based corrections, and juvenile corrections). A review of corrections environments focuses on their social, political, bureaucratic, institutional, community, legal, and system aspects. Explanations of inmate/client behavior are preceded by a discussion of human behavior in general from biological, psychological, and sociological perspectives. The description of inmate/client behavior encompasses normal behavior, adjustment problems, personality disorders, mental illness, mental retardation, suicidal behavior, and biologically induced erratic behavior. The chapter on the professional status of corrections considers the nature of professions, professional development in corrections, and the commitments required. A discussion of the tasks of corrections and corrections professionals considers the purposes of corrections, behavioral control and change, and the policy tasks of corrections professionals. An overview of corrections professions is divided into custodial and surveillance personnel, support personnel, treatment personnel, and management and administrative personnel. Remaining chapters address organizational and human factors contributing to stress and future directions for professionalization in corrections. Appended supplementary information, 240 references, subject index.