In accordance with a Federal court order, Puerto Rico correctional authorities assessed the conditions in correctional facilities and developed an appropriate training curriculum. Topics covered included control of communicable diseases; water supply and waste water; food protection; solid waste management; vectors of disease; fire safety; housekeeping practices, and administration. During the course of the training program, criteria for evaluating program outcome became evident, particularly attention to human needs. The program requires the institutional sanitation officer to function administratively in a staff capacity and to receive support from every member of the correctional staff regarding reduction of environmental risk factors. In addition, public health agencies need to fulfill their responsibilities by providing consultative and advisory services to correction officials. 8 notes