Information about the Polish system and the number of inmates has been available only since 1980-81. In recent years the number of inmates has been declining for the first time in the period since World War Two. The prison system includes 149 basic institutions, 66 "external units," and 8 "social adjustment centers." The majority were built in the 18th or 19th century and are in poor repair. Sixteen lack a sewage system, and five lack central heating. The institutions house an average of 2,000 inmates. The system owns 61 industrial and agricultural operations, and work is a major aspect of prison life. Staff shortages are chronic, with well-trained and educated employees in particularly short supply. The Sluzewiec Prison in Warsaw illustrates an ongoing process of changes in Polish society and corrections. Rules have been relaxed and inmate-staff relations have significantly improved in recent months. Food, health care, and educational programs are inadequate, but the overall atmosphere has improved. 9 reference notes