An introductory chapter examines the statistical data on the growth in California's prison population and compares recent history with earlier trends and with contemporary developments in other states. Subsequent chapters discuss the report of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Inmate Population Management; identify three offender and offense groups that have contributed disproportionately to prison population growth; outline some changes in the structure of sentencing, release detention, and correctional funding that would make the central state government a more important influence on prison populations; and consider the substantive methodological issues raised by current estimates of future prison population movements. A change in policy rather than a change in California's population or in the character of its crime emerges as the major explanation for growth of California's prison population during the 1980s. 10 figures, 3 tables, and 24 references