The report notes that despite popular perceptions personal theft and household victimization rates have been decreasing. However, significant increases have occurred in the rates of violent crimes and in the use of firearms associated with such crimes. In addition, arrests, convictions, and prison sentences have all increased substantially, especially with respect to drug law offenses. Moreover, minorities continue to be disproportionately represented both as victims and as persons arrested and put under correctional supervision. Furthermore, juvenile arrests for violent crimes are increasing much faster than juvenile arrests for drug offenses, but juvenile custody rates are increasing significantly faster for drug offenders. The number of criminal cases is also increasing significantly, and most courts are not keeping pace. Finally, significant increases have occurred in criminal justice employment and expenditures, particularly in corrections. The statistics raise many difficult questions regarding justice, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Figures and 31 references