The goals of the State's criminal justice system include providing prison space for violent offenders; reducing recidivism through drug treatment programs, education, and vocational training; and developing cost- effective community-based corrections programs. The Criminal Justice Policy Council conducts strategic research, planning, and program evaluations to identify the long-range needs and the critical problems in the criminal justice system. Its analyses have revealed the sources of prison overcrowding, future trends in the absence of policy and program changes, and programs likely to reduce crime over the long term. Currently, the agency is conducting the most comprehensive statewide sentencing study ever done in Texas. This project will greatly improve the information needed for policy development. Action research is also needed to provide information about the factors that affect the results of policies or programs. Appended summary of the planning process, figures and narrative projections, summary of issues in criminal justice in Texas, and implementation plan for the Texas Criminal Justice Information System