The New York corrections system has experienced rapid inmate population growth, coupled with sharp increases in the incidence of AIDS in correctional facilities. One of the research projects involved the creation of prison population projections. Another focused on developing a model to estimate the number of inmates who would develop AIDS in the next 3 years, based on a database of inmates with AIDS and a blind anonymous HIV prevalence survey conducted in 1988. The third research project has involved the evaluation of the shock incarceration program established by the State legislature in 1987. The results of these projects illustrates the feasibility of using research in policymaking. Figures and 5 references