This report describes the results of a study conducted at the request of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit and Dade County, the aim of which is to examine the current status of the correctional population (with particular emphasis on the Pretrial Detention Center) and to assess the impact of court-related practices and procedures on the make-up and magnitude of that population. The underlying goal of the research is to determine whether additional areas for improvement might be found as Dade County continues to respond to the challenge posed by its burgeoning correctional population. Data was collected and local officials were interviewed to provide bases from which inferences are drawn. Findings indicate that the inmate population of Dade County correctional facilities has increased steadily over the last decade, as much as 40 percent in the last four-and-a-half years. The inmate population exceeds capacity on a daily basis by about 21 percent. Despite the increasing volume of criminal cases, however, prospects for effective action remain. Recommendations include increased use of promise to appear in misdemeanor and certain felony cases; reexamination and reconsideration of the role of the bond schedule in pre-bond and bond-hearing release determinations; coordination of the reviews by Pretrial Services and the Early Intervention Unit of the Public Defender's Office; and improved management of the early disposition process. Also recommended are a strengthened use of diversion programs; the development of a day center approach designed to offer supervisory services to defendants and sentenced offenders who could then be released to the community; and a reduction in unnecessary bureaucratic procedures that prevent the prompt transfer of sentenced prisoners to State facilities. Numerous figures represent the data presented.