There are a number of issues that matter to the public, elected officials, and correctional practitioners. One important element is the availability of good information about offenders across the criminal justice system. The critical issue is the securing and interpreting of offender information that can distinguish between violent and nonviolent offenders. The public does not object to the constructive supervision of offenders in the community, so long as they do not pose a threat to citizens. There is also a need for data that show what does and does not work in corrections. Another matter of intense public interest is whether prisons have too many amenities and therefore do not punish or correct offenders. Correctional officials must be proactive in showing the public the many good things in prisons that contribute to public safety, benefit the community, and improve the chances of offenders returning to society better able to be productive and law-abiding citizens. Community service and vocational training programs constitute an example of such an effort. Another issue important to the public and to politicians is a focus on crime victims. Victims should be involved in every step of the criminal justice process, including the sentencing and parole hearings. In summary, by understanding public opinion and developing professional correctional programs that respond to it, correctional leaders will gain support and understanding of what correctional officials are attempting to do.