During 1997, 6,011 incarceration beds previously planned became operational. Because of the additional capacity, the average time served by offenders increased by 14.8 percent over the previous year. The percentage of incarcerated offenders with convictions for violent offenses increased by 2 percent over the previous year, while the percentage of aggravated offenders incarcerated rose by 2.3 percent over the previous year. Simultaneously, there was a decrease in the number of offenders incarcerated for property and drug-related offenses, validating the idea of correcting these offenders through substance abuse programming and the State jail initiative. The proactive role performed by local community supervision and corrections departments continued to provide effective supervision of offenders in the community. The DCJ parole division, with its day resource centers, specialized caseloads, intensive supervision, and cadre of regular services, maintained its responsibilities in guiding offenders through the reintegration process back into society. The annual report contains information and statistics according to four key components of the DCJ: supervision, programs, support, and oversight. The organization and budget of the DCJ are illustrated, and a directory of DCJ offices and units is included. Figures and photographs