The main argument is that although the field of correctional psychology started off in a rather ad hoc manner, it has transformed itself into a respected and research-driven profession. The author begins by reviewing the beginning of psychology’s presence in correctional institutions, which began during the 1960s and was marked by little influence or occupational preparation for the needs of the correctional population. Within the AACP, four main themes emerged at this time: (1) custody-treatment struggles; (2) job security problems; (3) the development of treatment protocols; and (4) professional fragmentation. During the 1970s, the Lake Wales conferences in Florida led to new roles and identities for psychologists in corrections and criminal justice. The journal of Criminal Justice and Behavior was begun at this time and the profession was redefined in terms of practice and knowledge. The current state of correctional psychology is marked by enhanced academic preparation, professionalism, and the emergence of the practitioner scholar. The author acknowledges that correctional psychologists of four decades ago would be surprised at the essential and valued role now ascribed to psychologists within contemporary criminal justice. References