THE NUMBER OF MISDEMEANANTS IN VIRGINIA'S STATE-OPERATED CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS HAS DECLINED FAIRLY STEADILY SINCE 1968. IN 1975, THE AVERAGE DAILY POPULATION OF LOCAL JAILS INCREASED SHARPLY. THE SYSTEM USED TO REPORT JAIL COMMITMENTS DOES NOT DISTINGUISH CLEARLY AMONG PERSONS HELD FOR TRIAL, CONVICTED OFFENDERS AWAITING TRANSFER TO STATE INSTITUTIONS, AND CONVICTED OFFENDERS SERVING THEIR SENTENCES IN LOCAL JAILS. THE ROLES OF BOTH THE JAILS AND THE STATE INSTITUTIONS APPEAR TO BE CHANGING. MORE AND MORE JAILS ARE BEING TRANSFORMED INTO COMMUNITY CORRECTIONAL CENTERS. AS A RESULT, THERE IS A NEED TO INCREASE THE EMPHASIS ON CLASSIFICATION AND TREATMENT PROGRAMS IN THE LOCAL FACILITIES. IN THE STATE INSTITUTIONS, THE PROPORTION OF FELONS IN THE INMATE POPULATION IS INCREASING AND THE DEMANDS ON THE STATE FACILITIES ARE CHANGING. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THE JAIL AND MISDEMEANANT REPORTING SYSTEM BE REVISED AND THAT A STUDY BE UNDERTAKEN TO DETERMINE THE EFFECTS OF POPULATION CHANGES ON RATES OF INCARCERATION. SUPPORTING DATA ARE INCLUDED. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED--LKM)