IT IS NOTED THAT IN THE MAJORITY OF PRISONS IN ENGLAND, ESPECIALLY LOCAL PRISONS, OVERCROWDING, INADEQUATE AND ANTIQUATED BUILDINGS, AND THE PRESSURE OF WORK WHICH THESE CONDITIONS IMPOSE ON STAFF LEAVE LITTLE HOPE FOR THE EFFECTIVE REFORM OF PRISONERS. THE VALUE OF PRISONS IS BELIEVED CURRENTLY TO BE THAT OF PUNISHING SERIOUS OR REPEATED CRIMES AND PROTECTING SOCIETY FROM DANGEROUS CRIMINALS. CRIME PREVENTION AND EFFECTIVE ALTERNATIVES TO INSTITUTIONALIZATION WHICH ACHIEVE REHABILITATION, PARTICULARLY OF THE FIRST-TIME OFFENDER, ARE THE MAJOR RECOMMENDATION THRUSTS OF THE REPORT. IT IS URGED THAT POLICE PAY AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE BE UPGRADED AND THAT GRANTS OR FINANCIAL INCENTIVES BE PROVIDED TO THOSE WHO ADOPT CONSTRUCTIVE METHODS TO PREVENT CRIME. WHO SHOULD GO TO PRISON, SENTENCING POLICIES, THE TREATMENT OF YOUNG OFFENDERS, ALTERNATIVES TO PRISON, REMAND AND BAIL, PAROLE, THE USE OF 'OPEN PRISON,' AND A PRISON SERVICE FOR THE FUTURE ARE THE GENERAL TOPICS DISCUSSED. A SUMMARY OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS IS ALSO PROVIDED. (RCB)