Overcrowding was the severest problem confronting the department in 1978-79. At yearend, all institutions were at or above rated capacity, having recorded a 13.7 percent increase during the year. At yearend, the department's total population was 3,564, an increase of 16.7 percent during the 12-month span from the last calculation. Statistical trend lines provided a projection of 4,200 prisoners by June 1980, if the 1978-79 1-year increases were employed. However, these projections take no account of possible strategic interventions that might introduce other variables into the situation. Institutional services are described, including drug and alcohol treatment, correctional education, engineering services, and the model prison industries. In addition, efforts of field services are detailed. Field services encompass all of parole, including interstate compact cases and the coordination of assistance for released offenders. Also within this grouping are community release, volunteer services, and Project FIRE (Facilitating Integration and Re-entry Experience). FIRE, working in conjunction with the parole division, provides comprehensive treatment planning, substance abuse counseling, job preparation, and other services to help released prisoners with addiction histories to readjust in six urban communities. The project served more than 1,300 persons during the year. The report also reviews the activities of evaluation and inspection services. The final chapter covers program development, including staff development and training, the Conn. Justice Academy, research services, library services, and accreditiation services. Tables are provided.