The basic purpose of the criminal justice system is the protection of the individual and the community by preventing and controlling crime. Ideally, the system is expected to provide an orderly sequence of events ranging from prearrest surveillance to offender rehabilitation. The main components of the criminal justice system are law enforcement (police, sheriffs, constables), and corrections (probation, parole, institutions, community alternatives). Each component of the system has distinct tasks and objectives which interrelate with the tasks of each of the other components. Virginia's criminal justice system is generally similar to criminal justice systems in other States. Problems of jurisdictional and functional fragmentation in Virginia's criminal justice system parallel those in other systems throughout the country. The establishment of the cabinet position of Secretary of Public Safety by the 1976 General Assembly was an effort to overcome the disjointed organization of the past and achieve a coordinated and comprehensive approach to the criminal justice activities of the executive branch by placing them under a single head directly responsible to the Governor. Descriptions are given of the various law enforcement, courts, and corrections activities in the State. Organizational charts, maps, and tabular data are provided. A brief description of each Federal agency with criminal justice responsibilities, a glossary, about 60 references, and other information are appended.