After 6 years of progress and achievement, the county correctional system is the uncontested leader of local corrections in Maryland and has established the widespread reputation as a national model. The public service objectives of the department are to protect the citizens of Montgomery County through effective and realistic correctional services; to ensure the safekeeping, care, treatment, and custody of inmates committed to the detention center; to provide an alternative to either probation supervision or maximum security incarceration by operating the treatment-oriented prerelease center for offenders; to provide training, counseling, and educational services to offenders; and to provide opportunities for selected offenders to engage in voluntary public service employment. The department became fully operational as a separate entity in 1973. Significant achievements during the 6-year period include complete revision of the county code on the correctional system, State funding of $1.9 million for detention center and $1.250 million for the prerelease center, and the development of research and training capabilities which are unique to local corrections. The county's system is one of three local systems in the United States which was selected by the American Correctional Association in 1974 to implement a federally funded model inmate employment program. Photographs are included.