Because crime continues to be a major problem while financial resources are diminishing, basic issues regarding criminal justice services must be reexamined at the State level. Governors are uniquely suited to lead the way to improvements in this system, but first they must formulate a coherent criminal justice policy. The development of a well-coordinated system of services and an effective planning process should be given priority. Planning and budgeting are the Governors' most powerful resources for defining and meeting goals. Governors' use of State Planning Agencies (SPA's) varies widely among jurisdictions, but frequently SPA's have been underused as tools for executive planning and management. Examples of SPA projects are described in the areas of problem identification, standards development, evaluation, and technical assistance. Methods for organizing the criminal justice system are outlined with examples from several States. Strategies to institutionalize planning and coordination are detailed which focus on reorganizing or revitalizing the SPA. Specific suggestions for exploring different approaches to criminal justice planning are presented, as are areas that should be considered in evaluating innovations. A set of questions to help States define key issues in criminal justice policy is appended.