In 1981 a Federal Task Force on Violent Crime recommended that NIC develop models for maximum, medium, and minumum security facilities of 750 and 500 beds or fewer, from which States would choose appropriate models for construction. The task was undertaken with the recognition that many correctional facilities face severe overcrowding. NIC's National Information Center surveyed State corrections officials in October 1981 to identify the extent of current prison construction activity. Between October 1980 and October 1981, space for almost 20,000 State prisoners was constructed, and an additional 15,672 beds have been authorized. However, NIC's effort is intended to ensure that States are able to meet their needs and most appropriately use available space, rather than to encourage an increase in total bedspace. Thus, NIC is developing models at various security levels. The Model Correctional Facilities Program aims to develop a body of knowledge concerning the design of correctional facilities and their functional characteristics. The program's three parts are (1) the publication of a manual of design criteria for correctional facilities; (2) the development of monographs on case studies of exemplary correctional facilities, representing the current state-of-the-art in correctional architecture; and (3) the presentation of an intensive design workshop, which would bring together administrators, planners, and designers to focus on the most advanced concepts for correctional programs and the most forward-looking architectural solutions. NIC will also work closely with State officials and correctional administrators to develop appropriate alternatives to incarceration, plans for alleviating overcrowding, and strategies for coping with declining resources.