The office dispenses with unfounded complaints, substantiates valid complaints, and improves administrative procedures. A statutorally established State agency, separate from the Department of Corrections, the office receives and resolves complaints concerning inmates and their families, correctional staff members, and correctional volunteers. During 1981, the office focused its primary attention on the Kansas State Penitentiary, while handling complaints from other institutions as well. The office completed work on 869 complaints which required a total of 5,529 contacts through interviews, telephone calls, and letters. The office issued three reports during fiscal 1981, focusing on a work stoppage incident, self-mutilation in segregation units, and a follow-up survey regarding 37 recommendations. Office expenditures, photographs, 16 figures, and a list of publications are provided.