Members of the State Board of Corrections, a directory of key administrators, organization of the South Carolina Department of Corrections, and institutions of the department are presented. An historical perspective of the department precedes a section noting significant developments in fiscal year 1981. Legislation directly affecting the department, Federal assistance during 1981, department publications during the year, and pertinent statistics are mentioned. Continued moderate inmate growth sustained overcrowded conditions in the agency's institutions, and a worsening fiscal situation demanded unprecedented management decisions. Tables and related appended materials are provided.