The study sample consisted of all 70 prisoners transferred between mid-March 1979 and December 1979 to the special incarceration facilities in Maastricht and Veenhuizen. Results indicated that most of the placements were made as the result of physical violence against guards and chronic problem behavior, leading to tension between guards and prisoners and among inmates themselves. Severe procedural problems were encountered because of communication difficulties with prisoners as well as between the institutions involved in the transfer. In other cases, guidelines for secure placement were incorrectly interpreted or transfer was effected so rapidly that the precipitating incident could not be adequately reviewed. Most offenders remained in confinement longer than the prescribed 14 days and during this time no provisions were made for inmates' psychiatric care. Confined prisoners suffered particular discomfort through deprivation of physical activity and contact with fellow inmates. After solitary confinement, inmates were not always returned promptly to prison routine. It is concluded that the legal criteria for placement are seldom accurately interpreted, since most of the placement problems appear to be connected with application of the guidelines or with problem situations not covered in the existing guidelines. Notes and tabular data are given. Appendixes contain study instruments and documentation.