Eighty policymakers in corrections were interviewed. Following this survey, a sample survey of 601 Maryland residents was conducted from Dec. 12, 1980, to Jan. 5, 1981. A random digit-dialing telelphone interviewing method was used. A third survey -- of 2,207 criminal justice system personnel -- was carried out in 1981. Usable questionnaires were returned by 1,138 persons. Survey results indicated that no single factor was considered responsible for Maryland's correctional crisis, but rather a complex set of issues appeared to underlie the dissatisfaction of all those surveyed. These issues focused on several major factors: lack of alternatives to traditional incarceration and crowding; dissatisfaction with correctional administration; and factors affecting the corrections systems such as poor condition of existing facilities, lack of manpower, and insufficient funding. Additional issues were poor relations between corrections staff and corrections leadership; the impact on corrections of other criminal justice subsystems; and a lack of coordination in the criminal justice system, poor planning, and sentencing practices. A detailed analysis of these issues and their interrelationships and an examination of specific survey findings conclude the paper. One table and one figure are provided.
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