State and local Departments of Corrections are facing serious problems, such as prison overcrowding, dilapidated facilities, poor safety and sanitation conditions in prisons and jails, and the need to provide more adequate services. External factors, such as the public, legislatures, and other components of the criminal justice system, have contributed to this dilemma by placing increased demands on Departments of Corrections without providing the resources needed to handle the extra workload. This staff study uses a case study of over-crowding in Massachusetts to illustrate the effect that external factors can have on Departments of Corrections. It points out that correctional problems will not be resolved unless all of the parties contributing to such problems become involved. It also discusses ways in which the Federal Government might assist, such as paying more attention to the impact that Federal actions have on State and local systems and providing increased technical assistance. (Author).