In 1970, the New York Advisory Committee to the United States Commission on Civil Rights undertook a study of the State Department of Correctional Services. Using information obtained from observations and from interviews with officials, staff, and inmates, the investigation focused upon the impact of the system on minorities and women. In the process, the larger areas of incarceration and parole were reviewed. This report presents the findings of the study through 1972. The racial/ethnic composition of correctional staff (less than 8% minority) is contrasted with that of the inmate population (72.5% minority) in the ten State institutions for men. Changes in policy and conditions since 1970 are reviewed. Included in this discussion is information on the role of correctional personnel, censorship, inmate assignment to institutions, racism, inmate works assignments, and educational programs. The Clinton and Auburn correctional facilities and the women's division of the Bedford Hills correctional facility are described in some detail, in terms of race/ethnicity of the inmate population, temporary work release programs, and health and medical care provided. The procedures and effectiveness of the State parole system are reviewed and criticized. A list of recommendations for the correctional system and for specific institutions is presented. (GC)