1.   And the shortage could be aggravated next month by an exodus of veteran guards enticed by a new retirement plan, some lawmakers and inmate advocates warn.

2.   But inmate advocates say that a vast majority of the money is spent on health care for prisoners, which the state is required to provide.

3.   In making some changes, the department is likely to face a fight from inmate advocates.

4.   Inmate advocates argue that its proximity to San Francisco gives prisoners invaluable access to medical services and rehabilition programs and allows their families to visit.

5.   Inmate advocates, however, have pointed the finger at corrections officers and outside contractors.

6.   Inmate advocates, however, have reservations about the public and private work programs.

7.   Prison officials and inmate advocates said they could not recall a larger transfer of prisoners from one state to another.

8.   Some convicts are double-bunked, as they also are at other institutions, a situation that inmate advocates and prison guards alike warn could aggravate frictions.

9.   The decision to continue holding prisoners in Texas was assailed by inmate advocates Tuesday as contrary to sentences that ordered them to Massachusetts jails.

10.   The Florida study, which is frequently cited by inmate advocates, also concluded that inmates with strong ties to their families were less likely to return to prison.