The goal was to prove that serious offenders could be effectively supervised in the community. Under the program, caseloads are restricted to 25 offenders under the management of a surveillance officer, who closely monitors program participants, and a probation officer, who provides counseling and has legal authority over the case. Offenders usually spend 6 to 12 months under IPS, followed by a year of ordinary probation. During IPS, offenders are seen 5 times per week by the officers and are required to perform 132 hours of community service and be employed full time in an educational/vocational program. The program is widely deemed a success: few participants recidivate, and most are able to pay a probation supervision fee. Other States are moving rapidly to implement similar programs. However, the transferability of the IPS program is not assurred. Two unique aspects of Georgia's context are related to the program's success: a high prison commitment rate, which has created an eligible pool of inmates convicted of less serious crimes; and an extremely supportive and professional local context. Without these conditions present, other locales may not achieve the same success. 13 references. (Author abstract modified)