The study is based on 1982-1983 data on alternatives to incarceration and other release procedures in California. Data indicate that some counties are more aggressive than others in using jail alternatives or release mechanisms, and these differences impact jail population levels. The major pretrial release mechanisms are field and station citation, own-recognizance release, 10-percent bail, other bail, and release without charge. Release programs and procedures used most often for sentenced offenders include probation, sheriff-initiated work in lieu of jail, county parole, and early release. Although differing release mechanisms may release the same segment of the jailed population, the mechanisms differ in cost and the time required to release the inmate. One of the major constraints on the release of pretrial detainees is holds and warrants. Some counties may be reaching a point where there are only a limited number of persons who can be released given current legislation and local program eligibility criteria. This study does not determine whether alternatives to incarceration are inherently 'good' in general or in specific cases, but merely reports that they are being used and vary from county to county. 20 tables, 7 figures, and appended supplementary information and statistics.