OBTS is a method for following offenders as they move through the criminal justice system and across agencies. The need for an OBTS is discussed, and the methodology used in the study is described. Three judicial districts - a large urban, a midsize and a rural -- were used to reflect the criminal justice variation in the State. Data were collected from all offenders arraigned for an index crime, and their progress was tracked through the criminal justice system. Additional data were provided on court disposition rates and time involved with court procedures from arraignment to indictment and disposition in both district and circuit courts. Systemwide dismissal, conviction and incarceration rates were analyzed.