Fewer women than men are imprisoned or receive sentences specifically introduced as custodial alternatives (community service and suspended sentences). The use of fines, however, is similar for both men and women. Remand prisoners awaiting trial or sentence are a major and rising component of the prison population. This category represented 24 percent of England's female prison population in 1986. The denial of bail is of concern, since it disrupts families and often causes the loss of jobs and even homes. Conditions of remand prisoners are often the worst in the penal system. Women in prison have less serious records than men. In 1986 in England, for example, nearly 1 in 5 adult women sentenced to immediate imprisonment represented first offenders, compared with about 1 in 20 adult men. Fewer women are convicted of more serious offenses. It is contended that remand, sentencing, and fine default send many women to prison unnecessarily when there are noncustodial options available. Noncustodial alternatives include the decriminalization of prostitution offenses, expansion of community service programs, greater scope for probation programs, and discharges for minor offenses. Efforts should be made to insure that noncustodial penalties are relevant to female offenders, particularly to black, mentally ill, and deviant women who are over-represented in custody. 16 references.