In 1989 a study was conducted to identify existing day reporting centers (DRCs) and to describe their objectives, structure, and operation. Fourteen DRCs were identified: 11 of these were in 4 states -- Massachusetts, Minnesota, Connecticut, and Wisconsin. DRCs had three main purposes: to treat offenders, to incapacitate offenders, and to reduce prison or jail crowding. Programs vary in duration from 20 days to 9 months. An analysis of client characteristics and program effectiveness shows that substance abuse is the single most common problem among offenders; the most significant indicator of the likelihood of successfully completing the program was the education of the client. The early results on DRCs indicate great opportunity to create a truly viable alternative to the traditional methods of sanctioning and supervising offenders. 28 references