The program was implemented under great pressure to reduce the county jail population. Only defendants who did not qualify for release on recognizance, could not raise bail, and could not obtain a bail bond were considered for home detention. The program used a programmed contact system, using a wristlet and computer calls. Results demonstrated that about three-quarters of the 1,088 persons screened were not placed on the programs. Although the program enabled criminal justice professionals to better use the available jail resources, some persons placed on home detention may have been able to raise bail after a few more days in jail. In addition, the motivation to accept a plea bargain or work for a speedy trial was probably weaker among those released to home detention than among those who remained in jail. Therefore, the savings in jail days was undoubtedly overestimated. Findings indicated that such a program has limited usefulness, and its viability depends on the seriousness of the charges faced by the inmates of a particular jail. Figures, tables, and 9 references