The main benefit of intermediate sanctions is a significant reduction in prison overcrowding without increasing cost. Effectiveness of the programs, particularly from a punitive and rehabilitative perspectives, is viewed as an added advantage. At the State level, in contrast to the Federal level, a variety of intermediate sanctions, including boot camps and intense supervision probation, are available. The United States Sentencing Commission, however, has failed to consider a proposed plan for the implementation of a system for intermediate sanctions presented by its Alternatives to Imprisonment Project and Advisory Committee and, instead, ordered another study of a sentencing guide for use of intermediate sanctions by Federal judges. With limited staff and funds, the United States Parole Commission has implemented several programs such as the reparative work project, curfew parole, electronic monitoring, and substance abuse testing which have proven successful in protecting the public, punishing the offender, and reducing prison overcrowding. These can serve as the basis for implementing intermediate sanctions as a permanent and integral part of the State and Federal criminal justice systems.