The intensive supervision included electronic monitoring and numerous contractual obligations. The analysis considered a matched pairs sample of 70 cases, with matching on gender, age, race, and offense seriousness. Measures were taken on many variables at the time of sentencing and again in May 1991. Results revealed that during their sentences and 7 to 24 months after release, neither group posed significant danger to the public. However, the offenders under community supervision were better integrated into community life, held better jobs, earned higher incomes, and cost taxpayers far less to manage than did imprisoned offenders. Findings suggested that intensive supervision in a community-based setting may be a viable alternative to incarcerating nondangerous felons and that intensive probation deserves a true national testing. 15 references