The study covered 135 documents from 12 western countries and focused on such alternative sanctions as mediation projects, restitution, compensation, day fines, community service, attendance and day centers, electronic monitoring, intensive supervision programs, and boot camps. The effectiveness of alternative sanctions was assessed in relation to prison sentences, costs, and effects on offender behavior. It was determined that some alternative sanctions, such as mediation, restitution, and community service, are already used in the Netherlands. In general, alternative sanctions are recommended for certain crimes because they are less expensive than imprisonment and may be better able to realize the various objectives of punishment. The author specifically suggests that the Netherlands experiment with day fines, electronic monitoring, and intensive supervision programs. 133 references, 10 endnotes, and 1 figure