The original Metropolitan Correctional Centers (MCCs) opened by the Federal Prison System in San Diego, New York, and Chicago represented a major departure from traditional jail design and were intended to serve as models for the country's detention facilities. They differ from traditional jails in nine major areas of design and operation. Housing area design is one characteristic that has been significantly modified over the past 20 years. Operational problems that have resulted in escapes or assaults on staff in some facilities have also demonstrated the need for managers to understand direct supervision thoroughly, for staff to receive adequate training, and for each facility to use a problem-solving process to review decisions and actions in the context of direct supervision principles. Evaluation studies sponsored by the National Institute of Corrections have focused on individual facilities. The current focus is on action research that explores the organization's capacity to maximize the benefits derived from the effective application of direct supervision management practices. The 20 years of experience reveal that direct supervision offers a good alternative to traditional jail practice, although it has not solved all problems that jail administrators experience. Nevertheless, most administrators are satisfied with its comparative benefits. A future challenge will be to develop the full potential of pod officers. Chart and 20 reference notes