The first section reports on research activities that culminated in a trial system consisting of 10-point score items relating to criminal history and institutional behavior. Those applicants for temporary release who scored in the low range were denied entry, those scoring in the high range gained entry automatically, and those in the middle range were referred to the Temporary Release Committee for further consideration. A pilot program instituted at four maximum and minimum security prisons in September 1976 was generally a success. However, many staff and inmates felt that the system's emphasis on prior criminal record was discriminatory and tended to have a disincentive effect on institutional behavior. The report reviews researchers' efforts to clarify point system items and provide inmates with more potential to raise their scores while maintaining the system's predictive value. It also identifies changes in the system made in response to amended legislation governing temporary release. Finally, the paper analyzes temporary release acceptance rates before and after implementation of the original pilot project in the four facilities -- Bedford Hills, Auburn, Wallkill, and Elmira. Although no consistent patterns for furlough and work release were found regarding processing or approval rates, the applications for both programs generally increased. An attitude survey indicated that a slightly larger percentage of inmates favored the new process, although responses to questions comparing the old and new selection procedures were mixed. The appendixes contain both staff and inmate manuals developed for the pilot and revised point systems, guidelines for reviewing temporary release applications, and temporary release legislation. Tables are provided throughout the text.