The study, which began in 1983 and continued for 2.5 years, examined each program using a triangulation of quantitative and qualitative methods as well as data. Oregon's program diverts persons who might otherwise be sentenced to prison or probation. The program is administered through the Department of Corrections by counties choosing to participate. Colorado's program sentences nonviolent felons who would formerly have been imprisoned to community-based programs. This program is administered through the State's Judicial Department by judicial districts. Connecticut operates a prerelease program for inmates within 1 year of release which is run by the State Department of Corrections. The three programs have the common objectives of reducing the number of nonviolent felons imprisoned, saving money, reintegrating offenders into the community, and building political constituencies. The extent to which these objectives were achieved varied widely among each State's jurisdictions. The more effective programs have used entrepreneurs to implement and maintain the programs. They have also demonstrated greater implementor commitment to the program, stronger support from various groups, more training, and more effective adaptation to local conditions. Programs administered through the judicial department were apparently more successful. The most attainable goals were reduction in prison commitments and decreased costs. The major weaknesses were lack of community support and public education about the programs. Tabular data and three references are provided.