Spurred by budget pressures, the California Department of Corrections plans changes in its parole system, which could mean 15,000 fewer inmates and as many as five fewer prisons by mid-2005.
Currently, ex-cons who violate their parole must either be sent back to prison or allowed to continue their parole.
The new policies would allow violators to be monitored electronically, sent to home detention or work release. 
Community prerelease programs will be expanded, as will oversight of parolees.
Critics say the changes are aimed more at the bottom line than at inmates' welfare.