This study involves analysis of the implementation of a new release on recognizance (ROR) policy governing misdemeanor cases in a small, mid‐ western county. The case study is interesting because the policy seems to be characterized by several factors that might lead to predictions of high compliance with policy intent. The findings, however, suggest that consid‐ erable slippage between intent and implementation occurred. It is argued that this slippage is the product of communication problems, the disposition of street‐level implementors, and the failure to include implementors in decision making. These obstacles are then compounded by the lack of performance monitoring. The problems are viewed as interrelated and revolve around the top‐down implementation strategy that failed to involve those responsible for implementation – the street‐level i