Probation and Community Supervision Pros and Cons

Let’s go ahead and take a look at the pros and cons of the probation/ community supervision system...

           

Curious as to how the probation system came to be? Check out a brief history here!

 

http://bjs.ojp.usdoj.gov/content/glance/corr2.cfm

Now, what are some of the issues with probation/community supervision?

-  communities do not want “dangerous convicts” in their neighborhoods

-  lack of probation officers = high caseloads

-  some say it is not punitive enough

-  In 2006, nearly a fifth of people leaving probation were sent back to prison, with over half of these returning for rule violations rather than a new crime. (Probation and Parole in the United States, 2006,  Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2008)

 https://www.justicefellowship.org/get-involved-with-justice-fellowship/12916-get-involved-probation-and-parole

What are some of the benefits of the probation system?

- cost efficient 

-  For example, in Main...

-  the convicted can access a wider range of programs to help rehabilitate

-  helps alleviate overcrowding in prisons

-  allows convicts a greater opportunity to reintegrate into society

-  convicts can maintain employment

-  convicts can get the help they need for drug addictions, etc. that they otherwise could not get in jail

-  opportunity to support family

-  helps treat underlying problems that instigate criminal behavior

Where does policy play a role? Well, here are some current policies regarding probation:

-Sentencing Reform Act of 1984

            The Act abolished discretionary parole for the federal system by establishing a    determinate sentencing system.

-National Capital Revitalization and Self-Government Improvement Act of 1997

            This law abolished the District of Columbia Board of Parole and transferred its      responsibilities to the U.S. Parole Commission.  It also required the District of           Columbia to establish a determinate sentencing system. 

-United States Parole Commission Extension Act of 2008

            This extends the life of the U.S. Parole Commission for 3 more years.  

-Federal Probation Act of 1925

            The Act established a probation system in the U.S. federal courts, giving them     power to appoint officers and place defendants on probation.

(quoted directly from here)

What values support probation?

-  empowerment- people have the ability to change

-  people deserve the opportunity to get the help they need

-  all people deserve respect

-  family preservation

-  self-sufficiency by providing people with the opportunity to maintain a job