NCJ Number
124807
Date Published
1988
Length
85 pages
Annotation
The Florida Department of Corrections conducted an extensive study of the adult probation and parole revocation process by analyzing actual case reviews in a sample of 5 circuits selected from 20 circuits statewide, probation officer questionnaires, and probation and parole caseload and revocation statistics.
Abstract
Case review analysis found that the probation revocation process was consistent statewide. The most consistent response for all violations of probation with warrant was either probation terminated or probation modified. Of known dispositions, State prison was used in 17 percent of the cases, county jails in 11 percent, and community control in 8 percent. More offenders committed technical violations rather than new felonies, and more than half of the technical violations were for monetary reasons. Blacks were sentenced to State prison more often than whites, while whites were sentenced to county jails more often than blacks. Responses to probation officer questionnaires indicated that as the number of times an offender commits a violation increased, the more often a violation of probation with warrant was issued. Probation officers recommended sentencing to probation restitution centers, community control, and State prison more often than case reviews showed this was actually done. Probation revocation caseload analysis revealed that as adult offender caseload size increased, the revocation rate and the violation report rate increased dramatically in each region statewide. Recommendations to improve the adult probation and parole revocation process in Florida are offered. Additional information on the study methodology and findings is appended. 56 tables.