NCJ Number
145282
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 57 Issue: 3 Dated: (September 1993) Pages: 67-72
Date Published
1993
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The origins and evolution of probation are reviewed.
Abstract
Probation began in England and the United States in 1841. It became possible when the dignity of the individual was sufficiently recognized that horrific punishments could be deemed unnecessary for the prevention of future crimes. John Augustus was the first American probation officer. During his first year, he served only men, but later expanded to include women and juvenile offenders. He provided bail, counseling, and housing and employment services to probationers; at the end of the probationary period, he provided loans if necessary. He was interested only in those whom he felt were worthy of and had the potential for rehabilitation. He faced criticism from the press, politicians, and especially criminal justice personnel, who felt he threatened their livelihood. Augustus eventually went on to other vocations, but his hard work paved the way for other advocates of probation. Probation went through a bureaucratization phase, then was given ideological and scientific stature by the Progressives in the late 19th Century, particularly as they challenged social Darwinism. In modern times, bureaucratic matters have again become dominant. 34 references