NCJ Number
86329
Date Published
1981
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This discussion of probation in Austria considers law enforcement and the administration of justice as well as the organization and working methods of the probation system.
Abstract
The Austrian police act autonomously under their obligation to investigate every potential criminal offense, and the public prosecutor, according to preliminary investigations, has the discretion to try or terminate a case. The various courts are the district courts, county courts (courts of first instance), Federal courts (courts of second instance), and the Supreme Court. The primary sentences are imprisonment and fines. The Juvenile Court Law of 1961 authorized probation for an offender under certain conditions. The Ministry of Justice is required to establish a probation office at every district court. At the end of 1980, there were 189 probation officers, 579 volunteer helpers, 33 social workers in hostels, 11 social workers in centers for aftercare, and 56 administrative personnel. The probation officer is required to participate in team sessions at least once a week and to hold consultation with clients 4 hours a week. Probation officers must also keep records of the significant events in each probation case. A probation officer may be supervised by a therapist/psychiatrist experienced in casework but who has no influence on the officer's work within the organization. As a legal sanction, probation has the goal of reintegrating the offender into society, and the method of social work is the personal relationship between the officer and the offender, which is intended to influence the lifestyles and attitudes of the offender such that he/she does not commit further crimes. Probation is funded by the Federal Republic of Austria represented by the Ministry of Justice.