NCJ Number
119937
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 51 Issue: 6 Dated: (October 1989) Pages: 16-18
Date Published
1989
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article points out that realistic planning by probation agencies must include not only the assessments of skilled probation officers but also social services for probationers and risk control tools such as urine analysis, curfews, electronic monitoring, intensive supervision programs, and house arrest.
Abstract
The criminal justice system is overloaded and backed-up. As a result, the number of offenders in the correction and probation population is growing more rapidly than the prison population, and the probation population is more dangerous than at any time in the history of probation. Additionally, probation officers carry heavier caseloads and have fewer resources at their disposal. These facts argue for probation policy changes. In addition to increased control and risk reduction, probation policy should include increased social services resources for probationers, including job training and substance abuse control. Without adequate social services and risk reduction programs, sanctions such as house arrest and electronic monitoring can endanger the community.