NCJ Number
149033
Date Published
1994
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Probation in Sweden represents an important alternative to the traditional sanction of imprisonment, and probation and aftercare work is carried out in 50 administrative districts of the country.
Abstract
Each administrative district has a chief probation officer and assigned probation officers and clerical personnel. Direct aftercare work rests with the chief probation officer. Presentence reports are prepared by the probation service in accordance with instructions of the local court. A 1992 law on presentence reports in criminal cases requires the court to secure a report from the probation service if necessary to know about the accused's situation before sentencing in a criminal case. The primary purpose of this law is to make the presentence report more flexible and better adapted to the court's need for information in determining sentences. The notion of supervision is embodied in the probation sanction. Actively working with offenders in the community means that the probation service must coordinate with community agencies. The end goal of supervision is to encourage the successful adaptation of offenders into society, with primary emphasis on the prevention of recidivism. Sweden's probation service has been given increased responsibility for inmates in recent years in terms of social skills training and other treatment techniques that will facilitate their return to society. The need for resources to provide drug and psychiatric treatment to offenders is stressed. Supervision methods are discussed in terms of control versus support, and consideration is given to contract treatment and community service.