NCJ Number
86753
Date Published
1981
Length
20 pages
Annotation
The police should cooperate with corrections particularly in the areas of probation, temporary institutional releases, and parole, as well as in using discretion that serves correctional goals for offenders and potential offenders.
Abstract
Both the police and corrections have the goal of reducing crime, and there are numerous areas where they can cooperate in achieving this goal. The probation officer relies upon the arresting police officer to provide details on the circumstances of the offense, which are essential for the presentence report. A beat officer may also be able to provide background and family information on the offender. While an offender is on probation, the police should be informed of the fact and conditions of probation for each offender residing in their district, so that they may be supportive of the probationer in their use of discretion and also inform the probation officer when police contacts with the probationer have been made. The police are also in a position to observe when the probationer may be associating with criminal elements. In the case of temporary releases from correctional institutions in Canada, the police in the district where the releasee will reside must grant approval. Some degree of police supervision and support is also helpful during the course of the release period. In the case of parole, the police can assist in supporting parolees by providing advice and encouragement. They can also help in enforcing parole regulations and conditions. Sixteen notes and 11 suggested readings are provided.