NCJ Number
107505
Date Published
1987
Length
52 pages
Annotation
Probation and parole are the two most common methods used to replace imprisonment with community supervision.
Abstract
While probation is usually handled by the courts and parole by an executive department of the government, both are similar in the conditions they impose on offenders, the grounds for revocation, and the conflict experienced by probation and parole officers in fulfilling police and human service functions. In probation decisions, sentencing judges rely heavily on the results of presentence investigations and reports. Previous criminal history is the factor most strongly associated with probation outcome. In addition, this option is likely to have the greatest impact on first-offenders. Intensive supervision is the strictist form of probation, and often includes electronic monitoring to ensure compliance. Parole is a conditional release from prison under supervision. Parole decisions are based on predictions of the parolee's future behavior and usually involve a consideration of the seriousness of the crime, the offender's prior record, and the perceived probability of success. Innovations have included shock parole and contract parole. Other forms of conditional release include furloughs, and work, study, and graduated release. 55 references.