NCJ Number
124731
Date Published
1988
Length
33 pages
Annotation
This probation privatization study was undertaken to provide a brief and focused review of issues relevant to probation decisionmaking in Leon County, Florida.
Abstract
Extensive interviews were conducted with interested Leon County officials. After initial interviews and data collection, followup interviews were carried out to evaluate policy planning questions in the context of background data. To develop a further understanding of the operation of misdemeanor probation services by the private sector and to obtain financial data for cost comparison, study consultants visited PRIDE (Personal Responsibility in Daily Endeavors), Inc., in West Palm Beach. Study results found that the apparent rapid growth of probation, which initially stimulated the need for additional space in Leon County's new Justice Complex and promoted the inquiry into the contracting out of probation services to the private sector, is no longer a major issue. Even if the current caseload of about 160 were to increase, there is good reason to believe that the increase could be handled effectively by existing staff. Although study consultants do not recommend the privatization of probation in Leon County, they conclude that the county should consider the contracting out of an in-house arrest program involving the use of electronic monitors. 6 references.