Sweden (From Probation in Europe, P 393-433, 1981, C G Cartledge et al, ed. - See NCJ-86328)

• NCJ Number: 86340
• Author(s): C Amillon
• Date Published: 1981
• Length: 41 pages
• Sale Source: European Assembly for Probation and After-Care
• Language: French; English
• Country: Netherlands

Annotation

This discussion of probation in Sweden considers law enforcement and the administration of justice as well as the organization and working methods of the probation system.

Abstract

Although Sweden has had a national police force since the mid-1960's, police have significant autonomy in operations at regional and local levels. The police are entrusted with the investigation of crimes and the identification and apprehension of offenders, and they are required to report the apprehension of a suspect to the public prosecutor, who assumes responsibility for any further investigation and determines if the case should be brought to court. The prosecutor has the discretion not to prosecute under certain conditions. Cases are initially brought to district courts, whose judgments may be appealed to one of six appellate courts. Subject to special review, a case may be pursued to the Supreme Court. General penalties consist of imprisonment and fines. The 1930's and 1940's saw a number of legislative reforms in Sweden that developed noninstitutional care, inspired by the concept of treatment of offenders. The Swedish probation service is organized into 66 probation districts, and the probation districts are responsible to the directors of the respective correctional service regions. Supervision work is the responsibility of the supervision boards, which are responsible for giving effect to court orders of probation and for the probation plan. Important principles of probation are unbroken contact with the client throughout successive phases of treatment, no discrimination based on offenses, and supervision within the client's environment if possible. Probation duties include the preparing of presentence reports, contact with potential clients, client supervision, the provision of special services that may be needed by the client, and the coordination of client services provided by other community agencies. Key addresses and sentencing statistics for 1975-79 are provided.