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Probation
Policy
The vast majority of adjudicated adult and juvenile offenders
remain in the community. Probation is a judicial decision that
assigns the responsibility for supervision and control of these
offenders to community corrections.
Policy Statement:
Probation is a frequently used and cost-effective sanction of
the court for enhancing social order and public safety.
Probation may be used as a sanction by itself or, where
necessary and appropriate, be combined with other sanctions such
as fines, restitution, community service, residential care, or
confinement. Agencies responsible for probation should:
A. Prepare disposition assessments to assist the court in
arriving at appropriate sanctions. The least restrictive
disposition consistent with public safety should be
recommended;
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B. Establish a case management system for allocating supervisory
resources through a standardized classification process;
C. Provide supervision to probationers and, with their input,
develop a realistic plan to ensure compliance with orders of the
court;
D. Monitor and evaluate, on an ongoing basis, the probationer's
adherence to the plan of supervision and, when necessary, modify the
plan of supervision according to the changing needs of the offender
and the best interests of society;
E. Provide access to a wide range of services to meet identifiable
needs, all of which are directed toward promoting law abiding
behavior;
F. Assure any intervention in an offender's life will not exceed the
minimal amount needed to assure compliance with the orders of the
court;
G. Initiate appropriate court proceedings, when necessary, if the
probationer fails to comply with orders of the court, supervision
plan, or other requirements so the court may consider other
alternatives for the protection and well-being of the community;
H. Oppose use of the probation sanction for status offenders,
neglected or dependent children, or any other individuals who are
neither accused nor charged with delinquent or criminal behavior;
I. Establish an educational program for sharing information about
probation with the public and other agencies; and
J. Evaluate program efficiency, effectiveness, and overall system
accountability consistent with recognized correctional standards.
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