Probation Officer Decision-Making

Overview

Imposed in lieu of incarceration, probation is the most common sentence in the United States for convicted adults. A probation sentence orders convicted offenders to adhere to conditions of release that are specified by statute (mandatory conditions) or leveled in response to the particular circumstances of the case (special conditions). The former require probationers, for example, to report to their probation officers and to seek permission from the court to move from the sentencing jurisdiction. The latter require probationers, for example, to pay restitution to victims or to obtain treatment for drug or alcohol addiction. Probation officers are agents of the court responsible for enforcing the mandatory and special conditions of probation.

In the initial appearance stage of the court process, probation officers evaluate arrestees for bail. These evaluations are based on arrestees’ charges as well as their criminal histories, ties to the community, and previous records of...