Probation and parole are corrective measures meant to effectively transform an offender while minimizing the number of incarcerated persons in correctional facilities. According to Bolin and Applegate (2015), the difference between the two is that probation occurs instead of a prison sentence. On the other hand, Mcneill et al. (2017) argue that parole refers to an early release from one's sentence hoping that offenders will have corrected their behaviors. Even so, adult and juvenile probation are also different. The paper discusses the relevance of probation and parole, their differences, a significant event in the United States associated with the two, the presentence investigation report, intermediate punishments, and special offenders.
Juvenile Probation and Parole vs. Adult Probation and Parole
Juvenile probation and parole are unique from adults' in terms of the objectivity of the corrective process. Adult probation and parole focus primarily on punishing the offender for the crimes they have committed (Mcneill et al., 2017; Bolin &Applegate, 2015). On the other hand, juvenile probation and parole do not primarily focus on punishing the delinquents. Instead, they focus on rehabilitating the juveniles for their offenses. The juveniles' objective is to learn from their mistakes and not get trapped in the incarceration centers for repeating their crimes.
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Responsibilities of a Probation or Parole Process
Probation and parole processes are critical for the offender, the state, and the community. For example, the parole board has to critically examine an offender's eligibility to be released on parole. According to Gleicher et al. (2019), parole and probation are critical in reducing the cost implications of managing a high number of incarcerated individuals. The community benefits as households no longer experience the shame of their loved one being sent to prison. The offender also benefits as they can gain an income when they are on probation. The money earned can be used to support their families. Besides, the offenders also gain a new skill that can enable them to gain meaningful employment, further assisting them while they complete their sentence.
Probation also assists the offenders not to suffer the difficulties associated with a prison sentence. Inherently, prison contains hardened offenders who can only be removed from the communities through imprisonment (Raynor, 2018). Prisoners, especially those that have committed minor crimes, are sent on probation to correct their behavior, further preventing them from becoming like hardened criminals. Conversely, the parole process is structured so that offenders can return to the community in a structured manner.
People on parole have a chance to return to the community and are supported by the state through parole officers. Supervision is essential as it ensures that the communities are safe and that the offenders are reformed. Further, Gleicher et al. (2019) adduce that the individuals who complete their sentence and are not supervised are at risk of committing another offense. Therefore, the parole process creates terms and conditions that the offenders must meet to be allowed back to the community as it are not automatic that offenders must be released.
Significant Event in the Evolution of Probation or Parole in America
The evolution of probation and parole in the United States commenced in the 17 th century. According to Raynor (2018), John Augustus was revered for being a philanthropist in the shoemaking business. He often bailed offenders from the courts, claiming he would monitor their activities when they came to the community. Augustus would assist the offenders in getting employment, and the courts agreed that his work was beneficial in reforming offenders. It was then that the Massachusetts parliament passed a regulation that allowed Boston to have a probation officer. It was from this front that probation spread from Massachusetts to other states in the country. Therefore, John Augustus's role is revered for the spread of probation in the United States.
Overview of the Presentence Investigation Report
The presentence investigation is crucial as judges use it in determining the fate of an offender. According to the Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law (1975), it is a compiled data that gives personal information about the offender. Some of the information in this report includes the person's criminal record, early life, academic, and employment records, including the offender's healthcare condition, such as the mental state. Judges can use the report to inform their final decision.
Intermediate Punishments
The intermediate punishments often used include community service and house arrest. Offenders must work in community service, which means working in diverse agencies that offer community services. The offenders are often paid for their services. Moreover, the individuals may be sent to work in schools in the community or the police sector. On the other hand, House arrest thwarts the offender from leaving a particular region as the individuals are observed using the global positioning system (GPS).
Special Offenders
Special offenders include those involved in property offenses or drug-related offenses. Such individuals are often subjected to electronic monitoring, which inhibits them from leaving a particular location. The individuals wear devices such as bracelets and anklets that can be tracked.
Conclusion
One learns that both probation and parole are essential correctional activities. Probation is necessary for juveniles as it helps in rehabilitating the individual. However, it is meant to punish the offender if the individual is an adult. One also learns that judges use the presentence report to inform their verdict. Probation and parole also keep the community safer while offering the offenders income to support their households.
References
Bolin, R. M., & Applegate, B. K. (2015). Adultification in Juvenile Corrections: Examining the Orientations of Juvenile and Adult Probation and Parole Officers. American Journal of Criminal Justice , 41 (2), 321–339. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12103-015-9298-2
Gleicher, L., Manchak, S., & Cullen, F. (2013). Creating a Supervision Tool Kit: How to Improve Probation and Parole Creating a Supervision Tool Kit: How to Improve Probation and Parole . 77 (1), 1–10. Research Gate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/287006374_Creating_a_supervision_tool_kit_How_to_improve_probation_and_parole
McNeill, F., Mark, Thomas, O., & Thornen-Edwards, K. (2017). Helping, Holding, Hurting: A Conversation about Supervision. The Howard Journal of Crime and Justice , 57 (1), 94–106. https://doi.org/10.1111/hojo.12240
Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law. (1975). Proposed Changes in Presentence Investigation Report Procedures. The Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology (1973-) , 66 (1), 56–67. https://doi.org/10.2307/1142677
Raynor, P. (2018). Back to the future? The long view of probation and sentencing. Probation Journal , 65 (3), 335–347. https://doi.org/10.1177/0264550518788730
