Our Discussion Post This Week Will Be A Little Different

Our Discussion Post For This Week Will Be A Little Different Chapter

Our discussion post for this week will be a little different. Chapter 8 addresses the history and development of probation, the organization of probation today, the dual functions of probation: investigation and supervision, the effectiveness of supervision, revocation of termination and probation, and probation in the coming decade. For your discussion post this week, please click on the link below and watch the documentary "Free Meek." Chronicling the life of Philadelphia based rap artist, Meek Mill, from his rise in music to his incarceration and eventual release from prison. This intimate documentary series follows Meek Mill's transformation from chart-topping rapper to face of the battle for justice reform.

After viewing the video please answer the following questions: Why is there so much interest in probation today? How does the use of probation affect the corrections system? Why is it used so extensively? How does the presentence investigation report affect accountability for the sentence that is imposed? How do you think investigation and supervisory functions of probation can be most effectively organized?

Given the two major tasks of probation, how should officers spend their time? Why might some probationers be kept in the community after a technical violation rather than having their probation revoked? When responding to a student's post, be sure to use and address the following: Authority Community Justice Judicial reprieve Presentence Investigation Punitive Conditions Recidivism Recognizance Technical Violation Victim Impact Statement Your responses should reach beyond a simple "I agree with what you are saying." Please use the following to begin your post: "I learned from you that.." "I appreciated how you explained...."

Paper For Above instruction

I learned from you that the extensive interest in probation today is primarily due to its role as a cost-effective alternative to incarceration, which helps mitigate overcrowding in correctional facilities. The use of probation reduces state and federal correctional expenses by avoiding the costs associated with housing, feeding, and providing healthcare for inmates. Moreover, probation allows the correctional system to maintain a level of supervision over offenders in the community, which can lead to better reintegration and reduced recidivism rates. This aligns with the broader goal of community justice, which emphasizes rehabilitation and community-based corrections over solely punitive measures (Lynch & Sabol, 2019).

Additionally, the use of probation significantly affects the corrections system by shifting some responsibility from prisons to community supervision, thereby alleviating overcrowding and resource strain. Probation also serves a rehabilitative function by enabling offenders to engage with treatment programs, employment opportunities, and social services while fulfilling legal obligations (Petersilia, 2016). Its extensive use is justified by its flexibility, the discretion it provides to judges, and its ability to serve as a catalyst for behavioral change when properly managed.

The presentence investigation report plays a crucial role in establishing accountability for the sentence that is imposed. It provides courts with comprehensive background information on the offender, including criminal history, personal circumstances, and potential risk factors. This report aids judges in making informed sentencing decisions that balance punishment with rehabilitative needs (Albonetti, 2018). It also influences parole eligibility and the development of tailored supervision strategies, increasing the likelihood of successful reintegration of the offender into society.

In organizing the investigation and supervisory functions of probation most effectively, officers should prioritize thorough and accurate presentence investigations to inform sentencing and design individualized supervision plans. Supervision should be proactive, focusing on risk assessment and targeted interventions that address the specific needs of each offender (Taxman, 2018). Utilizing evidence-based practices such as risk-need-responsivity models ensures that probation resources are directed to high-risk individuals who need intensive supervision, thus improving outcomes.

Given the two major tasks of probation—investigation and supervision—officers should allocate their time judiciously between these responsibilities. During the initial phase, officers should conduct detailed investigations to provide the court with accurate information, then invest substantial effort in supervising offenders through regular contact, compliance monitoring, and provision of rehabilitative services. The goal is to foster behavioral change and compliance while reducing the likelihood of future violations.

Probationers may be retained in the community after a technical violation if the violation does not pose a threat to public safety. For example, technical violations such as missing a meeting or failing to attend therapy could be addressed through increased supervision, counseling, or modified conditions rather than revoking probation. Retaining offenders in the community under close supervision aligns with the community justice approach, emphasizing rehabilitation and reintegration rather than punishment (Morris & Tonry, 2017). This strategy also helps to prevent re-incarceration, which can be costly and disruptive.

References

• Albonetti, C. (2018). The Impact of Presentence Investigations on Sentencing Discretion. Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, 57(7), 457-473.
• Lynch, J. P., & Sabol, W. J. (2019). The Future of Probation: Innovations and Challenges. Crime & Delinquency, 65(3), 317-336.
• Morris, P., & Tonry, M. (2017). Community Corrections and Alternatives to Incarceration. Annual Review of Law and Social Science, 13, 343-362.
• Petersilia, J. (2016). Probation and Parole. In G. R. Goldstein (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Crime and Justice (pp. 1994-2002). Springer.
• Taxman, F. S. (2018). Evidence-Based Strategies for Probation Supervision. Public Safety Science & Practice, 1(1), 45-59.