The meaning and philosophy of probation and parole are discussed, and issues related to the use of objective criteria in parole decisionmaking are considered. Administrative issues are covered in articles on public support, administrative hearings, community corrections, parole decisionmaking, paperwork, Federal probation and parole, and postrelease supervision. Presentence reports are discussed, and training and leadership needs in probation and parole are identified. An analysis is presented of differences in rural and urban probation officer duties. Innovations in adult and juvenile probation are described in programs in Illinois, New Jersey, and Texas. A section on electronic monitoring considers its use, cost, and effectiveness. Included are descriptions of electronic monitoring equipment and devices. Legal issues in the use of electronic monitoring in probation also are discussed. Electronic monitoring, particularly in house arrest programs, is examined with reference to experiences in California, Florida, and Oklahoma. Advantages and disadvantages of house arrest also are considered. Article references, footnotes, tables, and illustrations; probation and parole statistics, and a 30-item annotated bibliography.