NCJ Number
121364
Date Published
1989
Length
11 pages
Annotation
The objectives of the Probation Service are to deal with offenders as defined by the courts, enforce the orders of the courts within powers delegated by statute, and, so as to minimize recidivism, help offenders to become functioning members of a free community.
Abstract
According to these objectives, the Probation Service is a repressive agency of the State in that it enforces orders of the court within the powers delegated by statute. However, its duty is also to help the offender learn to live without re-offending within a free community. Only experience in the community can restore an offender to the community. Only the probation service has the responsibility, skills, and experience to provide this experience. The key concept is that both the judiciary and the probation service should accept that there is not the simple dichotomy prison equals punishment and everything else equals welfare. Instead there is a whole set of gradations of deprivation of property or liberty which the courts can impose.