A review of the history of community corrections suggests that parole and probation can be described in terms of four eras. The eras can be described with respect to their goals: character reformation (1880-1900), the therapeutic model (1920-1960), reintegration (1960-1974), and control (1974 to present). Each era has been marked by a particular pattern of institutional authority and by corresponding changes in the structure, goals, and policies of probation and parole. However, the work of probation and parole caseworkers to organizational goals and policies, and caseload problems have been reduced by means of surveillance and information-gathering techniques. These factors have meant that the organizational changes have had little effect on the daily activity of probation and parole officers. The control of offenders through discretionary and differential levels of supervision, random contacts, and threats of revocation have remained largely unchanged; issues of risks and costs make substantive reforms unlikely. 82 references (Author abstract modified)