Major subjects considered include the origins and advantages of probation, the purposes and organization of the Texas Adult Probation Commission, the organization of a probation department, suggested policies, rules and conditions of probation, and transfer supervision. Also discussed are violations, discharges, and warrant procedures; pretrial release; interviewing; the presentence investigation report; supervision and treatment; and community resources and volunteers. Since adult probation in Texas is a function of the judicial districts, differences in policies and procedures exist among departments. Therefore, this manual should be viewed as a guide for probation officers, not as the specific policy statement of a particular department. Probation may be defined as a method of disposition of a sentence which may be imposed on a person found guilty of a crime. The offender remains in the community under the jurisdiction of the court and subject to the supervision of a probation officer. The origins of probation are generally traced to a number of practices which existed in English and then American courts, some dating from the medieval era. Probation allows the offender to remain in the community, to maintain employment, and to avoid isolation from normal social contacts and responsibilities. An effective probation department should be impartial, nonpolitical, professionally competent, and able to give the time necessary for full consideration of each probationer's case. The probation program of treatment and training should be an integral part of a system of criminal justice. The probated offender should be carefully supervised and promptly imprisoned or otherwise disciplined if demonstrated capacity and willingness to fulfill the obligations of a law-abiding citizen are not forthcoming. Several articles of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, probation forms, and a glossary of legal terms are appended.