On overview explains the components, offenders, programs, and major issues in the criminal justice system. Chapters on probation and probationers explain the history, philosophy, goals, and functions of probation; the preparation and functions of the presentence investigation report; and diversion and probation options from alternative dispute resolution to shock incarceration programs. Chapters on parole focus on jail and prison inmates and their characteristics; the history, philosophy, goals, and functions of parole; and the roles of judges and parole boards. Community corrections programs are examined with respect to their types and goals and the specific aspects of home confinement, electronic monitoring, work release, study release, furlough programs, halfway houses, and community residential centers. Further chapters focus on probation and parole officer training, retention, and caseloads; the use of volunteers and paraprofessionals in intermediate punishment programs; the supervision of female offenders; issues related to offenders with special needs; probation and parole in the juvenile justice system, and program evaluation with respect to service delivery and recidivism. Tables, photographs, chapter review questions, lists of major terms, glossary, list of cases cited, subject and author indexes, and over 1,000 references