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Probation: Organization of Services

Probation services are provided under various models in different jurisdictions throughout the United States. Some states have centralized probation functions under the aegis of a state correctional authority, while other states maintain a more localized structure in which the services are administered under the aegis of municipal or county courts. Juvenile probation services usually reflect a highly localized orientation and generally attempt to provide various treatment modalities and other services utilizing nearby facilities and public and private agencies with which probation officers and judges are familiar. This reflects both a concern with political and economic realities and an interest in keeping a close level of supervision on delinquents in their care.

State-Level Administration

State-level administration is the dominant model for provision of probation services in the United States, with 30 states adhering to the general principle of centralization. In 25 states, probation services are exclusively provided by the centralized state agency. In most of the remaining states, at least some probation services may be contracted out to private services or local public/private agencies. Seventeen states have a mixed state/local structure under the primary aegis of the state.

State systems are less prone to be influenced by local political factors and parochial prejudices. Thus, they are mainly free from undue influence wielded by powerful interest groups and mercantile interests. Moreover, goals and objectives that are consonant with current approved practices are more likely to be promulgated by state-level agencies. This being the case, they are able to impose rigorous and uniform statewide standards for officer training and offender supervision. They are able to attract more qualified and professional educated personnel than local-oriented agencies. Finally, economies of scale assure that better uses of scarce resources can be achieved by state agencies. Simply put, they are more cost-effective and efficient than locally administered agencies.

In general, state agencies, generally part of an overarching state correctional department, may be more prone to rely on institutional rather than community-based dispositions. In any event, they are criticized as less responsive to local communities. It has been suggested that entities furnishing probation services should be deconsolidated from the control of institutionally oriented state correctional departments and henceforth should focus on a more specific mission: providing probation, parole, and aftercare. This view advocates the notion that special free-standing probation and parole departments, perhaps called “state departments of community corrections” should be established.

Local Administration

Larger cities and municipalities often have probation services provided under local authority. Some states have county probation departments in certain areas and a centralized state authority over the majority of counties. Often misdemeanant supervisory services are provided at the local level while felons are supervised at the state level. In some states, this situation may reflect a history of political bargaining for control of patronage positions, although the positions currently are under a civil service bureaucracy.

County-level agencies have difficulty attracting a pool of sufficiently qualified recruits and lack resources for staff development. Local agencies seldom have sufficient budgets to provide up-to-date preservice or on-the-job training. Hiring may be heavily influenced by political factors. Research is seldom conducted at this level, and professional practice is often behind the times. Provision of probationary services may be rudimentary and unduly influenced by local political factors.

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