Probation Sentencing Discussion

3). However, Joan Petersilia notes that probation is still a relegate of intense criticism. Many correctional experts and politicians believe that probation gives the image that the constitution is "soft on crime" and too much cogitate on the rehabilitative ideal of penalty rather than "the naive realism of violent, predatory unlawfuls" (Petersilia "Part iodin," 1998, p. 1). Such criticism has resulted in the degenerative under-funding of probation programs, which further leads to many an(prenominal) of the problems that critics point out, in particular, the lack of supervision of serious offenders and recidivism (Petersilia "Part One," 1998, p. 1). N singletheless, Petersilia argues that probation programs are an motionive and efficient subject matter of taproombarous punishment because they do provide a probability at rehabilitation and reduced " reprehensible socialization" (1). In addition, probation is a less expensive means of criminal punishment and provide an answer for America's prison overcrowding problem.

There is no resembling information program for probation officers throughout the United States. In fact, training regimens goat vary from district to district within states. Nonetheless, many states, such as California and Florida, require that probation officers possess a four-year college degree, preferably in pre-law, police science or criminal just

Additionally, all probation officers should possess separate certain skills and knowledge if they are to perform their jobs in a safe and effective manner. For example, probation officer trainees must(prenominal) learn the criminal laws and rules in their state if they are to effectively administer criminal punishments and report on their probationer's progress to their supervisors and the courts. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that closely probation officers fulfill a 6-month training program before universe placed in permanent positions (2000, p. 3).

ice. Also, practically all jurisdictions bar individuals with felony convictions from holding a job as a probation officer.

In some jurisdictions, such as California, probation officers are classified as peace officers - the same as police officers - and therefore they must be able to meet all the qualifications of people who can be licensed to carry guns. Thus, such probation officers must be develop in the skills required for proper gun use. One officer's trainer has argued that carrying a gun requires that probation officers must be trained not only in the physical skills necessary to look at a gun, but also the mental preparedness unavoidable to function in such highly charged situations (Brown, 1994, p. 180).

Spohn, C. & Holleran, D. (May 2002). The effect of imprisonment on recidivism rates of felony offenders: A focus on drug offenders Criminology, 40, 2, 329-358.

Brown, Paul. (April 1994) Probation officers need to rely on more than opportunity to ensure safety. Corrections Today, 56, 2, 180-182.

Petersilia, J. (1998). Probation in the United States: Parts one & two. Perspectives. Accessed online December 9, 2003: <"http://stars.csg.org/appa/perspectives/1998/spring/sp98pers30.pdf"> and <"http://stars.csg.org/appa/perspectives/1998/summer/su98pers42.pdf">.

A study conducted to determine the effectiveness of electronic monitoring of parolees think that such monitoring is effective with high-risk, violent
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