Probation Records

Probation is an alternative to incarceration. Probation records contain the history of the supervision by a trained officer of a person convicted of either a felony or a misdemeanor. The goal of Probation is to provide opportunities for rehabilitative services and employment, in order for the offender to become a law abiding and productive member of society.

Probation records contain all information relating to the criminal history, as well as adjustment to the community while under probation supervision, of those adults whom courts place on community supervision. Probation is an alternative to a sentence of incarceration. Oftentimes, convicted criminals receive sentences of probation in lieu of jail time. These include convicts who have committed a misdemeanor offense. For example, if an offender receives a 9 month sentence for Criminal Trespass, he or she may serve 6 months in a County Jail, and serve the remainder of the sentence on probation.

There are also adults on probation who have been found guilty of a felony offense, but are deemed not to pose a threat to society, and are given a sentence of probation instead of prison time.

According to statistics for the year 2007, released by the U.S. Department of Justice, there were almost 4.25 million adults (76% men, 24% women) on probation supervision throughout the United States, almost a 2% rise in the probation population from the previous year. Of this number, 850,000 were cited for violation of probation due to the commission of new crimes, and were returned to incarceration.

Probation Officer – Supervise Offenders in the Community

The duties of probation officers differ from state to state, depending on their job descriptions. However, there are some duties that are uniform among states. While on probation, offenders must report to their probation officer, as scheduled. The probation officer supervises offenders, and is also required to make home visits and employment checks in order to verify that the offender is living and working where and with whom (s)he says (s)he is.

The probation officer also works hand-in-hand with the courts in preparing presentence papers on the accused awaiting sentencing by doing an intricate background check on them. In addition, probation officers make recommendations to the judge regarding sentencing of the accused.

Probationers – Staggering Number on the Streets

Today, there are nearly 4.25 million probationers out on the streets and, while it is estimated that over 20% of them will be returned to prison for committing crimes while free in the community, there are at least another 20%-30% of the probationers who have resumed their life of crime, but have not yet been caught!

A search of probation records can reveal the specific details of an individual’s criminal history as well as his or her current probation status. You can find out the truth about the criminal background of an individual. If the person is currently under probation supervision, you will have access to the name, office location, and phone number of his/her probation officer, should you have some issue that needs to be discussed with the probation official.

Probation records are an excellent resource for instantly retrieving information regarding a person’s criminal history and current status under probation supervision. If there are issues, you have access to a law enforcement agent (probation officer) who will be able to assist you with your concerns.