Click on the following links. Please note these will open in a new window.

Probation When the Jail is Full
Audio Link:  http://www.npr.org/player/v2/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=454336939&m=454342359

This NPR story documents how thousands of federal inmates are being released to the supervision of local probation agencies.

1. What are the debates surrounding the recent release of federal inmates to local probation agencies?
2. How does this story reveal the multiple purposes of probation agencies?
3. What does this story reveal about the responsibilities of probation officers?

A Brief History of Probation
Web Link:  http://www.nyc.gov/html/prob/html/about/history.shtml

This NYC Department of Probation provides history about probation in the U.S. and in New York City.

1. How did John Augustus found modern probation?
2. Why might a local public department of corrections discuss the history of probation?

The Presentence Investigation
Video Link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5I9FmOMK4bs

This video by the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University describes the purpose and procedure of presentence investigation reports.

1. Why are presentence investigation reports used?
2. How are presentence investigation reports conducted?

Conditions of Probation
Video Link:  http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/law-july-dec13-hawaiihope_11-24/

This PBS Newshour video documents how a Hawaii probation program uses innovative methods to increase probation compliance.

1. How does HOPE differ from traditional probation conditions?
2. What does HOPE reveal about reform and punishment?
3. How can other correctional agencies adopt similar strategies?