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Sentencing Postscript - Felony Probationers Under Supervision in the Community

NCJ Number
104894
Date Published
April 1986
Annotation
Using data from a previous 1983-1985 cohort study of probationers in 18 jurisdictions nationwide, this study examined probationer profiles, the extent of supervision and types of probation conditions, and probation outcomes.
Abstract

The typical probationer was a male in his mid-twenties, living at home with his family, semi- and or underemployed, and convicted of a property crime. Few probationers (4 percent) are rearrested for violent offenses. Generally, conditions of probation pose little burden and involve establishing a residence of record, finding a job, and obeying laws. Other conditions include participation in treatment programs, placement in a community residential facility, community service, restitution, fines, and payment of costs of supervision. Behavioral probation conditions are more likely to be met by probationers than are financial conditions: only 27 percent of financial assessments are paid. Employed probationers are more likely than unemployed probationers to meet probation conditions. Robbery and burglary offenders have the highest rearrest rate, although one in three probationers is eventually rearrested, usually for a misdemeanor or nonviolent offense. For revocations, 70 percent stem from a new arrest. While fines, jail, and additional probation condition are the dominant sanctions for handling misdemenaor arrests and violations of probation conditions, prison is the dominant sanction employed with probationers arrested on a new felony offense, particularly violent felonies. Appendixes provide methodological information and the survey instrument. Chapter footnotes.

Date Published: April 1, 1986