Criminology

Probation is viewed as an alternative to incarceration by most of probation agencies across the country. The quote basically means what it says the alternative to being on probation is to be in jail. Although, Probation agencies give offenders the opportunity to rectify their crimes without incarceration they also have strict guidelines to what the offenders can, cannot do. One way the agencies have set up guidelines to limit further criminal activity by the probationers is through monthly or even weekly drug and toxic screens depending on the individuals offense. The probation officers will test for drugs to keep track of the probationers progress as a law abiding citizen. These tests are in most cases called the 5-way drug screen and in severe cases the offender will have to take what is called the 10-panel drug screen which tests for all illegal drugs and over the counter prescriptions. If the probationer were to fail a drug test they would be subject to dismissal from the program and or added time to their previous sentence.

Along with the drug screening the offenders are required to have regularly scheduled visits with the probation officer. The visits are meant to keep the officer informed of the probationers progress in the community. During these visits the officer asks questions about their whereabouts previous to their last visit. They are also asked if they have committed any crimes or been involved in any unlawful activity. The response to these answers would be based solely on trust.

Another guideline the offender must follow is to have a full time job or to be currently enrolled as a full time student.

County restriction is another form of deterrence that is used. Restriction basically means that the offender cannot leave the county unless the officer is notified and agrees with decision. Keeping the offenders from being able to just get up and run away from what they have done makes sure their whereabouts are to keep them from making bad decisions. It is also a form of punishment, because the offenders have committed a crime and they are being punished just like a mother would punish her child for bad behavior, restriction or just being grounded.

The probation system is different in every state but overall the system is good for society and for corrections of first time offenders and for smaller crimes. Being one of the cornerstone states of America in respect to the enforcement of the correctional system Florida lies with 71,319. In probation Florida lies closely behind with 237,117 compared to New York and Texas.

Allowing offenders to reconcile with society for their crimes without jail time gives many offenders hope in achieving goals even with their mistakes. The probation system is not right for all offenders, but it is right for some and it has helped many problems in corrections like prison overcrowding which has become a serious problem. My overview of probations has leaded me to believe that it is helpful in many ways.