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Probation and Parole7

Running head: Probation and Parole

Probation and Parole

Kevin Brown

Allied American University

Author Note

This paper was prepared for Probation and Parole, Module 7 Check Your Understanding taught by Camile Armstead.

Directions: Respond to the following questions using complete sentences. Your answer should be at least 1 paragraph in length, which must be composed of three to five sentences.

How do risks/needs classification schemes serve as caseload management tools?
The risks/needs classification schemes are essential caseload management tools. The caseload manager will use these schemes in order to determine the best method for allocating resources to different offenders/cases. The schemes will help the caseload manager in determining which offender requires more resources based on his greater needs and greater risk potential. The utilization of these schemes in the management of cases is critical in reducing offender recidivism and guaranteeing public safety.

How do the problems of parolees differ from those of probationers?
Parole and probation are alternative methods to incarceration. Parolees and probationers suffer similar numerous problems when trying to adjust to life after punishment. However, there are also major differences in some of the problems that people in these two categories face. For instance, it is easier for probationers than it is for parolees to get a job. Employers will often shun a potential employee who has been to jail despite the fact that he might be on parole. Furthermore, housing facilities are easier to access for probationers than for parolees.

In P/P, how does assigning offenders on the basis of workload differ from assigning offenders on the basis of caseload?
Assigning offenders on the basis of workload differs from assigning them based on caseload because workload assignment will be dependent on the amount of time that each case will require. On the other hand, caseload assignment will be dependent on the number of offenders assigned to an officer during a specific period.

What are the advantages of incorporating geographic considerations in assigning cases to probation/parole caseloads?
Geographic considerations are important when assigning cases to caseloads because they will factor in the specific missions of the agencies, offender populations in a jurisdiction as well as the size of the jurisdiction. In addition, having a geographical cluster makes it easier for the P/P agencies to check up on the probationers and parolees. A geographical cluster will also provide the agency with a better understanding of the environment that the offender lives in. This understanding will prove useful when gauging the offender’s risk of violation or recidivism. Additionally, accommodating geographical consideration will also save the agency time while saving the government money.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of specialized caseloads in probation/parole?
Specialized caseloads ensure that juvenile sex offenders are not sent to other generalized caseloads because their offences are very sensitive. They might not be treated with the same care in general caseloads than they would experience in specialized caseloads. Specialized caseloads also ensure that there is consistency in the supervision and management of juvenile sex offenders in the system. The caseloads also ensure that there is an established protocol that agencies follow when working with the juvenile offenders. Major disadvantages of specialized caseloads include that they are impractical in rural settings and that they can be a major source of stress on financial resources in times of scarcity.

What are the items usually emphasized in the initial interview with a probationer/parolee?
Past behavior is often emphasized in the initial interview, as it can be an indicator to how often the offender engages in criminal endeavors. In addition, the interviewer will also focus on the offender’s family and developmental history, his mental health, familial and marital relationships, drug and alcohol abuse, as well as finances.

Explain how the relationship between employment and recidivism need not be causal.
The relationship between employment and recidivism is often very complicated. Obviously, holding down a job can significantly reduce the chances of recidivism for an individual. However, simply giving an individual a job does not automatically guarantee that the individual will no longer engage in criminal activities. The reason behind this is the fact that the offenders have different needs. There is no employment model that can fit all criminal offenders. Some people might go back to crime because they lack an income while others will do it because they possess anti-social thinking.

Why do definitions of unemployment present difficulties?
The lack of a clear definition of unemployment is problematic in that it becomes difficult to classify individuals with different levels of work. There is no way to quantify what level of work or idle state can be described as unemployment and which one cannot.

What is the purpose of a mock job fair?
A mock job fair provides the offenders who are about to get out of jail the opportunity to see how actual job interviews are conducted. The offenders get to understand the intricacies of interviews and prepare them for future job interviews.

How does a preliminary probation violation hearing differ from a revocation hearing?
A revocation hearing occurs when a probation officer discovers and reports a probation violation. If it is discovered that indeed probation was violated, then the judge will revoke the probationer’s probation. A preliminary probation violation hearing occurs within seven days of a probationer’s arrest. The hearing is held to determine if there is probable cause to believe that the probationer violated certain conditions of probation.

What did the Supreme Court determine in the case of Gagnon v. Scarpelli?
In the case of Gagnon v. Scarpelli, the Supreme Court determined that Scarpelli should be released because he was not given a preliminary revocation hearing before the revocation of his probation sentence. The Court determined that a probationer’s sentence could only be revoked after the conduction of a preliminary revocation hearing and a final revocation hearing.

What led probation agencies to use violation of supervision management strategies?
Probation agencies began using the violation of supervision management strategies to deter the incarceration of clients who are in violation of conditions of supervision. The adoption of these strategies was largely due to the realization that violations of both parole and probation contribute significantly to prison overcrowding.

13. Why do probationers and parolees have a diminished expectation of privacy?

The offenders have a diminished expectation of privacy than ordinary citizens because they are deemed deviants to the order of society. Thus, they and their residence can be subject to arbitrary searches without the officer needing a search warrant.

14. What is meant by a liberty interest?