Probation and Parole in Criminal Justice

How it can be fixed

The parole and probation techniques need to be reevaluated and every person involved needs to be on the same page. Judges should not be able to decide pre-trial probation of a defendant dependent on their ability to pay for their freedom. The sex, age, race or status of the defendant should not be a condition to deciding whether to detain or release an offender. Consideration of the likelihood of the defendant not returning to court should be the only evaluation.

Cost not only to the offender, but to society should also be considered. The affects that are brought to the fore-front by the incarceration of a person to themselves, their family and society should also be evaluated when making this decision.

Another solution to the problems of probation and parole is to make clear the role of the community correctional officers. What is the primary goal of community corrections? Is treatment or control the goal? What needs to be done is investigate why the individual under supervision committed this crime in the first place.

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If we could answer that question, then community corrections will be better equipped to solve some of the underlying issues of the defendant. How educated or experienced should community correctional officers be? Currently, there are different degrees of education and experience in these roles. We need to evaluate what types of skills are needed to be able to carry out the duties and responsibilities of probation and parole officers. If the "tough on crime" control models can exist and increase, there may be a need for more persons skilled with police or military backgrounds to be placed in these positions, but this does not get to the reason for the problem.

If as a society we view community corrections with a goal of treatment and on an individual basis, we would be able to assess what qualifications the probation/parole officers are required to possess and maintain Assessment is also required in the type of quality of evaluation research needed to be performed when it comes to solving the question of "why" crimes are committed by individuals. We may be able to get to the root of some of the individuals' difficulties and in doing so be able to alleviate some of the crimes committed as well as bring advanced safety and security to our communities.

Christian point of view

A man named William Blackstone once said "It is better that 5, 10, 20, or 100 guilty men go free than for one innocent man to be put to death. The bible mentions the presumption of innocence long before that. John 7:51 "Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth? Are we judging someone before having proof of what he is being accused of? Pre-trial detention as well as pre-trial probation appears to do so, at a great cost to all.

What is the advantage of courts punishing persons who are most likely guilty or allegedly guilty of a crime? Being "innocent until proven guilty," is not just a good rule of law, it is also a biblical concept. Without evidence being presented, enabling to find someone guilty, then it is better to make a mistake in judgement. If a guilty person is to be found not liable in committing a crime in man's court, God will appropriately the judge in the end. 2 Corinthians 5:10 states "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad". Psalms 26:2 goes on to state "Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart"