Clay County Probation Department Mission Statement

What is Probation and What Does a Probation Officer Do?

Probation is an alternative to incarceration. It allows a person to remain in the community under the supervision of a probation officer. While on probation there are many various conditions that have to be followed which may include jail time, drug and alcohol testing, counseling, community service, fines, restitution, and many other conditions. If the person does not follow the conditions of their probation, they could go back before the court and be re-sentenced to jail or even prison.

Probation Officers function as officers of the courts. They supervise a person who has been placed on probation, conditional discharge, or court supervision and deemed appropriate for community supervision. Some of the duties of a probation officer include: provide complete and accurate pre-sentencing information to the court to facilitate judicial decision-making, provide differential community0based supervision and intervention to offenders based upon their risk of re-offending and their need for services, reduce recidivism among offenders sentenced to probation, ensure accountability to the victim and the community through restitution and public service programs.

Who is On Probation?

At the end of 2006 over 5 million adult men and women were under federal, state, or local probation or parole. Among the offenders on probation during the year 2006 about 49% had been convicted for a felony, 49% for a misdemeanor, and 2% for other infractions. Nearly three-quarters of probationers were supervised fro a non-violent offense, including more than a quarter for drug offenses, and a sixth for driving while intoxicated. At the end of March 2008, there was a total caseload of 436 adults and juveniles under the supervision of the Clay County Probation Department.

Members of the Probation Team: