Community Supervision 101

COMMUNITY SUPERVISION FLOWCHART

Welcome, we're glad you're here! This page is your gateway to understanding the critical work that supports safer communities. To explore and navigate this page, start by scrolling through the flowchart to discover organized sections that cover the principles, practices, and impact of community supervision. For a deeper dive into specific areas, click on the interactive elements within the flowchart to access additional information.

Check out this additional document for common Community Supervision terminology!

Community Supervision Terminology

Arrest

The police or sheriff's department makes an arrest or issues a citation for a violation of criminal law or code, requiring the individual to appear in court.

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PRETRIAL

Refers to the period before a trial takes place and can describe either a timeframe or legal proceedings that occur prior to the trial itself.

Pretrial Period

The time between the arraignment and the trial is when the defense and prosecution exchange information and evidence. During this period, Pretrial Hearings and/or Conferences are held where the parties attempt to reach an agreement or make plans for trial.

Pretrial Hearing

A court proceeding where the defense attorney informs the judge of the defendant's plans for the case. This may include whether the defendant intends to plead guilty, proceed to trial, or request more time. The defense attorney may also file motions addressing legal issues.

Pretrial Conference

A meeting to ensure that all parties are prepared for the trial. This may involve confirming that the defense and prosecution have exchanged the necessary documents and addressing any motions. Pretrial conferences can be conducted via conference call, or the judge may require a formal meeting with the defendant's presence.

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Bond / Bail Hearing

The defendant is brought before a judge to determine whether they should be released on bail or held in custody pending the next hearing, as well as to set conditions of release if the defendant is released from custody.

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Preliminary Hearing

A hearing where the judge determines if there is enough evidence to continue the case and/or reviews the defendant’s custody status.

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Arraignment

The hearing where defendant enters a plea of guilty or not guilty and schedules the date for the next hearing.

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Pretrial Hearing

A hearing where the prosecutor and Defense Attorney provide updates to the court on the status of the case. This could include requesting information, filing of motions, and any agreements made.

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Plea Agreement

When both parties reach an agreement in which the defendant enters a plea of guilty or no contest to the charges and agrees to a specified sentence.

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Trial

The process of determining the defendant's guilt or innocence based on the evidence presented by both the prosecutor and the defense attorney.

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Pretrial Sentence Investigation

The judge may refer the defendant to a probation officer for an interview to identify the risk of reoffending, the need for treatment and other services, and to determine an appropriate sentence recommendation.

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Sentencing

The judge may sentence the defendant to probation, imprisonment, or community service based on the recommendations of the pretrial officer, victim input, if any, and any agreements made between the prosecution and the defendant. Not every case will go to trial. Typically, if the parties make any agreements, they are done prior to any trial taking place.

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PROBATION

A sentence that allows a person to remain in the community instead of serving jail time. In some jurisdictions, probation may be used in conjunction with a jail sentence, where an individual may be sentenced to a period of jail followed by a period of supervised probation. The probation officer works with the defendant to develop a case plan that addresses their needs and risks. The probation officer will meet regularly with the defendant based on their risk level to ensure they are complying with the conditions of their probation.

PROBATION OFFICER’S ROLE

To enforce court orders, protect the public, address the client’s needs, and reduce reoffending by supervising individuals on probation and collaborating with other agencies to ensure the client's needs are met. Ultimately, probation officers prepare case files, generate supervision plans, and maintain records on probationers. They also implement and track compliance with court-ordered conditions, terms of supervision, and programs (substance abuse, sex offender, domestic violence treatment), and are required to communicate compliance and non-compliance to the courts. In addition, they perform home visits, administer drug and alcohol testing, and may facilitate treatment intervention groups.

Assessing Risk

Probation officers evaluate the risk posed by individuals on probation using a validated risk assessment tool and provide reports to assist courts, prisons, and parole review boards in making decisions.

Identifying Needs

Probation officers seek to identify client needs, including housing, employment, education, and treatment, to help the client address the factors that have contributed to their criminal behavior.

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PAROLE

Refers to the early release of a prisoner from prison to serve the remainder of their sentence in the community under certain conditions. Parole has several purposes including the following:
  • Helping parolees get established in the community
  • Preventing needless imprisonment
  • Providing assistance with employment, finances, and other personal issues

A parole board determines if a prisoner is eligible for parole and, if so, holds a hearing to consider their post-release plan. Since eligibility requirements vary from state to state, not all prisoners have a right to parole. If a parolee violates the conditions of their parole, they may be returned to prison after a hearing to serve the remaining portion of their original sentence.

PAROLE OFFICER’S ROLE

To assist individuals who have been released from prison in successfully reintegrating into society by monitoring and supporting them as they serve their parole. Some clients may serve a period of probation following their time on parole. They also keep any victims informed about the status of the offender to ensure victim safety. Parole officer duties are typically categorized as pre-release, supervisory and rehabilitative.

Supervision

Parole officers supervise parolees to ensure they adhere to the rules of their parole. Individuals on parole are supervised at a higher level than those on probation.

Rehabilitation

Parole officers provide resources to help parolees rehabilitate, including job training, substance abuse counseling, and housing assistance.

Monitoring

Parole officers regularly visit parolees at home or work, and they may also check in by phone or at the office. Additionally, they may request updates from family members.

Investigations

Parole officers may conduct parole investigations as part of the parole planning process and provide supervision recommendations to state parole boards.

Documentation

Parole officers prepare documentation for parole administration, including programs completed, any violations, goals attained, and recommendations pertaining to continued supervision.

Arrests

Parole officers may make arrests alongside police officers. In some jurisdictions, probation officers have been granted limited arrest authority for individuals already under the jurisdiction of the courts or the Department of Corrections.

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