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1) What does it
mean to be on probation?
Probation is one of the Judge's sentencing options. After a juvenile/adult
offender is adjudicated/convicted of a misdemeanor or felony offense,
the Judge imposes a sentence. This sentence can consist of incarceration,
probation with or without incarceration and for felony offenses, imprisonment.
Probation consists of a variety of terms and conditions that are Court-imposed
with which the offender must comply or risk returning to the Court of
jurisdiction for a violation of probation. Probation affords the offender
an opportunity to alter his/her criminal behavior while remaining free
in the community. The primary role of the probation officer is to ensure
that the offender complies with the Court-ordered terms and conditions
of probation.
2) What is the
Probation Agency's role in the Ventura County criminal justice system?
The criminal justice system is comprised of three components: law enforcement,
judicial and corrections. The Probation Agency is part of the corrections
component and its main goal is to promote community safety. The Probation
Agency accomplishes this goal by providing balanced services to the
victim, offender and community utilizing collaborative partnerships
to effect positive change in youths, adults and families under our jurisdiction. 3) What is the
difference between probation and parole?
After an offender is released from a state penal institution, he/she
is placed on parole and supervised by a state parole agent. A violation
of parole can result in the offender's return to state prison. Offenders
on probation have been given an opportunity to remain in the community
instead of being imprisoned at the state level.
4) What is the
Probation Agency's main goal with regards to victim reparation?
Probation officers are responsible for contacting crime victims to inform
them of their rights and the Court process. Furthermore, the officer
collects pertinent data from the victim that allows the Court to order
restitution. Probation officers collect restitution in a timely manner
in an effort to compensate victims for their losses. In many cases,
probation officers are required to ensure that victims are protected
from any further emotional/physical harm by the offender. 5) Is the Probation
Agency involved in any Federal or State grants?
During the past several years, the Probation Agency has made a concerted
effort to obtain both Federal and State grant revenue to create and/or
enhance innovative programs. Such programs are aimed at protecting the
community by providing extensive services to high risk youth; by establishing
collaborative partnerships with community based organizations and schools;
and by improving existing interagency relationships with law enforcement
and County and State departments.
6) What other
departments work collaboratively with the Probation Agency?
The Probation Agency has formed positive working relationships with
our local school districts and with many city, county and state agencies.
Probation officers work in conjunction with law enforcement agencies
to increase community safety and with behavioral health professionals
to provide better mental health services for our institution population.
Additionally, probation officers collaborate with community-based organizations
to provide much needed services for juvenile and adult offenders in
the community.
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