Supervision occurs after persons under supervision have pled guilty or been tried and found guilty and after they've been released from incarceration.
The court will sentence a defendant to probation or to a term of incarceration followed by a term of supervised release. Probation is a court ordered sentence issued as an alternative to jail or prison. Individuals under supervision (probation or supervised release) are assigned to a probation officer who is responsible for monitoring persons under supervision and ensuring they comply with the conditions ordered by the court and obey laws.
Supervision in the federal system is:
- A core responsibility of U.S. probation and pretrial services officers, along with investigation.
- A way to monitor the activities and behavior of people released to the community by the federal courts or paroling authorities.
- An opportunity to help persons under supervision reintegrate into the community.
- In the case of probation, a punishment that is less severe than imprisonment, but still holds people accountable for breaking the law.
- An alternative to jail or prison that costs less than incarceration and gives people charged with or convicted of federal crimes the opportunity to live with their families, hold jobs, and be productive members of society.
Conditions of Supervised Release
At the start of supervision, a probation officer will fully explain to a person under supervision the conditions of release. These conditions include the mandatory conditions of release which the court imposes on all persons under supervision, and may include discretionary conditions which the court imposes to provide probation officers with the authority to address risk related issues specific to a particular person under supervision. Discretionary conditions may include, among other things, home detention, substance abuse testing or treatment, mental health treatment, and the disclosure of financial information.
Process of Supervision
The supervision process begins begins with a probation officer evaluation through an interview and risk assessment tool, which allows the officer to identify factors that must be taken into account in developing an individualized supervision plan. Throughout the supervision period, the officer will assess the potential risk to the community and needs of the individual under supervision. The supervision plan developed by the officer will address any obstacles that may impede a person's ability or desire to successfully complete supervision and will provide for services, such as substance abuse or mental health treatment that the person may require.