Differences in Probation and Parole

Parole and probation are both vital components of the justice system. Probation focuses on supervising minor offenders, whereas parole deals with rehabilitating serious criminals. Probationary supervision and parole supervision are very similar in certain aspects. In both, an attempt is made to help the parolee attain meaningful relationships in their respective community. Furthermore, they are both in charge of enforcing rules, providing counseling, and offering treatment options. However, there are some distinct differences.

Once an inmate is released into his or her community, they typically come under the control of a parole officer. It is the parole officer's duty to enforce parole rules, help the parolee gain and maintain employment, and meet the parolee on a regular basis for treatment and rehabilitation purposes. Parole officers and their supervisors are under the administrative command of a parole board, or more commonly, an autonomous branch of the Department of Corrections.

First, a parole officer oftentimes deals with more serious cases. A parolee has usually been incarcerated for an extended period of time. To be successful on parole, a former inmate must successfully adjust to his or her community, which at first can seem like a very strange and somewhat hostile environment; the parolee's family life has been interrupted, and the parolee may have difficulty resuming employment. Furthermore, the elongated prison sentence has most likely done nothing to improve the parolee's chance at rehabilitation. To overcome these massive hurdles, parole officers must play a far greater role in directing and supervising a parolee's life compared to the typical probation officer. Moreover, a parole officer must be less flexible with handling rule violations so that the parolee is held on a tighter rein.

Second, the stigma of being an 'ex-con' and a former inmate oftentimes follows a parolee anywhere he or she goes. For instance, many communities across the nation attempt to bar a parolee from living in their vicinity due to fear. The supposed dangerousness of the parolee, coupled with the stringent intensity of parole policies, therefore makes parole supervision more of an enforcement matter rather than one of mere supervision. The parole officer is well aware of the embarrassing and negative consequences if his or her parolee commits another serious felony while under parole. Such violations embarrass the parole office and reduce the chances of other inmates getting parole.

Third, a parole officer has the power to personally arrest a parolee who has violated his or her parole. Probation officers, on the other hand, must seek a court order, which in turn is enforced by the police.

Fourth, whereas probation begins after incarceration, parole sometimes begins within the prison. A parole plan is formed to help the inmate prepare to enter the community, find employment, arrange for a residence, and develop vital community contacts. In addition, a parole plan oftentimes requires the inmate to first enter into a residential community treatment program immediately after release from prison. The inmate's ability to correctly follow the plan is a big consideration when determining if he or she is ready to leave prison and enter the parole process.

In conclusion, although probation and parole do have their similarities, they are very different systems with different goals. Probation is focused on supervising minor offenders and ensuring that they do not become serious offenders. Parole, on the other hand, is geared towards rehabilitating serious offenders who just came out of prison, and helping them re-acclimate themselves to their surrounding community.