probation

Probation is a period of court-supervised freedom during which a convicted individual remains in the community under defined conditions instead of serving a jail or prison sentence. It is used as an alternative to incarceration and as a component of sentencing in many criminal justice systems. The goals are rehabilitation, deterrence, and public safety, with an emphasis on monitoring compliance and providing opportunities for treatment and support.

During probation, the offender is assigned a probation officer who conducts regular check-ins, monitors adherence to conditions such as reporting requirements, curfews, employment or schooling, and abstinence from drugs and alcohol, and may require participation in treatment programs. Conditions are tailored to the case, and compliance is continually assessed over the probation period. Violations can trigger administrative actions or sanctions.

Violations may be technical (missed meetings, failing drug tests, unapproved travel) or involve new offenses. Consequences range from warnings or extensions of the period to fines or the recall of probation, which can result in the imposition of the original sentence or imprisonment for the remainder of it.

Probation differs from parole. Probation is a sentence served in the community, while parole provides early release from prison after serving a portion of a sentence, subject to supervision and conditions.

Some jurisdictions allow probation-like arrangements before conviction or as diversion, such as probation before judgment. The term probation is also used in employment to describe a trial period during which an employee’s performance is evaluated.