Report Reveals More Felons Following Probation Requirements

California residents on probation are probably aware of some recent changes to the probation requirements. New laws were recently enacted due to an instruction from the Supreme Court to reduce prison overcrowding.

A recently released report shows that positive consequences are being inspired by these changes. In particular, the report indicates that fewer felons are skipping out on parole responsibilities under the new parole system versus the former. Under the new system, less than four percent of felons have failed to report to their probation officers after their release from prison. This is a significant drop from 14 percent under the old system.

Small Changes, Big Results

Shifting felons from state to local control is a key component of the new laws. Ex-convicts are now supervised through the county instead of a state parole agent. Additionally, they can now be released from probation after six months if they show up for all appointments and have no infractions. The old requirement was one year.

A number of minor changes have also contributed to the positive results. Some counties are sending probation officers to pick up ex-convicts from prison upon their release, rather than letting them find their own way back home. Other counties provide assistance with finding adequate jobs and housing to inmates before release.

One probation officer even writes a personal letter to each inmate before release. The letter explains the opportunities the county can provide and tells the inmate what will be expected of them.

According to a state probation officer, all of these changes contribute to fewer fugitive felons as well as a lower prison population. The state prison population has dropped to fewer than 140,000 inmates. The number has not been this low since 1996.

Looking Forward

Initially there were concerns that the new laws would mean more unsupervised felons. There were also fears that the local counties would not be able to handle the greater number of parolees. However, the results of the report show these concerns were likely overstated.

The new system did result in a sharp increase in local jail populations. This is because less serious offenders were sent to local jails instead of state prisons, leading to some convicts being released early to prevent overcrowding. The numbers have since leveled off and are expected to continue to drop as the offenders from the early stages complete their sentences.

Parole is a significant aspect of the criminal justice system and is imposed in around 70 percent of sentences. An individual sentenced to parole can benefit from the support of a skilled criminal defense attorney. An attorney can assist with helping to understand requirements and successfully completing a parole sentence.