Assignment:
Probation.
Required Textbook: Clear, T., Cole, G., & Reisig, M. (2013). American Corrections. (11th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth
Our discussion post for this week will be a little different. Chapter 8 addresses the history and development of probation, the organization of probation today, the dual functions of probation: investigation and supervision, the effectiveness of supervision, revocation of termination and probation, and probation in the coming decade. For your discussion post this week, please click on the link below and watch the documentary "Free Meek." Chronicling the life of Philadelphia based rap artist, Meek Mill, from his rise in music to his incarceration and eventual release from prison. This intimate documentary series follows Meek Mill's transformation from chart-topping rapper to face of the battle for justice reform. After viewing the video please answer the following questions:
Why is there so much interest in probation today?
How does the use of probation affect the corrections system? Why is it used so extensively?
How does the presentence investigation report affect accountability for the sentence that is imposed?
How do you think investigation and supervisory functions of probation can be most effectively organized? Given the two major tasks of probation, how should officers spend their time?
Why might some probationers be kept in the community after a technical violation rather than having their probation revoked?