NCJ Number
116765
Date Published
1988
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Created in 1977, the Texas Adult Probation Commission (TAPC) is a 12-member body composed of judges and citizens. It is charged by law to meet quarterly, establish Statewide standards for probation services, and distribute State aid to probation departments.
Abstract
Since the TAPC started collecting data in 1978, the number of clients served has increased dramatically, and the average caseload ratios have risen significantly. Economic sanctions often imposed on offenders as a condition of probation help defray some of the processing and supervision costs. Required restitution payments recognize the victim's loss and are therapeutic for the offender. The States nearly 2,100 probation officers prepare presentence reports, monitor probationer activities, and document violations of probation. Diversionary programs available in the State include intensive supervision probation, surveillance probation, restitution centers, residential alcohol and drug treatment programs, and specialized caseloads based on offender problems (e.g., substance abuse, criminal sexual behavior, mental illness or retardation). Probation officers must be a college graduate with a minimum of 1 year experience or graduate study and must be certified under a program designed by the TAPC. In addition, officers receive 20 hours of inservice training annually. TAPC staff are responsible for monitoring departments' compliance with standards and providing technical assistance Administrative functions are fulfilled by the executive director and the fiscal, program, and data services divisions. Figures and illustrations.