Presentence Report, Probation Officer Accountability, and Recruitment Practices: Some Influences of Guideline Sentencing

• NCJ Number: 119858
• Journal: Federal Probation Volume: 53 Issue: 3 Dated: (September 1989) Pages: 12-14
• Author(s): H J Jaffe
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 3 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The affirmation by the United States Supreme Court of guideline sentencing in the local Federal district courts affects the United States Probation System in three important areas: preparation of the presentence investigation report, accountability to the United States Sentencing Commission, and recruitment of new probation officers.

Abstract

Guideline sentencing has made probation officers' duties more bureaucratic. They must also present information in as flawless a manner as possible. The Federal sentencing guidelines impose new and heavy burdens on them. Thus, the Federal Probation System must prepare them for their new role as fixers of punishment so that they can continue to carry out their basic mission of promoting sound judicial decisionmaking. Footnotes.