Probation as Punishment - New Directions and Suggestions (From Probation, Parole, and Community Corrections, P 73-79,1985, Lawrence F Travis III, ed. - See NCJ-105068)

• NCJ Number: 105072
• Author(s): G F Vito
• Date Published: 1985
• Length: 7 pages
• Publication Format: Document
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Probation can be effective as a punitive sanction that achieves retribution, deterrence, and incapacitation, particularly if its surveillance and punishment components are given more emphasis than the helping and treatment functions.

Abstract

This emphasis would change the common view that probation is a lenient sentence that should not be included in the recent movement toward stiffer sentencing. Completion of retribution would require the inclusion of community service, residence at a halfway house, restitution, or other restrictions on liberty as conditions of probation. Community service sentencing is one of the best examples of the use of probation to achieve this goal. Probation can also be viewed as a deterrence mechanism. The temporary disqualification of corporate executives from their occupations is an example of the use of this approach. Probation can also achieve incapacitation, as shown by the Fulton County Diagnostic Socialization (FADAS) Program (Kentucky). FADAS applies to offenders whose drug problems are the source of their crimes. Offenders must take psychological and physiological tests to assess their problems. In addition, their persons, houses, papers, and effects are subject to searches without notice. Recommendations for probation's use as punishment, 1 note, and 17 references.