NCJ Number
103206
Date Published
1986
Length
58 pages
Annotation
This report identifies, on a national basis, current policies and practices relating to the Compact for the Supervision of Parolees and Probationers, pinpoints problem areas, and recommends improvements.
Abstract
The compact evolved from the 1934 Crime Control Consent Act, which permitted two or more States to enter into agreements of mutual assistance in crime prevention. The compact established that 'the Governor of each State may designate an officer who, acting jointly with like officers of other contracting States shall promulgate rules and regulations as may be deemed necessary to more effectively carry out the terms of the compact.' By 1951, all 48 States had signed the compact. Since then, the original manual governing the compact operations has been revised several times. Despite these revisions, compact operations have not kept pace with probation and parole practice. A 1985 survey of all professionals familiar with or involved in compact operations was conducted. A total of 267 questionnaires were returned (a 72-percent response rate). The questionnaire identified State practices and individual opinions with respect to overall satisfaction with probation and parole under the compact, types of cases transferred, misdemeanant supervision, special supervision, supervision fees, revocations, acceptance of transfers, travel policies, compact organization and administration, and automation. Findings and recommendations are presented for each of these areas. Tabular data, appended survey instrument, and survey responses by State.