ADULT PROBATION AND PAROLE OVERVIEW
The Department of Correction's Probation and Parole division supervises nearly 20,000 probationers in the community. That's a 30 percent increase in just three years.
According to SENTAC sentencing guidelines, probationers - depending on their risk to the community - are sentenced or placed on different levels of supervision. The levels of probation are from I (least restrictive) to IV (most restrictive). Level V is incarceration. The following is a summary of the various levels of probation in Delaware:
Level I - Administrative Supervision
Offenders assigned to Level I are placed in the least restrictive form of supervision under the SENTAC sentencing system. These are generally first time offenders who pose little risk of re-offending. The majority of these offenders are required to pay either a fine, make restitution or attend a specific first offender program. Requirements are also to monitor offenders' participation in designated programs, and make progress reports on same to the court.
Level II - Probation and Parole
Level II is the standard Probation/Parole supervision program. Offenders on Level II supervision are to meet with their Probation Officer on a regular schedule to comply with contact requirements based on risks/needs assessments. Level II Probation/Parole Officers serve in the traditional roles of counseling.
Level III - Intensive Supervision
The Intensive Supervision Unit (ISU) represents Level III of the SENTAC alternatives to incarceration. The officer to client ratio is 1:25. The purpose of the ISU is to closely supervise adult offenders in the community to prevent further criminal behavior while sentences are being served. Supervision is frequent and intense while also assisting the offender in making a successful return to the community. The ISU makes recommendations to move cases up or down the sanctioning levels based on the SENTAC guidelines, and upon individual client progress as documented by the supervising officer. The addition of the supervised Custody Unit to the intensive Supervision Unit will augment Probation/Parole's capabilities to more closely supervise Level III probationers in the community.
Level IV - House Arrest program
House Arrest is a community custody program which is for offenders who are to be restricted to an approved residence in which specific sanctions are to be imposed and enforced. The House Arrest Program is administered by Probation Officers, and includes continuous 24-hours a day, 7 days a week electronic and direct surveillance.
The Probation and Parole division also conducts the following supervision:
Pretrial Services
Pretrial Services provides the courts with bail recommendations based on screening interviews with newly arrested and detained individuals. After the initial screening, follow-up interviews and recommendations are made at preset intervals. Community supervision is also provided for certain released individuals as ordered by the courts. Presentence reports are completed as requested . All pretrial services occur prior to a SENTAC Level being established for an individual.
Day Reporting Center
The Day Reporting Center concept is designed to provide intensive supervision with treatment program participation to improve the transition of high risk offenders from incarceration to the community.
Community Work program
Offenders placed in this program perform various types of services at non profit organizations and state agencies in order to satisfy special conditions of supervision and/or to be relieved of court ordered assessments.
