Probation and Parole are the most salient correctional tools in the society’s efforts in enforcing both criminal and juvenile justice. They are essentially designed to motivate offenders into reforming for the better. When a probation sentence is meted, the offenders are allowed to serve their sentences out of prison. They may be assigned community service duties and at the same time be closely monitored by the respective probation authorities. On the other hand parole implies that an offender who is serving a prison sentence is released on account of good behavior especially if the sentence they are serving is nearing completion. Parole is generally an exhibition of executive clemency where the state seeks to pardon offenders (Chiu, 2010). Here is an elucidation of the major similarities and differences between probation and parole in light of the trends that have been manifested recently.
Starting with the similarities of these two concepts, the essence of both parole and probation is not to have the offender incarcerated. As such while with probation the offender is still considered to be serving their sentence; with parole, once the offender is released from prison, they are considered to have served the full sentence. Another outstanding similarity is that in both corrective mechanisms, the offender is always kept under constant supervision so as to determine whether they are progressing towards full reformation or not. The current Parole and Probation regime has shifted towards an evidence-based approach, where relevant information about the offender is collected before and after deciding on their parole or probation. This provides a chance for a clear determination of the propensity of the offender committing the crime again. In addition to this, Parole and Probation are in equal measure favorable for older members of the society because they are always perceived to have the ability to fully reform given their advanced ages.
However, there are also salient differences between these two important mechanisms of the Criminal Justice System. The two processes differ significantly, first when it comes to the approach taken in dealing with women offenders. Since women are predominantly convicted of petty drug and property offences; and some could even have young children, the authorities are more inclined towards granting them a probation sentence. They are also deemed not prone to reoffending and thus, it is highly safe if they serve outside prison (Salisbury, Van, Wright & Bauman, 2009). On the other hand, parole is rarely given with considerations of gender. Since it is a general motivation for all offenders to become better members of the society, the biggest consideration is the sentence served and the conduct of the offender.
The current regime on probation and parole has also exhibited considerable leniency on account of age. However, there are certain discrepancies in the approach taken. A probation sentence is often given to elderly offenders because it is believed that they are likely to reform and they do not pose a huge risk to the society. On the other hand, parole majorly favors young offenders because of the general conception that young people have a long way ahead and they can make their lives more useful again compared their older counterparts (Altshuler & Brash, 2004). As has been observed from the general Criminal Justice System of US, ethnicity is also a big factor that has come out implicitly. The general view applies. Whites are often favored while issuing parole and probation directives.
In a nutshell, Parole and Probation are two important mechanisms that have redefined the justice system’s approach in US. However, the enforceability of the two is marred with bias which sometimes may be justified. Authorities are often cognizant of issues of social status, economic status and level of education and these alone might change the mindset of the officers in charge. Above all, the magnanimity of the offense is the best rationale that can be used to as the first threshold of either granting or denying parole and probation.
References
Altshuler, D.M., & Brash, R. (2004). Adolescent and Teenage Offenders Confronting the Challenges and Opportunities of Reentry. Youth Violence and Juvenile Justice 2(1):72–
87.
Chiu, T. (2010). It’s About Time: Aging Prisoners, Increasing Costs, and Geriatric Release. New York, NY: Vera Institute of Justice.
Salisbury, E.J., Van, P., Wright, E. M. & Bauman, A. (2009). Changing Probation Experiences for Female Offenders Based on Women’s Needs and Risk Assessment Project Findings. Women, Girls & Criminal Justice 10(6):83–84, 92–95
