Probation and parole, known as community supervision, are alternatives to incarceration that allow offenders to serve their sentences outside of prison while being monitored and supervised by a probation or parole officer. These programs are designed to provide offenders with the support and resources they need to successfully reintegrate into society and reduce their likelihood of reoffending.

However, the current system is heavily reliant on strict and often arbitrary conditions, such as mandatory drug testing and curfews, which can lead to technical violations and re-incarceration for minor infractions. This not only undermines the rehabilitative goals of community supervision but also puts a strain on already overcrowded prisons and jails.

Furthermore, the current system is often underfunded and understaffed, leading to high caseloads for probation and parole officers, and leaving them unable to provide adequate supervision and support to offenders. This lack of resources also makes it difficult for offenders to access services such as job training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services, which are crucial for their successful reintegration into society.

To address these issues, there is a need for probation and parole reform that prioritizes rehabilitation and reintegration over punishment. This can be achieved by:

-Reducing the number of technical violations and re-incarceration for minor infractions by implementing evidence-based practices, such as risk and needs assessments, to determine appropriate conditions of supervision. -Providing adequate resources and support for community supervision, including hiring more probation and parole officers and providing access to services such as job training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. -Holding probation and parole officers accountable for the success of the offenders under their supervision by implementing performance-based incentives. -Providing offenders with the tools and resources they need to succeed in society, such as job training, education, and housing assistance.

In conclusion, probation and parole reform is essential for the United States criminal justice system. The current system, which prioritizes punishment over rehabilitation and reintegration, is not only inhumane but also ineffective in reducing recidivism and promoting public safety. By implementing evidence-based practices, providing adequate resources and support, holding officers accountable, and providing offenders with the tools and resources they need to succeed in society, we can create a system that truly serves the best interest of both offenders and society as a whole.

It's important to mention that Probation and Parole reform is not only a libertarian conservative issue, but it's a human rights issue, it's a public safety issue, and it's a fiscal issue. A more effective and compassionate community supervision system would reduce the strain on overcrowded prisons and jails, while also promoting offender rehabilitation and reintegration, in turn, reducing recidivism and promoting public safety.

Probation and Parole Overhaul: How We Can Fix a Broken System | Talk Policy