Walden University The Beginning of Community Supervision Discussion

Probation and parole are forms of community supervision that help decrease the prison population. Although they perform similar functions and provide clients with some of the same services and programs, probation and parole began separately and serve different offender populations.

In this Discussion, you consider the origins and growth of community supervision (i.e., probation and parole). You also discuss the role of cost in determining offender sanctions.

Post a response that addresses the following:

• What were the original reasons for the implementation of probation and parole? Do those reasons still apply today—why or why not?
• What factors have contributed to the growth of community supervision?
• Should cost be a consideration when determining sanctions for offenders?
• What is the reported prison spending in your state? What is your reaction to this cost?