What do you know about the conditions of probation?

District 2, Probation and Parole, Headquartered in Chillicothe, supervises an average of 1,100 probationers/parolees. Daviess County is one of the 11 counties encompassed in District two.

Probationary terms generally average from two to five years. Offenders are placed on probation for a period of time as determined by state law. Under law, the court may at any time revoke or modify conditions of probation. Offenders are subject to arrest upon order of the court.

During the probationary period, the court may impose or order execution of sentence of the original offense in accordance with State Laws and to incarcerate the offender in a county jail or State Institution.

When an offender is granted probation or parole, they are placed under the supervision of the State Board of Probation and its representative officers. The officers report to the Court on the offenders and takes action as the Court may require in the case.

Each offender is provided a set of rules governing the conditions of probation/parole. Conditions of probation are standard throughout Missouri. Additionally, special conditions may be ordered by the court. Standard and special conditions of probation are as follows:

1. Laws. Obey all federal and state laws, municipal and county ordinances. Report all new arrest to Probation and Parole Officer within 48 hours.

2. Travel. Obtain advance permission from the Probation and Parole Officer before leaving area of authorized travel.

3. Residency. Notify the Probation and Parole Officer of any changes in residence within 48 hours. The Probation and Parole Officer has the authority to approve or disapprove a home plan, therefore it is strongly recommended that the offender consult with the officer prior to moving.

4. Employment. The offender is required to maintain employment unless engaged in a specific program approved by the officer. The offender must obtain advance permission prior to quitting a job or program and must inform the officer within 48 hours of termination. During the supervision, offenders will be expected to maintain employment. The only excuse from the obligation will be involvement in special programs, such as vocational training, drug/alcohol abuse treatment, or other programs related to self-improvement.

5. Association. An offender must obtain advance permission from a Probation and Parole Officer before associating with any person convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, or anyone currently under the supervision of Probation and Parole. It is the offender’s responsibility to know with whom they are associating.

6. Drugs. An offender may not possess or use any controlled substance not prescribed by a licensed medical practitioner. As part of the supervision, the offender may be expected to undergo urinalysis testing periodically on a random basis.

7. Weapons. If an offender’s probation or parole is based on a misdemeanor involving firearms or explosives, or any felony charge, not own, possess, purchase, receive, sell or transport any firearms, ammunition, or explosive devices or any other dangerous weapons as defined by federal, state or municipal laws/ordinances.

8. Reporting/Directives. The offender will report to the Probation and Parole Officer as directed. The offender must agree to abide by any directive given by the Officer. Such directives may include personal appearance, documentation such as check stubs and receipts for court costs/restitution, income tax forms, all of which is helpful to the Officer in planning a successful probation/parole period. The Officer may from time to time give special directives that relate to the offender as an individual and the important impact of the offender’s future.

9. Supervision Strategy. An offender will enter and successfully complete any supervision strategy and abide by all rules and program requirements, as directed by the Court, Board or supervising officer. An offenders risk to the community will be assessed regularly during the probation supervision and the officer will place the offender in a program or level of supervision based upon public safety.

10. Special Conditions. Both the Board of Probation and Parole, Jefferson City or Court have the authority to determine special conditions on probationers/parolees. Conditions may include prohibiting an offender from consuming alcoholic beverages, completion of a specific program, or involvement in an educational/vocational training program. The Court will frequently direct offenders to obtain a GED in cases where the person does not have a high school diploma.

The above conditions and examples are essential for the successful completion of an offender’s term of probation or parole supervision. Failure to abide by any of the conditions by an offender will be considered a violation of probation or parole and would either result in a continuance or revocation of the offender’s supervision.

Anyone desiring further information not detailed in the article may contact Daviess county Officers David Whitt or Teri Sharp-Roney or the District Administrator, Karl Rice, 660-646-4535.