Probation Terms

• The defendant must abide by probation terms which may include curfews, travel restrictions, no contact with witnesses, victims and other felons and no weapon possession. Some offenders must attend treatment, complete community service, submit to electronic monitoring or pay fees.
  
  

Officer Role

• Federal probation officers investigate and supervise offenders. They write reports for the judge so the court has relevant sentencing information, monitor the behavior of probationer in the community and mandate any necessary services so the offender can abide by his probation terms.
  
  

Benefits

• Probation offers many advantages to the offender and the community. He can remain in the community, work, pay taxes, support his family and be a productive member of society. However, the probation department monitors his behavior for enhanced community safety. Finally, probation saves the taxpayers money due to the high cost of incarceration.