The future of probation is faced with more possible change. One possibility would be that the probation officer would serve as a referral agent, finding community programs and agencies to help with the specific needs of each offender (Clear, 2016). A second possibility, for the remaining offenders, would be very close supervision from highly trained professionals (Clear, 2016). The effectiveness of managing high risk offenders on probation has always been questioned, and this remains a concern with any possible future changes to probation as well. The offender’s attitude and relationship with the probation officer ultimately influences the overall effectiveness of …show more content…
Intermediate sanctions and community corrections face much scrutiny from the public. While governments struggle with tighter budgets, there is concern that the rush to release prisoners may result in a threat to public safety (Berlatsky,2010). The future of intermediate sanctions and community corrections must consist of stricter offender placements in the intended programs while reducing bias, and gaining the public’s trust by clarifying the goals of the programs (Clear, 2016). This can be achieved by becoming a component of improving the quality of community life by way of justice reinvestment, a redirection of resources to invest in a more pro-active approach to crime (Clear, 2016). Programs are developed to strengthen disadvantaged communities with hopes of improving quality of life. Therefore, when the offender is released back into the community the chances of recidivism are