Probation and Parole

About adult probation and parole

Adult probation and parole (AP&P) are crucial components of the criminal justice system, providing alternatives to incarceration while promoting rehabilitation and community safety. These programs aim to support individuals in successfully reintegrating into society after serving their time or while awaiting trial.

Adults on probation and parole work with an AP&P agent to help guide them through this journey to successfully exit the criminal justice system. To learn more about AP&P officers and agents visit our careers page. There are two basic types of community supervision provided by AP&P: probation or parole.

What is probation?

Probation is a court-ordered period that allows a person to remain in the community under supervision instead of an incarceration sentence. They may have already served some time in jail, but now they are allowed to live in the community with conditions. Probation can last for months or years, depending on the crime and how well the person is doing.

A person on probation must be under supervision and follow certain conditions:

• Supervision: They are monitored by a probation officer who holds them accountable for their behavior and provides support in rehabilitation efforts.
• Conditions They must follow the conditions of supervision such as community service hours, attending counseling, and avoiding criminal behavior.

What is parole?

Parole is the early release of a person from prison before their full sentence is completed, but it comes with conditions. The decision to release someone on parole is made by the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole, usually based on good behavior and progress while in prison.

A person on parole:

• Eligibility: Must have shown good behavior and made efforts to rehabilitate while in prison.
• Supervision: Like probation, parolees are monitored by a parole officer to help them adjust back into the community.
• Conditions: Typical conditions of supervision include reporting to AP&P, residence checks, assessments, treatment, travel or curfew restrictions, victim restitution, fines, community service, and case planning with their agent.

Case plans for probation and parole

Case plans are intended to reduce criminal behavior risk factors through individual goals and steps. This may include additional assessments, treatment, cognitive behavioral interventions, employment, education, and support of family and prosocial activities.

Violation of probation or parole

If individuals on probation or parole abscond from supervision, AP&P agents will request arrest warrants and engage in deliberate efforts to locate and safely apprehend them. UDC fugitive teams include AP&P agents, investigators from The Law Enforcement Bureau (LEB), and support staff. Additionally, AP&P collaborates with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies through joint task force operations to conduct criminal investigations and make arrests of suspects.