Probation

Probation refers to the release of an offender subject to good behaviour and adherence to a community sentence. 

There are four types of community sentence:
1. Rehabilitation orders (e.g. therapy)
2. Punishment orders (e.g. public service)
3. Combined orders (i.e.e both punishment and rehabilitation)
4. Drug testing and treatment orders

90% of those on probation are male, and the majority are either young, first-time offenders, or mature offenders of minor crimes. 

Behaviour is closely monitored whilst on probation, and non-adherence is taken very seriously, especially with regard to staying out of trouble with the law, and going to every appointment with a probation officer. 

Study: Mair and May (1997) looked at 3299 offenders chosen at random from 22 probation offices, though there was a 40% drop out rate with a disproportionate number from London. The study used an interview to investigate the effectiveness of probation, which consisted of mainly closed questions such as Likert scales and multiple choice. 88% found probation to be useful, however only 37% said it would stop them re-offending. Over one third went on to re-offend. Thus, probation may be most effective when combined with therapies or employment schemes.