Probation and Parole Requirements

Learn about some of the typical rules for a person being released from prison.

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), about 4.8 million people in the U.S. are on probation or parole.

Probation is a court-ordered period of supervision in the community, generally used as an alternative to jail or prison. Parole is a period of community supervision after someone is released from prison. Although not all released prisoners are put on parole, a large majority are. The average time spent on parole is 19 months.

PROBATION AND PAROLE REQUIREMENTS

All convicted offenders must comply with the court-ordered special conditions of their probation or parole. These rules may include:

Reporting in person to probation or parole offices
Participating in intensive supervision programs
Not leaving the designated city/state without permission
Finding and maintaining regular employment
Not changing residence or employment without permission
Not using drugs or alcohol; not entering drinking establishments
Not possessing firearms or other dangerous weapons
Not associating with persons who have criminal records
Submitting to urinalysis or blood testing when instructed
Paying supervision fees
Obeying all state and local laws

OTHER POSSIBLE REQUIREMENTS

The former prisoner’s specific terms of probation or parole are provided in writing at their first visit with their probation or parole officer. Other conditions of probation and parole may include:

Conforming to electronic monitoring and special curfews
Participating in transitional housing programs
Paying restitution to victims in a timely manner
Attending anger management courses
Following court-ordered alcohol and drug counseling
Following court-ordered mental health counseling and treatment
Staying away from the victim(s) of their crime(s), particularly in cases that involved domestic violence, stalking, harassment, or assault
Registering as a sex offender; obeying all restrictions for sex offenders

Reentry ministry volunteers should encourage probationers and parolees to adhere to the terms of their community supervision and attend all required meetings. Most states post their standard requirements for probation and parole on the Internet.

If you are assisting an ex-prisoner with reentry, it is important to understand what type of community supervision he or she has been assigned and all the rules that apply.