Examining Probation Violations: Who,What,and When

Abstract

Although much has been written about probation recidivism, studies have primarily focused on rates of recidivism and the characteristics of probationers who succeed or fail. Few studies have examined the types or seriousness of violations that probationers commit while on probation. This article examines the rates and timing of technical violations versus new criminal offenses that probationers commit while under probation supervision. Factors related to the commission of these two types of violations are also examined. Findings indicate that most probation violations were for technical reasons, and a significant proportion were committed during the first 3 months of probation. Few probationers committed new crimes while on probation, and these were often committed later in the probation period. Findings also reveal that certain characteristics of probationers were predictive of early technical and new criminal violations. Implications are discussed.