The Status of the Federal Probation System

Abstract

Under the auspices of leaders in the executive and judicial branches of the federal government, a major effort to reform the federal correctional system is in progress. The goal is unification, within the Department of Justice, of federal prison, parole, and probation functions, which are now fragmented among agencies in that department as well as between it and the federal judiciary. Such administrative integration would produce numerous bene fits, including expanded research programs, enhancement of pro fessional competence among probation officers, and emergence of an identifiable organization meriting adequate financial support from Congress.