Supervision occurs after a person pleads or is found guilty and released from incarceration. Probation is a court ordered sentence issued as an alternative to jail or prison.

Individuals under supervision (probation or supervised release) are assigned to a probation officer who is responsible for monitoring and ensuring they comply with the conditions ordered by the Court and obey laws. Officers help individuals under supervision reintegrate into the community and are committed to assisting in the fair administration of justice.

Conditions of Probation or Supervised Release

At the start of supervision, a probation officer will explain the mandatory and discretionary conditions of release. The Court may order discretionary conditions to provide probation officers the authority to address risk and needs of the person under supervision. Some discretionary conditions are home detention, substance abuse testing or treatment, mental health treatment, and the disclosure of financial information.

Period of Supervision

The person under supervision works with a probation officer to identify their risk and needs and develop a personalized supervision plan. Officers and persons under supervision will update assessments and adjust contacts and interventions accordingly. The supervision plan addresses obstacles that may impede a person under supervision’s ability or desire to complete supervision successfully.

The goal of supervision is lawful self-management by accepting thoughts influence behavior.  The person under supervision will make personal choices not to engage in criminal behavior. Thus, the Eastern District of Arkansas Probation Office wants persons under supervision to successfully complete their term of supervision and be lawful, positive influences in the community.