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Public Access to our records How can I gain Public Access to the Department's records? What is Probation? Probation is the primary criminal sanction for the largest number of convicted offenders in the United States. As a sentencing option imposed by the court, a term of probation permits offenders to live and work in the community, support their families, receive rehabilitative services and make restitution to the victims of their crimes. It also addresses juvenile crime with early intervention for youth at risk. If you are interested in learning about Parole, a state, not county function, click here. Is Probation just a “slap-on-the wrist”?
No! Individuals sentenced to (adults) or placed on
(juveniles) probation must obey the law, attend school or be suitably employed,
report to the Probation Officer as directed and allow Probation Officers to
visit their homes, pay required restitution fees or complete community
services. Treatment is required for those with a history of drug, alcohol,
sexual abuse or psychiatric/psychological problems. In fact, many adult
offenders choose to be incarcerated rather than deal with probation requirements
and restrictions. In Criminal Court the most common offenses committed by probationers are:
In Family Court, adults are placed on probation
for committing acts of Domestic Violence. Juveniles are placed on probation for
committing an offense if committed by an adult would constitute a crime or after
being found to be a Person in Need of Supervision due to a pattern of
ungovernable behavior.
What is Restitution? In Westchester County 89% of convicted sex offenders are sentenced to a term of probation. In view of this, the Westchester County Department of Probation developed what has become a nationally recognized sex offender program that offers intensive supervision coupled with offense specific treatment in an attempt to maximize community safety. The Department supervises an average of 270 convicted adult sex offenders and 35 juvenile sex offenders at any given time. A wide range of interventions are employed, (i.e., on-site group therapy, off-site individual therapy, use of polygraph examination, computer forensics and surveillance) to maximize community safety.Coming in the fall of this year will be additional information concerning the registered sex offenders living in Westchester and more information regarding our award winning Comprehensive Intervention Program (sex offender units). Can Probation help if:
Yes! Do I have to see a Probation Officer to gain access to the Family Court? In order to gain entry to Family Court one must file a petition. Probation Officers conduct both adult and juvenile Intake for the Family Court and prepare adult petitions for the court. Matters involving Juvenile Delinquency and PINS behaviors are provided Diversion Adjustment Services whenever suitable. When necessary, Probation Officers prepare PINS petitions for the Family Court. Juvenile Delinquency matters requiring a petition to the Family Court are prepared by the Office of the County Attorney. In Westchester, Intake Services are located in White Plains, New Rochelle and Yonkers. In 2001, over 13,000 people requested assistance from Family Court Intake.What happens if a probationer violates the terms of probation? The Probation Officer has several options when the Orders and Conditions of Probation are not adhered to: a series of graduated sanctions can be imposed (i.e.: more frequent contact with the Probation Officer, referrals for needed services) or the case can be returned to court. If the probationer is found to have violated probation the Judge may add time to the sentence, impose additional conditions or revoke the probation and impose a sentence of incarceration (adults) or placement in a group home or residential treatment facility (juveniles). How do I become a Probation Officer? Probation Officers are college graduates appointed from a certified list composed of candidates who successfully passed the NYS Probation Officer Trainee Civil Service Exam. Click here to learn more about the qualifications necessary to become a Probation Officer in Westchester County. Can the Probation Department help me if:
I am a college student and in
need of an internship; or Volunteers - Yes: direct your inquiry to the Department’s Office of Justice Services. Information – Yes: Information is available on the Department’s website or the website of the American Probation and Parole Association (national perspective). If more information is needed contact the Office of Justice Services.
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