This short animation demonstrates how pretrial services and probation officers assist a defendant named Sam through the various stages of a federal criminal case.
Leadership and Organization
The U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services system is decentralized, with operations in all 94 federal court districts. In some districts, probation and pretrial services are separate offices while in others they are combined. In each district, the probation and pretrial services office provides vital services for the duration of a case.
Officers working in pretrial services assist the courts with decisions while defendants are awaiting trial. Officers conducting presentence investigations provide judges with the information they need to make informed sentencing decisions. Officers working in post-conviction supervision help individuals live productive, crime-free lives after conviction or release from prison.
The Judicial Conference of the United States sets policy for the federal probation and pretrial services system. The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts supports implementation of national policy and establishes procedures to guide the system.
History
The U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services system has a rich history dating to the signing of the Probation Act of 1925 by President Calvin Coolidge.
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