Judicial and Institutional Services

J&IS Provides Probation Services for Adults

who come into contact with the criminal justice system. Our Probation Officers supervise clients under judicial orders or parole conditions, offer guidance to reduce the risk of reoffending, and support behavior change to protect potential victims.

Probation Officers work closely with the government agencies, treatment facilities, behavioral specialists, child protection services, schools, health, labor and social services, civil society organizations, and other justice partners to support clients in rebuilding their lives and strengthening their skills.

Objective, Mission & Vision

The main objective of the Probation and Parole Service is to encourage lawful behavior, support individuals in reintegrating into society, and contribute to safer communities by preventing offenders from committing further crimes and reducing the risk of new victims. Probation is a form of supervision ordered by a Judge or imposed by the Prosecutor’s Office as part of a sentence. Instead of going to prison, or in addition to a prison sentence, a person on probation must comply with certain conditions set by the Court or the Prosecutor’s Office while living in the community. Probationers are supervised by a probation officer, whose role is to monitor compliance and provide guidance. Failure to comply with probation conditions may result in a return to detention. Parole refers to the early release of a person from prison under conditions imposed by the Minister of Justice, based on advice from the Parole Board. A person on parole has already served part of their prison sentence and is allowed to complete the remainder of the sentence in the community. Parolees are supervised by a parole officer and must comply with specific conditions. Failure to comply with parole conditions may result in a return to detention.
The mission of the Probation Department is to carry out court-mandated supervision in a professional, lawful, and humane manner, while supporting individuals to take responsibility for their behavior and reduce reoffending. Through structured supervision, evidence-based interventions, and restorative practices where appropriate, the department works to protect victims, enhance public safety, and support successful reintegration. In close cooperation with justice partners, social services, and community organizations, the Probation Department translates judicial decisions into effective, accountable, and meaningful action in the community.
The Probation Department envisions a justice system in which accountability and support go hand in hand. Our vision is a society in which individuals who come into contact with the justice system are provided with clear structure, proportionate supervision, and meaningful opportunities to change their behavior. When mental health, addiction, or psychosocial challenges contribute to offending behavior, probation services ensure timely referral to appropriate assessment, treatment, and support, in collaboration with specialized care providers. Supervision remains focused on responsibility, safety, and rehabilitation. Through professional, evidence-based supervision, restorative approaches where appropriate, and strong collaboration with justice, social, health, and community partners, the Probation Department strives to reduce reoffending, protect victims, and support successful reintegration. In doing so, we contribute to safer, more resilient communities where rehabilitation, accountability, and reintegration are central.

Probation & Parole Officers

Probation and parole officers are dedicated and trained professionals who work closely with individuals who have been convicted of criminal offenses but are given the opportunity to serve all or part of their sentence in the community rather than in detention.

Their primary role is to support rehabilitation while safeguarding public safety. Probation and parole officers provide guidance, encouragement, and accountability, ensuring that individuals comply with court-ordered, prosecutors-ordered or parole conditions, such as attending rehabilitation programs, finding or maintaining employment, complying with curfews, or participating in treatment.

All probation and parole officers are required to complete basic professional training upon appointment, and they participate in ongoing training to maintain and strengthen their skills, knowledge, and professional standards. This continuous development ensures that supervision practices remain effective, evidence-informed, and aligned with legal and ethical requirements.

Probation and Parole officers understand that behavioral change can be challenging and work with individuals to overcome obstacles, offering the support needed to create better outcomes for individuals, their families, and the community. 

Investigation & Advice

A judge or prosecutor may request a report from the probation department to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s personal situation and background. During the investigation, various aspects of a person’s life are examined, including the offense, criminal history, underlying causes, housing situation, daily activities, relationships, substance use, behavior, attitude, victim awareness, and responsiveness to supervision and behavioral change.

This information helps assess the risk of reoffending and identify what support or interventions may be needed to reduce that risk. The advice is discussed with the individual, and their perspective is included in the report. While cooperation is not mandatory, it plays an important role in the Judge’s, Prosecutors and Parole Boards final decision.

  • Pretrial Detention Report: A report providing information to help the Judge or Prosecutor decide whether an individual should be detained or released prior to trial and whether probation supervision is needed and possible.
  • Presentencing Report: An in-depth report offering sentencing advice based on the individual’s background, circumstances, and assessed risks. This includes conversations with references.
  • Conditional Release Report: A report supporting the Prison Director, Parole Board and the Minister of Justice in decisions regarding early release from detention under conditions.
  • Progress Report: A report informing the Court or Parole Board about compliance and progress during probation or parole supervision.
  • Violation Report: A report submitted when an individual fails to comply with imposed conditions, informing the Prosecutors' Office or relevant authority of the nature of the violation and (in some cases) recommending appropriate follow-up or enforcement measures.
  • End of Trajectory Report: A closing report prepared for the Prosecutors' Office at the end of each probation or parole intervention, evaluating overall compliance, outcomes, and the extent to which supervision objectives have been achieved.

    Accurate and timely reporting is essential to support informed judicial decision-making, safeguard public safety, and ensure that supervision and interventions remain proportionate and effective.

    • Probation or Parole Supervision Order

    What is Probation or Parole Supervision

    Probation supervision ensures that individuals comply with conditions imposed by the Court Prosecutor as part of a conditional sentence or conditional release. 

    Parole supervision applies after an individual has served part of a prison sentence.

  • Location bans, with or without electronic monitoring
  • Mandatory residence, with or without electronic monitoring
  • Substance abuse treatment
  • Psychiatric treatment
  • Psychological therapy or counselling
  • Employment requirements
  • Education or training requirements
  • Participation in behavioral intervention programs
  • Ban from certain employment or engagement
  • Random drug testing
    The Probation Service monitors compliance and provides guidance to support behavioral change.
  • Not committing new offenses
  • Following the instructions of the Probation Department
  • Cooperating with probation or parole supervision
  • Reporting regularly to the Probation Service
    If an individual fails to comply with these conditions, the probation service informs the prosecutor, who may revoke the conditional sentence or release, which can result in further detention.
    • A supervision agreement and plan are established between the individual and the Probation Department. This agreement outlines expectations, supervision conditions, treatment, goals and plan of action. Both parties sign the agreement to confirm their commitment to the supervision process and to working toward positive change.

    Community Service Order

    A Community Service Order is a court or prosectors-ordered sanction requiring individuals to perform unpaid work for the benefit of the community as an alternative to detention. The Judge or Prosecutor determines the number of hours to be completed, up to a maximum of 240 hours, as well as the conversion to detention days if the order is not completed (2 hours equals 1 day in detention). 

    The Probation Department is responsible for organizing community service placements, supervising the execution of the work, monitoring compliance, and reporting any issues to the judicial authorities.

    Group projects: Individuals perform community service in small groups under supervision by an J&IS or community service supervisor at a non-profit or public organization at any location. Individual work: Individuals may also be placed with an approved host organization, where they work independently and are supervised by the organization in coordination with the Probation Service.
  • Repairing harm by giving back to the community.
  • Building soft and hard skills, responsibility, and structure that support reintegration and reduce reoffending.
  • Offering constructive opportunities for personal development.

    • Behavioral Intervention Order

    The goal of behavioral intervention programs is to positively influence behavior by helping individuals make better choices in difficult situations. These programs focus on self-control, insight into consequences, and the development of healthier responses to challenges.

     

  • I-Respect: Focuses on helping participants understand how aggression develops, recognize early warning signs, and take responsibility for their behavior, with an emphasis on respectful and non-violent responses.
  • Aggression Replacement Training (ART): A structured program that teaches anger control, moral reasoning, and pro-social skills to replace aggressive behavior with constructive alternatives.
  • Lifestyle 24/7: Designed for individuals whose offending behavior is linked to substance use or gambling, supporting the reduction of risky behavior and the development of a stable lifestyle.
  • Alcohol and Violence: For individuals who commit violent offenses under the influence of alcohol, focusing on managing aggression and substance use.
  • Social Skills: A program aimed at improving communication, conflict resolution, and positive social interaction.
  • Positive Parenting: A program that supports parents in developing safe, consistent, and supportive parenting skills, with a focus on child wellbeing, boundaries, and positive family relationships.
  • De-Escalation Training: Focuses on recognizing rising tension, managing emotions, and using practical techniques to prevent conflicts from escalating into aggression or violence.
  • Cognitive Skills: Focuses on recognizing and changing harmful thinking patterns and strengthening problem-solving, self-control, and decision-making skills.
  • Quick Skills Recreational Workshop: A structured workshop that combines practical life skills, teamwork, creativity, and recreational activities to build confidence, responsibility, and pro-social behavior in a positive and engaging setting.

    • Electronic Monitoring

    Electronic Monitoring (EM) is used in specific cases to support compliance with conditions such as location bans, curfews, or mandatory residence requirements. A monitoring device, usually an ankle bracelet, tracks compliance on a continuous basis.

     

    Electronic Monitoring helps protect victims, maintain public safety, and support accountability. It can be applied during probation, parole, or pretrial release as a less restrictive alternative to detention.

    EM provides structure, supports responsibility, and has proven effective in reducing reoffending. It allows individuals to maintain family contact, employment, and access to rehabilitation services and treatment, while also reducing prison overcrowding and lowering the overall costs of detention.

    Contact Us

    Begin Your Conversation Today