There are many reasons why this will relieve pressure on both the probation and parole systems. Some include: (1) A combining of resources; (2) A combining of manpower; (3) A combining of knowledge and skills on supervising offenders within the community; (4) Probation officers will be allowed to carry firearms; and (5) A bigger department means more representation to lobby for more funding and training.

Before exploring the above reasons why a combining of probation and parole will lead to a reduction of pressures, it is first important to examine what exactly the pressures are on both systems. To begin with, as stated above, pro

Another pressure to consider is that currently there is an extreme communication problem between the police, courts, and the probation department. For example, in Detroit, “Police are not required to inform the probation office when they pick up a probationer for a new crime. Courts, too, have no such obligation” (Claxton 1).

Another cause for a lack of manpower, though, is due to a high turnover rate. Many probation officers and parole officers leave their positions either for higher paying jobs such as police officers or for the private security industry.

A lack of manpower, however, is only one pressure that is placed on probation and parole. Finances are also a large problem. Many states and jurisdictions are finding themselves facing ever increasing probation and parole bills. Take, for example, Minnesota. Minnesota has a relatively large probation system and population and in 1995, “service providers spent an estimated $20.5 million in state funds for probation”(Executive 12). The amount of money initially approved for the probation budget, however, was only $14.7 million!

bation is responsible for 3.9

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