New Policy Framework Could Help States Improve Supervision

A new policy framework from The Pew Charitable Trusts outlines policies that state officials can implement to reshape probation and parole into a tool that reduces incarceration instead of driving it.

Pew, in partnership with Arnold Ventures, established an Advisory Council on Community Supervision to develop a policy framework for state legislators, court officers, and community corrections personnel. Their recommendations are broken down into seven broad objectives:

• Enact alternatives to arrest, incarceration, and supervision.
• Implement evidence-based policies centered on risks and needs.
• Adopt shorter supervision sentences and focus on goals and incentives.
• Establish effective and appropriate supervision conditions.
• Develop individualized conditions for payment of legal financial obligations.
• Reduce use of and pathways to incarceration.
• Support community supervision agencies.

Explore these objectives and the overall framework.