Discussion Notes

1. There is considerable discussion in the criminal justice system concerning philosophical differences in opinions between punishment and rehabilitation. Please describe your thoughts on punishment and rehabilitation as you believe it would relate to the position of a probation officer. (500-750 words)

2. Please read this scenario. Summarize the pertinent facts of the case in a paragraph format and outline what you believe the defendant’s main objectives/goals should be on supervised probation. (750-1000 words)

Mr. Howard is 18 years old and was convicted of 7 counts of credit card fraud. Victim: Kinkos. The total amount charged fraudulently is $15,000. He was sentenced to a 3-year probation term.

Mr. Howard was placed on probation as a juvenile for assaultive (misdemeanor) behavior in school. He started a fight in a classroom and was expelled from school. Probation records from the juvenile probation department indicate Mr. Howard attacked another student who would not give him the paintbrush the student had during art class. Mr. Howard’s probation term was successfully completed. He was 14 years old when he committed this offense.

A records check shows he has a pending DUI in New Mexico. He must report for a preliminary hearing next month. No additional information is available at this time.

Mr. Howard states he has a back injury from lifting boxes and cannot complete physical labor. He states that anything having to do with lifting or bending causes him pain. He does not receive disability and does not have a doctor’s verification of the problem. He has never claimed worker’s compensation and does not receive any benefits at this time.

Mr. Howard states he is unemployed because he has a small baby at home and he cannot afford childcare. Ron was confronted with his current offense since his employer was the victim. He admitted that was probably the reason he was fired; however, he would have been fired for not showing up for work if he hadn’t gotten caught. He states his baby’s mother ran off and he has not seen her for 6 months. He does not know where she is at this time. He currently receives financial assistance and is living in low-income housing. His last employment (over nine months ago) ended with him being fired for failing to report to work. He has no technical skills for job placement. He is barely getting by on financial assistance and has had to depend on family support to buy groceries and formula.

Mr. Howard reports he graduated from high school. He was suspended in the 8th grade for assaultive classroom behavior for 10 days. When asked about this incident, he stated that this other boy was giving him a hard time and “made him mad”. Ron stated it was no big deal; he just hit the other boy a couple of times and the teacher “freaked out”. He had to complete summer school to advance to the 9th grade. Once in high school, he started attending counseling 2 of 2

and was placed on Ritalin for ADHD, which seemed to help. He does not take Ritalin anymore. He states he can control his behavior now that he is older. He reads newspapers and novels. Reading level is above 6th grade.

Mr. Howard states he lived with both of his biological parents until graduating from high school. He reports no family discord and no domestic violence. He states his parents were good to him and he has a great relationship with both of them even though he is in trouble. They are supportive of him and want him to be successful on probation. He has one friend that he hangs out with. The friend works for McDonald’s as an assistant manager and has never been in legal trouble before. He states they usually just hang around the house and play video games or watch sports on TV. Most of the time he is at home taking care of his baby. Since the baby’s mother left, he has not been involved in a significant relationship.

Mr. Howard reports he has lived at his current residence for 6 months. He moved into low income housing when his girlfriend left and he lost his job due to lack of babysitting. He stated he was fired from his job at Kinkos because he missed too much work because of the baby. The babysitter he had was not reliable. Ron stated that if he didn’t have rent and utility assistance he would have to live with his parents and he doesn’t want to do that. He stated he doesn’t need other people in his business now that he is on probation.

Mr. Howard reports that he drinks alcohol once and a while and does not believe he has a problem. He states that he does drink to intoxication sometimes, but it really doesn’t have any effect on his life. He states that he does not need treatment and it would be ridiculous for him to have to attend any type of treatment program.

Mr. Howard denies drug usage. He states that he has never tried drugs. He does not feel he needs help with substance abuse. UA provided prior to interview tested negative for all mood altering substances.

Mr. Howard reports he has never tried to commit suicide and is not receiving counseling now. He states that he sometimes gets “in a bad mood” when he thinks about his girlfriend leaving. He believes he is doing alright; it is just that life is not right at the present. He believes if he can get back on his feet he will feel better. Ron seems lucid and able to present reasonable thoughts in the interview. Ron states he does not believe he needs counseling at the present time.

Mr. Howard states he is embarrassed about being on probation. He never thought he would commit a crime. He stated that if he wouldn’t have been broke he wouldn’t have used a customer’s credit card number to buy items online. He is sorry he stole from someone, he has learned his lesson. He does not think being placed on probation is necessary because he will never break the law again. He stated it was just another way the state can get money from the probation fee he has to pay on top of all his other bills. He does understand that he needed to go to court; he just doesn’t need to be on probation. If he had money, he wouldn’t have stolen from anyone. He holds no anger toward the police or the judge; he is just frustrated that he was placed on probation. He would have paid the money back.