The topic of probation and its origins is rather long. That is to say, like
other government agencies, there have been many changes over the
years. a I will focus on the very origin of the service and how it applies
to human services. This is an interesting timeline. a
Massachusetts passed its first probation law in 1878. a The first
federal probation officer, Richard McSweeney, was appointed in the
district of Massachusetts. a But it was not until 1925 that it became a
law by Congress, signed by President Calvin Coolidge, for a probation
system in federal courts (except in the District of Columbia). There
was much discussion over the years on who was going to be
responsible for these probationers. a However, in 1982, President
Ronald Regan signed the Pretrial Services Act. a This changed the
responsibility from different districts to every federal judicial district
(except the District of Columbia). a Now officers were involved with
the prisoner from the time of arrest until he or she completed
community supervision.
To incorporate human services into the probation department, there
had to be sanctions imposed on those involved in the system. In
2000, the Judicial Conference of the United States had to implement
a zero-tolerance policy on drugs for all those involved, including
officers. This, unfortunately, made the recidivism rate skyrocket. In
1978 Congress gave the Director of the Administrative Office of the
U.S. Courts the ability to connect with drug and aftercare services for
those who are in need of such services. a This is where I would like to
be involved. After conviction, probationers need the support of
someone who can help them not to relapse and become a productive
member of society. a
References
www.uscourts.gov/services-forms/probation-and-pretrial-
services/probation-and-pretrial-services-history
