Probation is an alternative to incarceration.  It allows a person to remain in the community under the supervision of a probation officer.  While on probation there are many various conditions that must be followed which may include jail time, drug and alcohol testing, counseling, community service, fines, restitution along with many other conditions.  If the person does not follow the conditions of their probation, they could go back before the court and be re-sentenced to jail or even prison.

Probation Officers function as officers of the court.  They supervise a person who has been placed on probation, conditional discharge, or reporting supervision and deemed appropriate for community supervision.  Some of the duties of a probation officer include: provide complete and accurate pre-sentencing information to the court prior to a person being sentenced by the court, provide differential community based supervision and intervention to offenders based upon their risk of re-offending and their need for services, reduce re-offending among offenders sentenced to probation, ensure accountability to the victim and the community through restitution and public service programs.