A probation intake is generally the first meeting between a probationer and his/her PO. These meetings usually last about 30-45 minutes whereas a regular report meeting lasts about 10-15 minutes. At intake, the sentence and probation conditions are explained again to the probationer (usually this is discussed during sentencing in court, then again by a GPM representative at GPM’s remote office in the courthouse), monthly payment of fines/fees are calculated, and the schedule to complete each special condition is discussed. For example, the court may order a substance abuse evaluation to be completed no more than 7 days after release from jail, or 40 hours of community service work to be completed at no less than 8 hours per week. In some instances, probationers fail to show up for intake. Usually, this is an indication that the probationer has no intention of complying with probation. To avoid probation, some people will leave the state, some will just lay low hoping to ride out the probation period. This may sound like a solid plan to the novice probationer, but seasoned probationers know the court will freeze probation and issue a warrant for …show more content…
Even though this is one of the questions asked of the probationer at each monthly meeting, surprisingly not all are forth coming with this information. Therefore, shortly before the end of the probation period, GPM runs a criminal history on each probationer to confirm that they have not been arrested for breaking the law in another jurisdiction. If so, back to court they go. During my short time at GPM, I saw three individuals who were originally sentenced to 12 month probations, have their probation revoked at months nine and ten. Two probationers failed a drug test, and the other had been arrested for domestic violence in another jurisdiction. They were so