Centralized Vs Decentralized Probation

294 Words2 Pages

Probation services were first established in 1927. Since then, the system has changed tremendously with developing both centralized and decentralized models. Centralized probation is designed to give authority to the state for probation activities using a state wide administrative body whereas the decentralized model uses agencies administrated by a city or county thereby making it more flexible and better able to respond to incidents. In my opinion, I believe that the decentralized model would work best due to the fact that it would be a lot easier with probation being run by local officials who have a better understanding of the needs of the community and who may be better at assisting people on probation with turning their lives around. Centralized probation from my understanding has too many people involved in the court system to adequately monitor them therefore making it easier for the person on probation to repeat criminal behavior. Although people in favor of centralized probation argue that decentralizing probation has its flaws such as local probation following outdated practices, I believe with the proper training given to local law enforcement they will be better able to train staff with the updated procedures and possibly make a change in a person’s …show more content…

The judicial branch in my point of view should administer the probation models because they may be better able to interpret laws and be able to help local agencies in taking care of people on