Probation In Arizona Case Study

Probation in Arizona falls under the Judicial Branch of Government. The Judicial Branch has the authority to interpret and apply laws by issuing consequences and sanctions to defendants within the definition of the law as defined by the legislature. Probation officers work for the Superior Court and often get confused for parole officers, who are Community Supervision Officers that fall under the Executive Branch of Government. One difference between community supervision and probation is, community supervision is the second part of a prison sentence and probation is a suspended prison sentence.
Adult probation also develops collaborative relationships and partnerships with members of the community and outside agencies. Probation officers

The tools and techniques probation officers now utilize allow them to determine criminogenic factors, risk, and allocate the appropriate services and level of supervision According to the Adult Probation Department (2016), there are eight evidence-based principles for effective offender interventions:
1. Conduct an assessment of offender risk and needs using an actuarial instrument and determine the factors leading to criminal behavior;
2. Enhance intrinsic motivation through use of constructive communication techniques such as motivational interviewing and goal setting;
3. Apply risk, need, and responsivity principles (i.e. target high-risk offenders, focus on changing criminogenic factors, provide services that match needs); provide the appropriate dosage of services, and deliver treatment and other services, and deliver treatment and other services as part of the sentencing and sanctioning process;
4. Employ programs and practices grounded in scientific evidence (i.e., cognitive behavioral therapy) and delivered by trained staff;
5. Increase positive reinforcement;
6. Provide measurement feedback;
7. Utilize community support networks to reinforce pro-social contacts in their natural communities;

I have obtained state certifications in firearms, defensive tactics, and the use of a taser. I have affected a myriad of arrest, searches, and interactions with defendants. Working as a probation officer one must have numerous roles. Often times a probation officer takes on a role of a therapist. He is tasked with problems solving major life stressors for a defendant, counseling a defendant experiencing a relapse, and assisting one in transitioning into the community. At times, a probation office takes on a more authoritative