Basic Orientation Process Flashcards
Discussing the Role of the Probation Officer
Conduct an initial offender orientation once the sentencing authority or court sentences an offender to supervision. This orientation covers all aspects of supervision and is the first opportunity to explain your role. When meeting an offender for the first time, introduce yourself, and explain to the offender that this is a professional relationship, not a personal relationship. Explain to the offender that you are there to encourage them to make positive lifestyle changes. You can offer suggestions for self-improvement; however, it is the offender’s responsibility to recognize a potential problem and attempt to adjust their lifestyle.
Explain to an offender that your primary role is to ensure offender compliance with all conditions of supervision. If the offender violates the law or becomes non-compliant with the conditions of supervision, you are obligated to report those violations to the sentencing authority.
Assessing an Offenders Ability to Comprehend
Officers who communicate well will develop a sense of whether an offender fully understands the standard conditions of supervision. Recognize when the offender responds correctly to questions you ask and when the offender asks questions relevant to the instruction. Identify, in the intake documents, whether the offender requires any special accommodations and make reasonable accommodations allowed under the American with Disabilities Act. Pay special attention to the offender’s self-declaration, to avoid any attempt at manipulation or favor.
If an offender’s primary language is not English, use Department-approved forms in a language the offender understands. The Department of Corrections has copies of the forms in English, Spanish, and Creole available on the Department of Corrections intranet. If you determine the offender needs an interpreter, locate a Department-approved interpreter for the initial instruction and orientation. An approved interpreter can be a Department employee or contracted interpreter. Family members may act as an interpreter, in lieu of a Department-approved interpreter, during the initial orientation. You may also use a family member as an interpreter during subsequent contacts with the offender.
Standard Conditions of Supervision
Chapter 948, F.S., dictates the standard conditions of supervision. They detail the general conditions that apply to all offenders on supervision in the State of Florida, regardless of the supervision type. Officers are required to read aloud, verbatim, the Florida Standard Conditions of Supervision or the Certified Orders. Thoroughly and clearly, explain each condition imposed by the sentencing authority.
• You will report to the probation officer as directed.
• You will pay the State of Florida the amount of $_____ per month, as well as 4% surcharge, toward the cost of your supervision in accordance with s. 948.09, F.S., unless otherwise exempted in compliance with the Florida Statutes.
• You will remain in a specified place. You will not change your residence or employment or leave the county of your residence without first procuring the consent of your officer.
• You will not possess, carry, or own any firearm. You will not possess, carry, or own any weapon without first procuring the consent of your officer.
• You will live without violating any law. A conviction in a court of law is not necessary for such a violation of law to constitute a violation of your probation, community control, or any other form of court ordered supervision.
• You will not associate with any person engaged in any criminal activity.
• You will not use intoxicants to excess or possess any drugs or narcotics unless prescribed by a physician, an advanced practice registered nurse, or a physician assistant. Nor will you visit places where someone is unlawfully selling, dispensing, or using intoxicants, drugs or other dangerous substances.
• You will work diligently at a lawful occupation, advise your employer of your probation status, and support any dependents to the best of your ability, as directed by your officer.
• You will promptly and truthfully answer all inquiries directed to you by the court or the officer, and allow your officer to visit in your home, at your employment site or elsewhere, and you will comply with all instructions your officer may give you.
• You will pay restitution, court costs, and fees in accordance with special conditions imposed or in accordance with the attached orders.
• You will submit to random testing as directed by your officer or the professional staff of the treatment center where you are receiving treatment to determine the presence or use of alcohol or controlled substances.
• You will submit a DNA sample, as directed by your officer, for DNA analysis as prescribed in s. 943.325 and 948.014, F.S.
• You will submit to the taking of a digital photograph by the Department. The Department’s website may display this photograph while you are on supervision, unless exempt from disclosure due to requirements of s. 119.07, F.S.
• You will report in person within 72 hours of your release from any incarceration or arrest to your assigned probation office, unless otherwise instructed by the court or your Florida officer.
After you read the conditions verbatim, ask the offender if they have any questions about their conditions of supervision. In the absence of any questions or unresolved concerns, both you and the offender will sign the printed supervision orders, verifying that you clearly explained and the offender acknowledged the conditions imposed.
If an offender refuses to sign the supervision orders, or any form required during the orientation process, write “REFUSED,” sign, and date the orders or forms. Document that you instructed the offender on the standard conditions of supervision in case notes.
Additional Offender Responsibilities
Section 775.13, F.S., requires all offenders on felony supervision in Florida to register with the sheriff’s office in the county of their residence within 48 hours of the court or sentencing authority placing them under supervision. Failure to register as a felon could result in an offender violating the conditions of their supervision.
An offender is responsible for adhering to the conditions of supervision and must tell you of any situations that may affect their conditions of supervision. An offender will report any unforeseen emergencies, such as a family medical emergency. If necessary, the offender will call an after-hour contact number, provided by the officer during orientation.
If an offender has trouble meeting the conditions of supervision, they should contact the officer. Offenders should discuss concerns calmly and respectfully with the officer. Individuals such as family members, parents, spouses, or partners are not on probation and should not place calls to the officer to request permission for travel or ask the officer questions to clarify concerns.
An offender will address an officer by their professional title, such as “Officer Smith.”
The offender will complete all conditions of supervision at least 30 days before their termination date.
Court Ordered Payment System (COPS)
offenders monetary obligations, financial obligations to the sentencing authority and the victim of the crime
COPS main functions :
-determining an offenders monetary obligations while under supervision or in custody within an institution
-recording payments received and applied against an offenders monetary obligations paid through the department
-notifying the departments accounting section to generate checks for paying sentencing authority obligations and victim restitution
To enter an offender’s monetary obligations or any corrections to these obligations in OBIS, complete a COPS input form. Your supervisor must approve and submit the input form to administrative staff for entry into the COPS screens. You are responsible for reviewing any monetary obligations entered on the Court Ordered Payment/Detail screens for accuracy and completeness.
Types of monetary obligations :
• Cost of supervision—the monthly fee charged to an offender to offset costs of supervision
• Court costs—statutory fees imposed by the court or sentencing authority
• Victim restitution—money owed to a victim as a result of the crime committed
• Drug testing fee—charged to an offender receiving drug tests by the Department
• Department of Corrections Training Trust Fund—a statutory fee used to offset Department training costs, including victim awareness.
Offender Financial Obligations Agreement (OFOA)
computer generated financial obligation and payment schedule that incorporates all monetary obligations an offender owes. Print the OFOA, instruct the offender on their monetary obligations, and get them to sign the agreement. Give the offender a copy of the agreement, and keep the original in the offender case file. Provide the offender with instructions on how to make their payments using the Instructions for Payments form.
Special Conditions of Supervision
additional conditions of supervision ordered by the sentencing or releasing authority that are outside of the standard conditions
Special Conditions could include :
-GED program
-life skills
-parenting classes
-anger management
-DUI sanctions including, DUI school, victim effect panel, ignition interlock
-high risk or defensive driving school
-anti-theft school
-substance abuse evaluation and treatment (inpatient/outpatient)
-mental health evaluation and treatment
-domestic violence evaluation and treatment
-batterers intervention program
-public service hours
Individualized Supervision Plan (ISP)
identifies specific needs, goals, and timeframes that can help the offender complete the conditions of supervision, and provides strategies for self-improvement. You and the offender will work jointly to develop an ISP.
After reviewing the ISP worksheet, let an offender voice any questions or concerns about the ISP worksheet. Once the offender determines the ISP worksheet addresses their individual needs, use OBIS to prepare the ISP. Print a copy of the ISP and review it for completeness with the offender. Both of you will sign the initial ISP. Retain a copy for the offender’s case file. This is a fluid document that you can update as the offender’s goals and needs change.
