Iowa has taken the lead on probation reform
No state has completely eradicated the use of incarceration for technical violations. But more than 30 states have adopted policies to limit its use. Districts 1 and 5 in Iowa went from an average of 26 conditions of supervision for people on probation to seven and eight respectively, with no increase in new crimes and fewer revocations over recent years. Throughout the country, reducing the number of conditions on the front end and limiting revocations for technical violations on the back end does not lead to worse outcomes.
Effectively holding individuals accountable while promoting compliance requires a shift in approach. Instead of probation officers focusing on enforcing conditions of supervision, their role needs to shift to coach people on supervision to live within the conditions. Coupled with reducing the conditions of supervision, changing the approach will support the successful reintegration of individuals. Conditions should be tailored to address individual needs and goals, matched with resources and support systems. As we all know, incentivizing positive behavior is more effective in promoting rule compliance and participation in services than relying only on the threat of punishment.
