Convictions and Pardons - Coursework Example

Convictions and Pardons Abstract Probation and Parole Boards are significant in ensuring that offenders are prepared to re-enter the society. The State of Texas that is governed by Rick Perry has a stable Board of Probation and Parole (BOPP) that foresees the probation of offenders. The board consists of seven members including six board members and a presiding officer. Some of the major roles of the probation officer as discussed in this paper include supervision, educating the released offenders, initiating rehabilitation programs, reporting to courts on the progress of the released offenders, counseling the offenders, offering medical care as well monitoring the use of drugs and consumption of alcohol. Introduction Clemency entails cancellation of the part or the whole fine that has been placed on a person who has committed a crime. Some of the major concepts that are covered by clemency include remission, pardoning, commutation as well as reprieves. A pardon, which is mostly granted by heads of states, entails the cancellation of penalty as well as forgiving of a crime. One of the major factors that have made many countries in the contemporary world to offer pardon is the fulfilling of the responsibilities that individuals owe the society. Individuals who claim to be wrongfully convicted have the higher possibility of being granted a pardon. This paper seeks to analyze the various aspects of probation and parole at the State of Texas In its effort to ensure peaceful coexistence of residents, the State of Texas government offers probation and parole as major aspects of community supervision. The sentencing court is responsible for undertaking jurisdiction over probation. On the other hand, the role of Board of Probation and Parole is to offer jurisdiction over the cases of parole (BOPP report, 1999). According to the Texas laws, an offender may be given probation by the court. In cases the offenders are prisoned or jailed, the laws stipulate that the board of parole is entitled to release them after serving their sentence for some time. In order to avoid revocation of the parole, it is mandatory for the released offenders to strictly observe the rules set by the parole board. In order to be offered a probation, the state laws depicts that the offender must retain a gainful employment, be a resident of a location that is approved by the probation officers, have no possession of illegal drugs or dangerous weapons as well as reporting to the probation officers as authorized (Lack, 1992). Based on the level of the crime committed by the offenders, the Texas laws state that before a parole is allowed, the offenders must portray a significant improvement of their behaviors while serving their sentence. In the same way, various factors are taken into consideration before a parole is offered. These factors include earlier criminal record, the safety of the members of the public, the nature of the offense as well as the time served in the prison (Healy, 1999). One of the major roles of board of parole and probation is to write a recommendation to the governor in order to offer conditional pardons or full pardons to the individuals. In addition, the board supervises the parolees and the probationers once the court allows the offender to be given probation. In case the offender repeats a similar crime or he or she violates the regulations set by the probation officers, the sentencing court has the authority to issue a warrant of arrest as well as to revoke the probation. This is a major aspect that is undertaken to ensure that the safety of the community is not compromised. The state laws also maintains that after the parole hearings are undertaken by the board of parole in the presence of the members of the public, its reports must be reported to the district attorney, county sheriff, the judges and the victims who request for such notifications (Lack, 1992). Composition and placement of Board of Parole members Bill Haslam, the State of Tennessee governor is responsible for the appointment of the Board of Probation and Parole (BOPP). The board that consists of seven members has the main duty of ensuring that probation and parole activities that are undertaken in the state are effective in protecting the residents. Through the recommendation of the governor, members of the board can work for 4-6 years depending with the contract. In order to ensure that all members of the community in the state are effectively served, members of BOPP undertake their duties in all divisions of the State of Texas. Some of the regions that the board oversees include Huntsville, Angleton,   San Antonio, Gatesville, Amarillo, among others. Roles of the parole and probation officers after the offender is released In their efforts to ensure released offenders do not have negative implications on the society and they positively change, probation officers undertake various roles as discussed in the section below. Supervision Supervision of the released offenders is a primary duty of the probation officers. In this way, they ensure that the offenders are complying with the regulation outlined by the officers. Some of the supervision duties include testing for drugs, attending counseling programs and the reporting to probation officers in regular basis (Fulton et al, 1994). Educating the released offenders In addition to supervising the released offenders, probation officers have a role of educating them on the various skills that are necessary to make them cope with the life. As a result, this makes the freed offenders to be self reliant and productive. In addition, the probation officers assist the offenders on various issues such signing of agreement and lease, application for employment opportunities among others (Clear & Corbett, 1999). Similarly, the officers guide the offenders who are interested in attaining further education by assisting them to find the appropriate education programs that meet their needs. Rehabilitation programs Rehabilitation of the released offenders is another significant duty of probation officers. In this way, the offenders can effectively integrate with other members of the society. Some of the major ways through which offenders can be helped include assisting them to find an employment as well as supporting them to handle social challenges that face the society. Reporting to courts As mentioned earlier the court is responsible for issues of warrant of arrest to offenders who repeat crimes after their release. In this regard, it is the duty of the probation officers to monitor released offenders in order to make reports to the courts. In the same way, the probation officers report to the courts any offender who violates the regulations of the probation (BOPP report, 1999). Counseling the released offenders Due to the negative perspective from other members of the society, released offenders face problems while re-entering the society (Lynn, 1999). In their efforts to help the offenders mitigate this challenge, probation officers give counseling programs to the released offenders so as to assist them re-enter the society without facing serious challenges. Offering medical care Offering quality medical care that is accessible is another vital role of the probation officers. Based on the fact that while offenders are in the prisons they easily access quality health care, it is paramount for the probation officers to ensure that the released offenders access similar medical care. Monitoring alcohol consumption and use of drugs The social challenges that released offenders face can expose them to drugs and use of alcohol. Being one of their roles, the probation officers assist the offenders to abstain from use of drugs and alcohol. This is achieved by taking them to rehabilitation centers and other drugs prevention programs. Conclusion Based on the above discussion, it is clear that regardless of the level of crimes committed by the offenders, it is important for the government authorities to maintain probation and parole boards to assist the offenders. A good example of a state that maintains such boards is the State of Texas. Through the selection of a strong board by Rick Perry, the Texas governor, the probation and parole boards have effectively dealt with the issues affecting the offenders. Similarly, the probation officers roles that include rehabilitating the released offenders, educating them, supervising among others are imperative in ensuring that the released offenders effectively re-enter the society. References BOPP report. http://www.tn.gov/bopp/Docs/07-08%20BOPP%20Performance%20Measures.pdf. Retrieved January 5, 2012. Clear,T & Corbett, R.(1999).Community corrections of place.Perspectives, 23(1), 24-32. Fulton, B,.Stone, B,.and Gendreau, P.(1994).Restructuring intensive supervision programs: Applying what works.Lexington:American Probation and Parole Association. Healy, K.(1999).Case management in the criminal justice system. Washington: Government Printing Office. Lack, D. (1992). The Texas Revolutionary Experience: A Political and Social History 1835–1836. Austin: Texas A&M University Press. Lynn, W. (1999). Roles & Responsibilities of a Probation Officer. http://www.ehow.com/about_5434537_roles-responsibilities-probation-officer.html. 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