Between Probation and Jail: Intermediate Sanctions

Intermediate sanctions are alternatives to regular probation and jail and offer a judge more flexibility in sentencing. They are also often used for offenders who are at a higher risk to reoffend or those who have violated the conditions of their community supervision plan. Intermediate sanctions include intensive supervision probation, GPS monitoring, and alcohol monitoring, which can be used individually or in combination. Not only do these sanctions reduce the jail population, but they also keep offenders accountable through the knowledge that they are being closely monitored. They also help protect the public from offenders who have a higher likelihood to reoffend while also giving the offender the opportunity to remain in the community. Probation and parole officers who supervise offenders with intermediate sanctions often have a reduced caseload due to the additional monitoring required for these clients.
In this Discussion, you identify offenders for whom intermediate sanctions would be appropriate. You also consider the risks and benefits of intermediate sanctions as well as the role of technology in carrying out the sanctions.
Post a response that addresses the following:
Select an intermediate sanction and describe the type of offender most likely to receive that sanction.
Describe the risks and benefits of offering the intermediate sanction to this offender. Do the benefits outweigh the risks? Why or why not?
What role does technology play in the supervision of the offender whom you previously identified? Does technology always lead to better community supervision outcomes?
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