1975-2025 A M E R I C A N P R O B A T I O N A ND P A R O L E A S S O C I A T I O N S E R V IN G CO M M U N I T Y S U P E R V I S I O N F O R F IFTY Y E A R S THE JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN PROBATION AND PAROLE ASSOCIATION WWW.APPA-NET .ORG VOLUME 49, Number 12 A lthough this Perspectives issue lacks a specific theme, it still offers a wealth of information that deepens our understanding, inspires creativity, and promotes new ideas. Personally, I hold a strong stance on the topics highlighted – fines/fees, diversion strategies, and the importance of “people” in the change process. As APPA celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, these topics remind me of the diversity I’ve seen in countless programs, methods, and policies throughout my career in community supervision. They prompted me to reflect on the challenges and the progress made over the past 50 years while simultaneously envisioning the transformation of at least a small part of the next 50 years. Consider “Fines and Fees in Community Supervision: Barriers to Successful Reintegration” by Meghan Koza and Dragana Derlic. The expression “drowning in a sea of debt” applies to far too many people. Both front-line parole and probation staff and those under their supervision, especially those who lack financial resources, are aware that the stress of debt is not an abstract issue. Well, this article will provide you with a solid understanding of history and the sequelae of imposing fines and assessing fees. It is interesting to learn where the money from fines sometimes goes. Fees have different rationales and are intended, in part, to offset the costs of running successful community supervision programs. However, research has shown that mandating high fee payments can actually thwart the intentions of such programs and hinder their success. Imposing significant financial obligations—even those that are not technically classified as “penalties”—is functionally punitive and has contributed to the number of individuals jailed or returned to prison after a revocation resulting from failure to pay or a related violation. Koza and Derlic present the case for abolishing or significantly reducing fines and fees to enhance fairness, safeguard individual rights under the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, decrease the number of individuals under supervision and in jails, and alleviate the debt-collection responsibilities that occupy the time of supervisory officers. Alternative options could include a sliding fee scale based on employment and income, a “day-fine” system similar to those used in Sweden and Germany, and/or a community service alternative. Such a shift in approach would increase the likelihood of successfully completing supervision terms and significantly improve the lives of the individuals being supervised—and their families—by eliminating the excessive stress referred to as “layaway-freedom.” In another helpful article, Ammar Khalid, Sam Hoppe, and Kevin Kuehmeier discuss new approaches to keep those on probation out of jail. “How to Reduce Jail Use for People on Probation: Lessons from a Peer-Learning Network” describes how probation professionals in multiple states networked in an initiative under the auspices of Urban Institute and Justice System Partners. At some sites, strategies were implemented to divert individuals with probation violations away from jail. These included a “Clear My Warrant” warrant resolution program for absconders, a program utilizing on- call probation officers for quick determinations of detention necessity, and a Crisis Receiving/Jail Diversion Center. A second part of the project involved reducing the number of days spent in jail, either by minimizing jail time for those held on probation detainers at one site or expediting the release for all individuals jailed for probation violations. As the authors highlight, reducing jail detention for individuals under community supervision whenever possible offers numerous benefits. They effectively address this complex initiative. Furthermore, the innovations introduced by the probation professionals involved in these projects have enhanced our toolkit and deserve our attention and respect. Finally, I found Ronald Corbett’s lengthy interview with Dr. Jim Byrne quite intriguing. It illuminates how a successful career can be achieved through hard work and determination, perhaps with a touch of serendipity contributing to one’s greatest successes. From the very beginning, when he gravitated toward the most challenging teachers, to his recent endeavor of building a Global Community Corrections Center (basically a “one-stop shopping resource for community corrections policy makers, practitioners, [and] researchers around the world”), Dr. Byrne has not shied away from challenges, and—importantly—has made a point to resist an “emperor’s new clothes” mentality. He recalls entering this field with the desire to make an impact, and he certainly has. His early work on “Smart Sentencing” raised concerns about shifts toward strictly surveillance-oriented and community policing programs that were not integrated with treatment. His assessment of a prison “Culture Change Initiative” led to a report indicating that a top-down strategy of changing employee culture didn’t actually “trickle down” and have the desired impact, because it wasn’t intensive enough and lacked the necessary level of programming. VERONICA CUNNINGHAM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/ CEO APPA executive director/ceo3 Dr. Byrne raises concerns that technology “doesn’t get at the underlying core problems,” is excessively used for surveillance, and needs to be accompanied by programming. Moreover, technology overselling and “smoke and mirrors” may serve as an entrance ramp for private for-profit companies. In contrast, more benefit would come from investing in “people” technology (i.e., increased hiring) and moving beyond surveillance technology to the use of support apps or phone-based mentor-type programs that provide information and support for those under supervision. His “People change people” orientation also extends to probation completion rates and the effectiveness of re-entry- oriented programs. Dr. Byrne advocates for a shift toward a people-changing orientation that truly engages line staff in the change process. This requires different skill sets, training, and backgrounds. Ideally, future community corrections would be staffed by individuals who “actually believe in change” and who benefit from corresponding innovations in criminal justice education curriculum; this is not an easy process. In concluding my message for this “golden” issue of Perspectives, I want to thank the authors who have done an excellent job. It is indeed true that people change people, and those who contributed to this issue—both the authors and the production staff—are playing their part. Furthermore, it is also true that knowledge changes people; therefore, I urge you to continue to read, explore, and reflect on the challenges we all face in this crucial field. 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SCRAM Ally may offer added peace of mind for victims and gives officers additional insight into the location and actions of GPS clients. Proud to be an APPA 50th Anniversary SponsorA s we move forward in this defining season for community corrections, I’m proud to present this edition of Perspective, one that challenges us to Think boldly, Lead ethically, and Serve equitably. In these pages, we deeply engage with issues at the heart of our mission. Our feature on supervision and fees calls us to critically examine the systems we’ve inherited and the consequences they create. As practitioners, policymakers, and reformers, we must ensure that the costs of supervision don’t compound the struggles of those we serve, especially in marginalized communities. Financial sanctions should never hinder justice, rehabilitation, or second chances. We’re also honored to spotlight the Urban Institute’s work on reducing jail use among people on probation. Their research and the policies it inspire offer a compelling vision for smarter supervision strategies that prioritize public safety while reducing overreliance on incarceration. This evidence-based approach is exactly what our field needs as we strive for more humane and effective interventions. Finally, I invite you to read our compelling interview with Dr. Jim Byrne, whose decades of thought leadership have shaped the evolution of probation and parole practice. His insights on innovation, technology, and the future of supervision are a timely reminder that while our challenges are real, so is our capacity to adapt and lead. As your president, I remain committed to fostering conversations that move us forward, even complex ones. I believe in the power of probation and parole professionals to lead transformative changes, not just within our agencies, but within the communities we serve. Let’s keep listening, let’s keep learning, and above all, let’s keep building a system that is truly fair, effective, and restorative. With respect and resolve, president/board of directors 6 PERSPECTIVES Perspectives disseminates information to the American Probation and Parole Association’s members on relevant policy and program issues and provides updates on activities of the Association. The membership represents adult and juvenile probation, parole, and community corrections agencies throughout the United States and abroad. Articles submitted for publication are screened by an editorial committee and, on occasion, selected reviewers, to determine acceptability based on relevance to the field of criminal justice, clarity of presentation, or research methodology. Perspectives does not reflect unsupported personal opinions. Articles must be emailed to perspectives@csg.org in accordance with the following deadlines: • Unless previously discussed with the editors, submissions should not exceed 12 typed pages, numbered consecutively, and double-spaced. All charts, graphs, tables, and photographs must be of reproduction quality. Optional titles may be submitted and selected after review with the editors. •All submissions must be in English and in American Psychological Association (APA) Style. • Authors should provide a one-paragraph biography, along with contact information. • Notes should be used only for clarification or substantive comments, and should appear at the end of the text. • References to source documents should appear in the body of the text with the author’s surname and the year of publication in parentheses, e.g., to (Mattson, 2015, p. 73). •Alphabetize each reference at the end of the text using the following format: • Mattson, B. (2015). Technology supports decision making in health and justice. Perspectives, 39(4), 70-79. • Hanser, R. D. (2014). Community corrections (2 nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. While the editors of Perspectives reserve the right to suggest modifications to any contribution, all authors will be responsible for, and given credit for, final versions of articles selected for publication. Submissions will not be returned to contributors. instructions to authors Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences American Correctional Association Association of Paroling Authorities International Association of Women’s Executives in Corrections Chief Probation Officers of CA Confederation of European Probation FL Association of Community Corrections IJIS Institute International Community Justice Association Interstate Commission for Adult Offender Supervision National Association of Pretrial Services Agencies National Association of Probation Executives National Crime Prevention Council New Zealand Association of Probation Officers OH Chief Probation Officer’s Association Probation & Community Corrections Officers Association of Australia Probation Association of New Jersey Probation Officers Association of Wielkopolska Probation Officers Professional Association of IN VA Probation and Parole Association affiliate members VOLUME 49, NUMBER 17 AMERICAN PROBATION AND PAROLE ASSOCIATION HOW TO REDUCE JAIL USE FOR PEOPLE ON PROBATION? LESSONS FROM A PEER LEARNING NETWORK BY AMMAR KHALID, SAM HOPPE, AND KEVIN KUEHMEIER 38 8 PRODUCTION STAFF 9 APPA CORPORATE MEMBERS corporate members 14 BARRIERS T FINES & FEES IN COMMUNITY SUPER O SUCCESSFUL REINTEGRA VISION: TION BY MEGHAN KOZA AND DRAGANA DERLIC LOOKING BACK WITH A “CONTRARIAN” CRIMINOLOGIST: AN INTERVIEW WITH DR. JIM BYRNE BY RONALD CORBETT JR. 26 featuresEditor in Chief Perspectives Co-Editor Perspectives Co-Editor Production Coordinator PRODUCTION STAFF Veronica Cunningham Kimberly Kras Jason Stauffer Travis Johnson Matthew Goodard Graphic Designer DIRECTORY APPA Main (859)244-8204 Publication Orders (859)244-8204 General Training Institute (859) 244-8206 Information Clearinghouse (859) 244-8204 Membership (859)244-8039 Request for Training (859)244-8236 Resource Expo (859)244-8206 Advertising (859)244-8206 Grants/TA (859)244-8015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Marcus HodgesPresident Pamerson O. IfillPresident-Elect Isabel Perez-MorinaVice President Tania ApplingTreasurer Suwana KirklandSecretary Susan RiceImmediate Past President Scott TaylorSecond Past President Audrey RigsbeeAffiliate Representative DeAnna Hoskins Member At-Large Alyza GonzalezLine Staff Representative Jennifer BradyRegion 1 Representative Hannah CochranRegion 2 Representative Dena DavisRegion 3 Representative Gene CotterRegion 4 Representative LaTasha JonesRegion 5 Representative Veronica CunninghamExecutive Director/CEO Communications should be addressed to: American Probation and Parole Association c/o 2024 American Probation and Parole Association 1776 Avenue of the States, Lexington, KY, 40511 Fax: (859) 244-8001, E-mail: appa@csg.org Website: www.appa-net.org Perspectives is published four times annually by the American Probation and Parole Association through its secretariat office in Lexington, Kentucky. ISSN 0821-1507 Reprint permission. Direct requests for permission to use material published in Perspectives in writing to perspectives@csg.org. ©2024 The Council of State Governments CO-CHAIRS: LILY GLEICHER Senior Supervisory Research Scientist, The Bail Project PO Box 750 Venice, CA 90294 Phone: (312) 869 - 4806 lgleicher3@gmail.com KIMBERLY R. KRAS, PHD, Associate Professor School of Public Affairs San Diego State University Department of Criminal Justice School of Public Affairs 5500 Campanile Drive San Diego, CA 92182 Phone: (619) 594-1158 kkras@sdsu.edu MEMBERS: Eileen Ahlin, PhD, Penn State Harrisburg Lauren Duhaime, PhD, CNA Phillip Galli, PhD, St. Croix County Shelley Johnson, PhD, University of North Carolina - Charlotte Jennifer Lanterman, PhD, University of Nevada Reno Katie Meyer, Evident Change Susan Wright, PA Counseling Reveka Schteynberg, California State University, San Bernardino Melissa Waldock, Kansas Department of Corrections Mark Stodola, Probation Fellow Jill Viglione, PhD, University of Central Florida editorial board The American Probation and Parole Association is an affiliate of and receives its secretariat services from The Council of State Governments (CSG). CSG, the multibranch association of the states and U.S. territories, works with state leaders across the nation and through its regions to put the best ideas and solutions into practice. 8 PERSPECTIVESVOLUME 49, NUMBER 1American Community Corrections Institute Trevor Lloyd, President P.O. Box 1910, Orem, UT 84059-1910 tlloyd@accilifeskills.com Acivilate, Inc. Dana Malament, CEO 311 Ferst DR NW Ste L, Atlanta, GA 30318-5602 dana@acivilate.com Allied Universal Electronic Monitoring Kerri Ryan, Strategic Marketing Manager 1838 Gunn Hwy, Odessa, FL 33556 kerri.ryan@em.aus.com Allvest Services dba Vant4ge Sean Hosman, CEO. PO Box 1802, Salt Lake City UT - 84110-1802 shosman@vant4ge.com Averhealth Justin Manni, Vice President of Business Development 2916 W. Marshall Street, Suite A Richmond, VA 23230 jmanni@averhealth.com Buddi ED Harrison, Director of Sales & Service Buddi US, LLC 2710 Alt 19 North, Palm Harbor, FL 34683 Ed@buddi.us Cognisen Christian Britton 1029 16th Street Modesto, CA 95354 Christian.britton@cognisen.com Corrections Software Solutions James Redus, President 316 North Lamar Street, Austin, TX 78703 jredus@correctionssoftware.com Fieldware Ken Tomlinson, Director Customer Engagement 13012 Harmony Parkway Westminster, CO 80234 ktomlinson@fieldware.com Geo Care Monica Hook, VP, Communications 4955 Technology Way Boca Raton, FL 33431-3367 mhook@geocareinc.com GoSafe Telematics Company Imran Khan Suite No 401, Building A1, No.42, Dongzhong Road, Huangpu District, Guangzhou, China imran.khan@gosafesystem.com Tel: +86-18602057130 Indivior Scott Schoenborn, Therapeutic Area Lead 10710 Midlothian Tpke, Suite 430 North Chesterfield, VA 23235-4722 scott.schoenborn@indivior.com Intoxalock Linda Vadel, Affiliate Marketing Coordinator 11035 Aurora Ave, Des Moines, IA 50322 lvadel@intoxalock.com Journal Technologies Kathy Cullen, Marketing Director 915 E 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA - 90012 kcullen@journaltech.com LifeSafer MaryBeth Graff, Marketing Coordinator 1411 Diggs Drive, Raleigh, NC 27603 marybeth.graff@scramsystems.com National Curriculum and Training Institute Gary Bushkin, President 319 East McDowell Road, Suite 200 Phoenix, AZ 85004-1534 gary@ncti.org Noble Software Group Diana DeMedio, President 108 Rosewood ST, Lake Jackson, TX 77566-4937 ddemedio@noblesg.com Premier Biotech Todd Bailey, President P.O. Box 296 Excelsior, MN 55331 tbailey@premierbiotech.com Reconnect Pete Andrews, CEO 1 Faraday Drive Cumberland, ME 04021 pete.andrews@reconnect.io 9 AMERICAN PROBATION AND PAROLE ASSOCIATION Corporations with an interest in the field of probation, parole, and community corrections are invited to become APPA corporate members. Corporate members receive benefits such as enhanced visibility among APPA’s international network of community corrections professionals, as well as shared information on the latest trends and issues that specifically affect community corrections. CORPORATE MEMBER corporate members Continued on page 10...Next >