If someone you know or come into contact with is on parole and does something that concerns you, you may wonder if there is a way to contact their officer. The short answer is yes; you can look up someone’s officer. However, there are a few things to consider.
This article will detail the specifics of a probation officer, the reasons you might need to contact a probation officer, and the information you will need to do so. It is not a difficult process, but there are several things you need to know before getting started.
What is a Probation Officer?
When someone serves time in prison, they often do not spend their whole sentence incarcerated. Sometimes, they are eligible for parole. Parole allows the prisoner to be released on behavioral conditions. If they break any of these conditions, they may have to return to prison and serve out the rest of their sentence.
When someone is granted parole, they are assigned a parole or probation officer. This person is a member of law enforcement responsible for supervising the parolee. The probation officer regularly calls and visits the released prisoner they are responsible for ensuring they are following the behavioral conditions of their parole.
If a person violates their parole, the probation officer is obligated to report it to the judge. The person who violated parole may be subject to warnings, fines, increased parole terms, or revocation of parole, which means a return to prison for the remainder of their sentence.
The individual is entitled to due process, which means there will be a hearing at which a criminal defense attorney can help defend the parole violator to help them avoid more serious consequences. Either way, the probation officer plays a crucial role in managing the parolee and ensuring they follow the rules of their probation.
Why Might You Need to Look Up Someone’s Parole Officer?
If you know someone on parole, there are several reasons you might need to get in contact with their probation officer, and not all of the reasons are to report bad behavior.
The Person on Parole Has Committed a Crime
If someone commits a crime, they will likely be sent back to prison for the remainder of their sentence. Committing a crime is a violation of parole, and therefore, the probation officer needs to be notified as soon as possible.
The Person on Parole Violated a Condition of their Parole
Persons on parole are not allowed to take drugs, drink alcohol, stay out past curfew, or miss an appointment with their officer. Parolees are subject to urine tests to test for drugs to monitor substance abuse. If they stay out past curfew or miss an appointment with their parole officer, the officer typically knows about these violations. However, if you witness a person on parole doing something you know they aren’t supposed to be doing, you may want to contact their probation officer.
You Are Worried About the Health or Safety of the Parolee
If you know someone on parole, you may have reason to be concerned about their health or well-being. Being in prison and on parole can take a toll on someone’s mental health. If you are worried about someone’s safety, you may want to contact their probation officer to do a wellness check.
How to Look Up Someone’s Parole Officer
If any of the reasons above happen, you will likely want to contact the person’s probation officer. Luckily, once a probation officer is assigned to someone, it becomes public information. In order to look up someone’s probation officer, you will need personal information about the parolee or head over to this article, as it is also been discussed there.
You will need the person’s full legal name and the county or city in which they live. The more information you have about the individual, the easier your search will be. It is helpful if you know what type of crime the person committed, especially whether it was a state or federal crime.
If the person committed a state offense and you feel you have enough information about the person, you can visit the American Probation and Association’s website to access their directory. This directory has information about all state parole and probation websites.
Once you find which office you are looking for, you can visit or call to give them the details about the individual. They will then help you find the probation officer assigned to that person.
If the person committed a federal crime, you would have to use the US Courts website. This site features a Court Locator, in which you can input the information you have to be connected with the federal officer responsible for the individual.
Since a person’s probation officer is public information, it isn’t that difficult to locate. However, the more information you have, the better. This includes physical characteristics such as height, hair color, eye color, tattoos, and other distinguishing marks. The corrections department keeps descriptions of inmates on file, so having this information can aid your search.
Conclusion
Though not everyone commits violations, there are many who find themselves in a constant loop of incarceration, violation, and imprisonment. If you know someone on parole, you might feel obligated to help keep them on the straight and narrow or keep them safe.
If that’s the case, you will want to have their probation officer’s information. Having it on hand before needing to contact them is better than having to scramble for the information when you need it.
Of course, if the person on parole is a stranger and you want to contact their parole officer, it might be a bit more complicated. In that instance, it is recommended to contact local law enforcement, and they can do a wellness check or investigate any crimes committed. If the person has committed a crime, local law enforcement will handle it and then contact the probation officer.
If you need to contact someone’s probation officer, please make sure you have all the facts and as much information about the individual as possible. This will ensure the process is easy and smooth.