9FAAD697EDEC74D98725843F0071B3F0 Hearing Summary

Katie Ruske, Program Manager, Office of Community Corrections in the Department of Public Safety, presented information about Comcor (Attachment J).  Committee members asked questions about termination rates and diversion.  Inquiries were also raised about failed drug tests, even for those who did not commit a related crime. 

Glenn Tapia, Director of Probation Services in the Judicial Branch, presented information on probation, including a ten year overview of population and data trends (Attachment K).  He highlighted that probation serves 80,000 people on an average daily basis and emphazed that it is a large and inexpensive sentencing and supervision option.  He further discussed legislative changes that impact probation, as well as disproportionate growth in the high-risk population.  Mr. Tapia noted that courts are giving offenders more second chances to stay on probation.

Committee members discussed recidivism and the misdemeanor population on probation.   

Committee discussion turned to risk assessment instruments and discretionary probation guidelines.