Snapshot Incentivizing Success in Probation Supervision

Incentives that are valuable. A 2017 survey of 200 people on probation found that compliance credits are the most preferred incentive among individuals under supervision. Laws in at least 20 states create the opportunity for individuals to shorten their probation term for complying with the conditions of their probation.

Incentives that are proportionate to positive behavior. The value of an incentive can be tied to whether someone considers an incentive proportionate to the behavior. Responses that are proportionate “improve the perception that responses are fair and just.” 

Incentives that are delivered frequently. Research has found that providing more rewards than sanctions produced the best results, “especially when a ratio of four or more rewards for every sanction was achieved.” 

Incentives that are delivered swiftly following positive behavior. Incentives for positive behavior that are administered quickly help to clearly connect the reward with the behavior. To provide a swift response to positive behavior, many states have authorized supervision officers to implement more meaningful incentives—such as earned compliance credits or a later curfew—rather than requiring them to come from a court or parole board.  

Incentives that are delivered consistently. Some states have directed or encouraged state agencies or supervision boards to create a matrix of incentives for compliance, establishing consistent rewards for positive behaviors. 

Missouri provides earned compliance credits of 30 days for each calendar month someone complies with the conditions of their supervision. These credits are available for anyone not on lifetime supervision or who are ineligible based on the offense for which they were convicted. Ineligible offenses include stalking, invasion of privacy and certain sexual offenses, among others. (§217.703) This policy was established in 2012 and an evaluation found that in the first three years, the policy reduced supervision terms by an average of 14 months for 36,000 people under supervision. The state also has a matrix identifying desired behaviors and corresponding incentives.

Arizona allows earned time credits of 20 days for every 30 days during which the person on probation “exhibits positive progression toward the goals and treatment of the probationer’s case plan,” is current on court-ordered restitution payments and nonmonetary conditions and is current with community service requirements. (§13-924)

Maryland law establishes 20 days of credit for every month the person being supervised “exhibits compliances with the conditions and goals” of the supervision, has no new arrests, has not violated any conditions related to contact with other people, is current on court-ordered restitution, fines and fees related to the offense, and is current in completing other requirements. (Corr. Svcs. § 6-117) Once the combination of earned credits and time on supervision completes the active term of supervision, the person on probation is placed on “abatement” or inactive supervision until the end of their sentence. They are not required to regularly report to a supervision officer or pay a supervision fee. 

Nevada provides a credit of 10 days for each month the person on probation has paid their supervision fees and restitution, plus an additional 10 days for each month they are “actively involved in employment or enrolled in a program of education, rehabilitation or any other program.” (§ 176A.500)

Montana’s Department of Corrections, responsible for oversight of adult probation and parole in the state, has an incentives and interventions grid. Examples of available incentives include: verbal recognition, a letter of recognition, requesting modification of conditions, reduced supervision fees, permissions to travel in-state, and ability to skip a face-to-face appointment with a supervision officer.