Probation and Pretrial Services
U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services officers are responsible for pretrial services, presentence investigations, and post-conviction supervision for the federal judiciary. They make a positive difference in the communities they serve.
U.S. Probation and Pretrial Officers from around the country talk about their roles in the administration of justice.
Our Mission
U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services is a national system with a shared mission and professional identity and common goals and values. The system facilitates the fair administration of justice, enhances public safety, and positively impacts the lives of individuals who become involved with the federal courts. Officers accomplish their mission using data and evidence-based practices, which informs decision-making and operations across the system. Each office achieves success through interdependence, collaboration, and local innovation. Officers are committed to excellence and the principles outlined in their charter (pdf). Learn more about:
- Evidence Based Practices
- Officers and Officer Assistants
- Pretrial Services
- Presentence Investigations
- Post-Conviction Supervision
- Data Release Regulations
- Federal Probation and Pretrial Services Academy
- History
- Mission & Charter
Who We Are
The U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services workforce is comprised of probation and pretrial services officers, officer assistants, and other professional staff who work in information technology, budgeting, human resources, and administrative support roles. Probation and pretrial services officers are considered the eyes and ears of the federal courts. They investigate and supervise people charged with or convicted of federal crimes. Officers:
- Conduct investigations to assist judges in making decisions related to pretrial release and sentencing.
- Use the best available evidence to inform release and detention decisions and supervision practices to reduce risk to public safety and to promote long-term positive change in people’s lives.
- Support reentry of individuals released to the community, helping them transition to productive lives by assisting with emergency or transitional housing, substance use disorder and mental health treatment, training for employment, and other necessities.
This short animation demonstrates how pretrial services and probation officers assist a defendant named Sam through the various stages of a federal criminal case.
Leadership and Organization
The U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services system is decentralized, with operations in all 94 federal court districts. In some districts, probation and pretrial services are separate offices while in others they are combined. In each district, the probation and pretrial services office provides vital services for the duration of a case.
Officers working in pretrial services assist the courts with decisions while defendants are awaiting trial. Officers conducting presentence investigations provide judges with the information they need to make informed sentencing decisions. Officers working in post-conviction supervision help individuals live productive, crime-free lives after conviction or release from prison.
The Judicial Conference of the United States sets policy for the federal probation and pretrial services system. The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts supports implementation of national policy and establishes procedures to guide the system.
History
The U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services system has a rich history dating to the signing of the Probation Act of 1925 by President Calvin Coolidge.