Embedded Files
This section highlights peer-reviewed journal articles, evaluation studies, and other scholarly products led by DCS or in partnership with universities. It demonstrates DCS’s commitment to generating rigorous evidence to inform supervision practices and improve public safety.
2026
2026
Chris Inkpen | Pamela Lattimore | Bria Cross | Nicholas Powell | Ryan Labrecque
June 2026Overview
Overview
This study explores the expanding role of AI in correctional risk assessment. While we acknowledge that these tools can sharpen supervision decisions, we emphasize that they require rigorous transparency, fairness, and consistent oversight. The piece warns that relying on biased data or opaque logic can inadvertently deepen existing inequities. Ultimately, we argue that AI should function as a support for human judgment, not a replacement, and must be anchored by strong ethical safeguards.
Frances R. Chen | Hawi Geleto | Joanna Fedjo Tsague | Oluwakemi Adelana
June 1, 2026Overview
Overview
This study looked at how ongoing job stress affects community supervision officers during real supervision meetings. Researchers tracked stress levels through daily cortisol patterns and compared them to officer behavior across more than 2,000 real-world interactions. Findings showed that when stress patterns were disrupted, officers were more likely to rely on strict, directive approaches and less likely to engage in relationship-building with clients.
Source Abstract
Chronic occupational stress enters the biological systems through which workers perform their jobs, yet evidence linking diurnal cortisol dysregulation to specific professional behavioral acts in naturalistic encounters remains limited. Drawing on the Stress-Induced Deliberation-to-Intuition (SIDI) model, we predicted that HPA-axis dysregulation would covary with a shift officer behavior toward habitual, authority-oriented defaults and away from the trained relational layer requiring active top-down modulation. Community supervision officers were assessed across four waves of a longitudinal study; diurnal cortisol indices (slope, waking, evening) were linked to behavioral coding from 2126 naturalistic supervision sessions under 41 officers. Within-person multilevel models showed that elevated evening cortisol predicted increased Directive Engagement, consistent with failure of HPA recovery covarying with increased occupational authority behavior. Elevated waking and evening cortisol each independently predicted decreased Relational Engagement, consistent with a dose-sensitivity pattern in which the deliberate relational behavioral layer is associated with cortisol load from either end of the diurnal profile. Eliciting Engagement, the most trait-stable and surface-level behavioral dimension, was unaffected. All four within-person effects replicated across session-count weighting, covariate adjustment, concurrent diary covariates, and alternative centering approaches. These findings extend the SIDI framework from laboratory paradigms to naturalistic professional encounters, demonstrating that diurnal HPA dysregulation dissociates across empirically independent behavioral dimensions through partially distinct cortisol features.
2025
2025
Luke Muentner | Chris Inkpen | Emily Burtch | Pamela Lattimore
July 3, 2025Overview
Overview
This study asked community supervision officers how they decide whether someone is likely to reoffend or move toward positive change. In focus groups with officers across one state, researchers found that officers tend to see certain behaviors—like unemployment, missed requirements, substance use, and risky peer groups—as warning signs. On the other hand, steady communication, stable housing or work, and positive engagement were viewed as signs someone is making progress.
Source Abstract
A key component of community supervision officers’ (CSOs) roles is to support clients on probation or parole, assessing them for risk of re-offending and indicators of desistance. To better understand officers’ discretionary decision-making, we conducted nine virtual focus group interviews with a total of 48 CSOs across one state; analyses of these interviews yielded two main themes. The first theme captured officers’ perceptions of signs of risk, as CSOs shared insights as to how unemployment/under-employment, non-compliance or evasiveness, overcompliance, substance use, outside information, and antisocial associations raised flags for the potential of re-offending. The second theme detailed how pro-social and proactive attitudes, open and frequent communication, appropriate compliance, and stability (e.g., employment, housing, relational) acted as positive signs of desistance. Understanding these perspectives illuminates the multifaceted considerations that influence officers’ evaluations of risk and desistance in their caseloads and provides insights into means for enhancing the effectiveness of community supervision.
Tonya Van Deinse | Allison Waters | Kasey Barton | Sherri Bloodworth | Nicholas K. Powell
2025Overview
Overview
This study looked at the planning stage of a statewide effort to improve how community supervision responds to mental health needs. Researchers interviewed officers, supervisors, and implementation staff before the program launched to understand what might help or get in the way of success. Participants emphasized the importance of balancing mental health needs with other real-life factors like housing, employment, and risk of reoffending, along with the need for more training and better coordination with local service providers. The study also highlighted practical challenges such as building trust in outside clinical partners, using shared language across systems, managing workload, and ensuring strong leadership support.
Source Abstract
Background Although implementation science methods have been widely used across all sectors of healthcare, they are less commonly used to promote health interventions within criminal legal system settings. This gap in the research is problematic given the need for effective treatments to address comparatively worse health and mental health outcomes among people involved in the criminal legal system. Additionally, there have been relatively few published studies documenting methods at the pre-implementation phase. This article reports on a preimplementation assessment conducted as part of a grant-funded initiative with a statewide community supervision agency to address key limitations in the state’s Specialized Mental Health Supervision program by piloting two implementation strategies: clinical case consultation and enhancing mental health officers’ relationships with behavioral health service providers.Methods The purpose of this study was to provide agency leaders with practical and timely information to make decisions regarding their plan for rolling out the initiative. Within a 30-day timeframe, the research team conducted 22 brief, semi-structured interviews with members of the implementation team and community supervision officers and their supervisors. The team then used rapid qualitative analysis methods to identify potential challenges and facilitators of the implementation strategies and make recommendations to improve implementation.Results Although participants indicated that considering mental health symptoms was a top factor in caseload assignment and step-down, they believed other stabilizing factors (e.g., housing, employment) and risk for re-offense should also be considered. Participants described the need for more training on mental health topics and the local service system. Lastly, the agency learned about factors that could impact the consultation process (e.g., trusting the consultant, maintaining a growth mindset) and relationships with behavioral health service providers (e.g., having a common language between community supervision and behavioral health), officer workload, and leadership engagement.Conclusions Pre-implementation assessments, including those conducted using rapid analysis methods, should be routine practices when launching an intervention or an implementation strategy under real-world conditions. These assessments provide agencies and their research partners with actionable and tailored information that can enhance the pace and effectiveness of their implementation efforts.
Tonya Van Deinse | Benjamin Mackey | Nicholas K. Powell
March 31, 2025Overview
Overview
This article explains how agencies can better bring mental health programs into community supervision systems. It notes that many people in these systems have mental health needs, but programs that work well in one place may not work the same way in another. Using a U.S. mental health supervision model as an example, the paper shows how a step-by-step framework can guide agencies in planning, launching, and sustaining these kinds of interventions in real-world settings.
Source Abstract
People with mental illnesses are overrepresented in criminal legal systems internationally, making addressing mental health among this population a global public health concern. Across the world, community supervision agencies (i.e., probation and parole) have implemented a variety of innovative and evidence-informed approaches to improve outcomes for people with mental illness. However, the demonstrated success of these approaches in one region or country does not guarantee effectiveness in another due to significant variations in the implementation context, including differences in governance and administration, society and culture, and resource constraints. Applying implementation science methods throughout the phases of intervention (design and development, implementation, and evaluation) provides tools that can help translate innovations within and across different agencies, countries, and contexts. To highlight how implementation science methods can be used to adapt and implement health interventions within criminal legal system settings, this perspective uses the example of specialized mental health community supervision in the USA. Drawing on general implementation science principles and the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment (EPIS) framework, we articulate key questions and steps agencies can take to translate health interventions from theory into practice.
Brian D. Graves | Orion Mowbray | Mariam Fatehi | Alan Kunz-Lomelin | Michael A. Robinson | Cassandra A. Atkin-Plun | Sharon Snow
December 10, 2025Overview
Overview
This study looked at whether forensic peer support helps people on probation or parole during reentry. Researchers compared individuals who received peer support with similar individuals who did not, focusing on outcomes like reconviction and substance use. Results showed fewer reconvictions among those who received peer support, but higher positive drug test results and no clear differences in other outcomes like reincarceration. Overall, the findings suggest the program may help in some areas but not consistently across all measures.
Source Abstract
Objective Criminal legal–involved individuals on probation or parole face complex and multifaceted challenges associated with community reentry, including mental disorders, substance use disorders, and collateral consequences of criminal legal system involvement. Forensic peer support (FPS) has emerged as a promising strategy for reentry support. Key objectives of FPS target common reentry hardships, especially behavioral health, and previous studies have identified positive outcomes. However, few studies have compared outcomes among groups that share demographic and other salient characteristics but differ in FPS receipt.Methods Using propensity score matching on sociodemographic, criminal legal, and behavioral health characteristics, the authors examined differences in criminal legal– and substance use–related outcomes between propensity score–matched groups of FPS recipients and nonrecipients (N=150) in Georgia to assess FPS outcomes.Results Receipt of FPS was associated with significantly lower rates of reconvictions (60.0% for recipients vs. 81.3% for nonrecipients) but was also associated with significantly increased positive drug screens among FPS recipients (mean±SD=23.6 ± 72.4), compared with nonrecipients (mean=4.7 ± 24.1). FPS recipients tended to have higher reincarceration rates and lower probation or parole revocations, but these differences were not statistically significant.Conclusions These results indicate mixed support for FPS services, contrasting findings of previous studies. Future research may address the specific needs of heterogeneous criminal legal–involved subgroups as well as assess direct linkages of FPS to criminal legal and recovery outcomes.
2024
2024
Michael Applegarth
November–December 2024Overview
Overview
This study looked at whether mental illness affects the chances of being rearrested while on parole in Georgia. Using data from more than 24,000 individuals, researchers found that people with mental illness were more likely to be rearrested compared to those without it. Other factors also played a role—higher risk levels and positive drug tests increased rearrest risk, while having steady employment lowered it. The results also showed that mental illness can change how other factors like substance use and employment relate to rearrest outcomes.
Source Abstract
Mental illness (MI) is prevalent among people who are incarcerated and under community supervision. Despite this, the nature of the relationship between MI and recidivism is yet to be fully understood. Using an administrative dataset from the state of Georgia (n = 24,046), this study examined the extent to which individuals with MI on parole have a greater likelihood of rearrest – over a three-year period – than individuals without MI. Across the sample, increased assessed risk (OR = 1.14, 95 % CI [1.12–1.16]) and increased positive drug tests (OR = 1.64, 95 % CI [1.42–1.91]) predicted a greater likelihood of rearrest. Increased time employed reduced the likelihood of rearrest (OR = 0.39, 95 % CI [0.35–0.44]). MI was associated with increased odds of being rearrested (OR = 1.17, 95 % CI [1.07–1.27]). MI was also found to moderate the relationships between both substance use and employment with being rearrested.
Pamela Lattimore | Chris Inkpen | Stephen J. Tueller | Kim Janda | Luke Muentner | Nicholas K. Powell
April 1, 2024Overview
Overview
This study explored how drug testing results can be used to better predict future arrests or supervision violations among people on probation. Using data from about 154,000 individuals in Georgia, researchers tested different ways of building risk models to see what improved accuracy. They found that predictions worked best when they focused on recent behavior, specific time periods, and changing factors like drug test results and testing history. Positive drug tests were linked to higher risk of future arrest or revocation, while negative tests or no testing were linked to lower risk over time.
Source Abstract
Drug testing—either random, scheduled, or for-cause—is a common condition of community supervision. This study investigates the utility of drug testing measures in predicting arrest or revocation outcomes for individuals on probation. Results were generated during the development of a set of new risk classification algorithms for individuals on probation or parole in Georgia. Multiple analytic approaches and predictive factors were tested in the development of these models that were built using data for approximately 154,000 individuals who began probation or parole between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2019. Accuracy at predicting rearrest was improved by implementing time-period-specific models; using recent rather than lifetime criminal history; and incorporating dynamic measures of both protective and risk factors, including drug test results and absence of testing. Models were estimated separately for men and women, for different supervision statuses (probation-only, split-sentence probation, and parole), and for three consecutive time periods (first quarter, next three quarters, one-plus years). Positive test results were predictive of future arrest or revocation, while negative results and absence of testing in latter-period models were associated with reduced risk. Results are presented for the probation-only models for men and women, but similar results obtained for the split-probation and parole models.
Nicholas K. Powell | Angela Gunter | Mari Roberts | Tonya Van Deinse
February 27, 2024Overview
Overview
This study looked at how mental illness relates to violations and rearrests during probation or parole and whether a specialized supervision program makes a difference. Using statewide data, researchers compared people with mental illness to similar individuals without it and examined outcomes under Specialized Mental Health Supervision (SMHS). They found that individuals with mental illness were more likely to have their supervision revoked, especially for technical rule violations. The SMHS program did not clearly reduce revocations once other factors were considered, and higher-risk individuals were actually less likely to be placed in the program.
Source Abstract
Although many studies have investigated the disproportionate representation and negative experiences of justice-involved persons with mental illness (MI), we know less about probation/parole revocations among this population. Using statewide data and propensity score matching, we compare rates of rearrests and revocations between individuals with and without MI and assess the effectiveness of Specialized Mental Health Supervision (SMHS) in reducing the likelihood of revocation. In addition, we examine whether the risk score composition differs among participants of the SMHS program from clients with MI not placed on SMHS. Findings reveal that persons with MI are more likely to have a revocation, specifically for technical violations. In addition, SMHS does not significantly lower revocations after controlling for other caseload characteristics. Finally, those with higher risk scores were significantly less likely to be placed on SMHS caseloads. Considerations for SMHS implementation are discussed.
Nicholas K. Powell | Tonya Van Deinse
2024Overview
Overview
This chapter gives a broad overview of how community supervision works in Georgia, which supervises more people on probation and parole than any other state. It explains how the Georgia Department of Community Supervision developed over time and describes its Person-Centered Supervision approach. This model uses data, technology, and research-based practices to better understand people’s needs and reduce the chances of reoffending.
Source Abstract
With 191,739 people serving felony probation or parole sentences, Georgia has the largest supervision population in the United States. In Georgia, one in 23 adults is under some form of community supervision, compared with the U.S. national average of one in 66. This chapter describes the history and development of the Georgia Department of Community Supervision and details the state's Person-Centered Supervision model and its use of technology, evidence-based principles, and data to enhance the effectiveness of probation and parole to address criminogenic drivers and reduce recidivism.
2023
2023
Brian D. Graves | Orion Mowbray | Lydia Aletraris | Oluwayomi Paseda | Clarissa Dias
September 27, 2023Overview
Overview
This study looked at what factors are linked to substance use risk among people on probation or parole. Using statewide assessment data, researchers examined how criminal history, personal circumstances, and behavioral health needs relate to substance use. They found that mental health needs were the strongest factor connected to substance use risk, along with issues like criminal thinking patterns, unemployment or limited education, and ties to peers or family involved in crime. The results point to the importance of addressing mental health and other related needs together during supervision.
Source Abstract
Substance use among criminal justice-involved adults is a significant concern for the rehabilitation and reintegration into their communities. Few have examined broader associations with substance use among those in probation or parole (community supervision) using an assessment of risks and needs with a representative sample. Using an assessment based on risk-need-responsivity principles, this research applies negative binomial analyses to examine sociodemographic, criminal, and other problem-area correlates of substance use risks and needs among a statewide dataset of adults in community supervision. Results indicated that mental health risk/need was the strongest predictor of substance use risk/need. Other risk areas, including criminal thinking, employment/education, and the presence of delinquent associates (peers/family) were associated with substance use. Implications highlight the ongoing call to develop integrated models of care that treat co-occurring disorders among adults in supervision. Additionally, diversion-oriented efforts that prevent adults with complex treatment needs from reentering the justice system are discussed.
Brian D. Graves | Orion Mowbray | Lydia Aletraris
March 13, 2023Overview
Overview
This study looked at how mental health and substance use issues overlap among people on probation or parole, and whether those needs change with age. Using data from more than 33,000 individuals, researchers found that mental health needs were closely tied to substance use risk. They also saw differences across regions, showing that where someone is supervised can influence risk levels. Older adults in supervision had the highest levels of both mental health and substance use treatment needs, highlighting the need for more tailored support for different age groups.
Source Abstract
Adults in community supervision (i.e., probation or parole) face disproportionately higher rates of substance use disorders (SUDs) compared to the general population, with older adults facing heightened risks. Further, SUDs often co-occur with mental illness, yet few studies have examined co-occurring SUDs and mental illness (CODs) among adults in community supervision and how these experiences vary across the life course. This study utilized a statewide sample of all adults in community supervision between 2018 and 2019 (N = 33,079) to assess the effects of mental health on substance use risks and needs, and whether age moderates this relationship. Multilevel modeling was used to examine associations while controlling for variation across judicial circuits. Findings revealed that substance use risk and need varies across circuits, effects of mental health on substance use vary regionally, and older persons in community supervision exhibit the highest rates of COD treatment needs. Social workers may benefit from these findings, which suggest a need for increased awareness of potential co-occurring needs among older adults in supervision, and available community-based interventions to meet these needs. Research evaluating training and available resources in the delivery of care for those with CODs in supervision remains a serious need.
Nicholas K. Powell
2023Overview
Overview
This overview explains Georgia’s Person-Centered Supervision (PCS) approach, which is designed to make community supervision more individualized and supportive. It focuses on building stronger engagement between officers and people on probation or parole through four key elements: Time, Relationships, Dialogue, and Intersections. The model is intended to help people dealing with challenges like poverty, trauma, and mental health needs by improving communication, coordination, and fairness in supervision, with the goal of supporting long-term stability.
Pamela Lattimore | Nicholas K. Powell | Chris Inkpen | Stephen Tueller
2023Overview
Overview
This article describes a collaboration to build a better risk assessment tool for people under community supervision in Georgia. Researchers and practitioners worked together to use data science and real-world experience to improve how risk is predicted and updated over time. The model was checked for accuracy and fairness, with the goal of helping officers make more informed decisions, match services to individual needs, and use resources more effectively.
Source Abstract
Objective To address the challenge and need for a risk assessment that offers more dynamic and accurate predictions of recidivism and allows for an individual’s risk score to increase or decrease depending on their progress on supervision, which can be used to raise or lower someone’s supervision level. Approach Through collaboration with the Georgia Department of Community Supervision (DCS) and Applied Research Services, Inc. (ARS), we developed the Integrated Dynamic Risk Assessment for Community Supervision (IDRACS) risk classification tool for felony probation and parole in Georgia. Our approach included analyzing case management data, developing predictive time-specific models tailored to incorporate changes in risk over the course of supervision and dynamic factors that are statistically associated with risk for recidivism. Models were successfully integrated into the Georgia DCS case management system to tailor treatment and services to individual's needs.Impact The IDRACS tool can better predict rearrest or revocation, providing a more accurate and cost-effective analyze compared to previous tools. This can lead to greater efficiency in allocation of agency resources, more successful supervision outcomes, and improved public safety as agencies are able to tailor their supervision strategies to those presenting the greatest immediate risk.
2022
2022
Orion Mowbray | Mariam Fatehi | Michael Robinson | Jeffery Skinner | Ed Risler | Clarissa Dias
March 26, 2022Overview
Overview
This study looked at how people are chosen for Day Reporting Centers (DRCs) and whether those choices match program goals. Researchers compared DRC participants with similar individuals who were not in the program to see differences in risk and needs. They found that people placed in DRCs generally had higher levels of risk and service needs, which fits the intended purpose of the program. Overall, the findings suggest that placement decisions are being made in a way that aligns with program criteria and supports matching people to the right level of services.
Source Abstract
Day reporting centers (DRCs) vary considerably in how participant eligibility is determined and to date, there is little to no knowledge whether criteria for DRC eligibly are appropriately applied in program entrance. This study examines a statewide sample of individuals in community supervision settings and compares DRC eligibility criteria between DRC and non-DRC participants to examine differences between DRC participants and non-participants. Using a propensity score matched sample of 1,554 participants, study findings suggest that DRC participants show higher risk, need, and responsivity factors, consistent with the DRC programing model. These results suggest many individuals appear to be appropriately matched to DRCs, which may in turn, may influence their likelihood of program success, among other factors.
2020
2020
Tammy Meredith | Shila R. Hawk | Sharon Johnson | John Prevost | George Braucht
March 4, 2020Overview
Overview
This study looked at what actually happens during parole home visits and whether they make a difference in outcomes. Using observation data and records from more than 26,000 people on parole, researchers found that most visits were short and included conversations about both supervision rules and personal needs like housing or employment. The results showed that home visits were linked to fewer new arrests and fewer revocations. Visits that balanced both rules and support-focused conversations were associated with the best outcomes, suggesting these check-ins can help people stay on track after release.
Source Abstract
Home visits provide a space for officer–supervisee encounters. However, little is known about the dynamics of home visits and their association with supervision outcomes. This study examines the context, content, and role of home visits in parole. Home visits are described using systematic observation data of officer-initiated contacts (N = 383). The average visit included only those on parole, inside a single-family home, lasted 8 minutes, was conducive to discussions, and covered rules and needs topics. A separate agency records dataset (N = 26,878) was used to estimate Cox hazard models. Findings suggest that each visit is related to reduced risk of a new felony arrest or a revocation, controlling for criminogenic factors and supervision activities. Risk was further associated with a reduction if officers engaged in mixed-topic discussions (rules and needs). Home visits can enable officers to help people on parole successfully navigate the challenges of reentry.
2019
2019
Nicholas K. Powell | Mathew Gayman
November 2, 2019Overview
Overview
This study looked at how working with people who have serious mental illness affects probation and parole officers. Using survey data from nearly 800 officers, researchers examined whether having more individuals with mental health needs on a caseload was linked to officers’ own depression symptoms. They found that officers with higher numbers of these cases reported more depressive symptoms, mainly because the work created higher stress levels. The results also showed that heavy workloads and conflicting job demands were key reasons for that added stress.
Source Abstract
Few studies have investigated factors that contribute to the mental health of probation and parole officers (PPOs). Addressing the needs of supervisees with serious mental illness (SMI) can create unique challenges for PPOs, which in turn may increase job-related stress and impact PPOs’ mental health. Using statewide survey data from 795 PPOs, we examine whether the number of supervisees with SMI on an officer’s caseload is associated with depressive symptoms reported by PPOs and whether this relationship is mediated by work stress. In addition, we examine the mediating effects of role conflict and overload in the relationship between the number of persons with SMI on an officer’s caseload and work stress. Findings reveal that PPOs supervising more people with SMI report significantly higher levels of depressive symptoms and this relationship is mediated by work stress. Additionally, the association between the number of supervisees with SMI on an officer’s caseload and work stress is completely explained away by role conflict and role overload. These findings highlight the mental health significance for parole and probation practitioners working with persons with SMI.
2017
2017
Nicholas K. Powell | Mathew Gayman
November 7, 2017Overview
Overview
This study looked at how supervising people with mental health challenges affects probation and parole officers. Using survey data from nearly 800 officers, researchers examined whether having more individuals with mental health needs on a caseload was linked to officers’ own depression symptoms. They found that officers with more of these cases reported higher depressive symptoms, and this was explained by emotional exhaustion from the job. The study also found that mental health training and services for supervisees did not significantly reduce that exhaustion.
Source Abstract
Although supervising persons with mental illness can pose special challenges for community parole/probation officers (PPOs), few studies have investigated whether the number of supervisees on an officer’s caseload increases risk for poor mental health for PPOs and whether this link is due to emotional exhaustion. Using statewide survey data from 798 PPOs, we examine whether the number of supervisees on an officer’s caseload with mental health problems is associated with depressive symptoms reported the PPOs and whether this relationship is mediated by emotional exhaustion. In addition, we evaluate the potential mitigating role of both mental health services received by supervisees and officer training in mental health in the relationship between the number of supervisees on an officer’s caseload with mental health problems and emotional exhaustion experienced by PPOs. Findings reveal that PPOs with more supervisees on their caseload report significantly higher levels of depressive symptoms and that this relationship is completely explained away by emotional exhaustion. Neither mental health services received by supervisees nor officer training in mental health mitigated the link between the number of supervisees on an officer’s caseload with mental health problems and officer emotional exhaustion. This study underscores the importance of the psychological well-being of those on parole/probation for the emotional and mental health of the officers who supervise them.
Mary Finn | John Prevost | George Braucht | Shila Hawk | Tammy Meredith | Sharon Johnson
2017Overview
Overview
This study examined what parole home visits actually look like in practice by reviewing a large set of case notes. Researchers analyzed more than 81,000 visits to understand what officers and individuals on parole talked about, how those interactions were described, and who was involved. Most conversations centered on things like court involvement, housing, and employment, with parolees as the main participants and family members sometimes included. The notes were mostly neutral and descriptive, focusing on what happened rather than opinions or judgments.
Source Abstract
Although home visits play a major role in community supervision, little is known about what transpires-what is discussed and with whom the discussion is held. This study addresses that void by qualitatively analyzing case notes of home visits with high-risk parolees who entered supervision in 2008, 2010, or 2012 and exited between 2011 and 2013. Officers' written comments describing 81,732 home visits were analyzed to uncover discussion themes, tones, and the parties contacted. Of the 12 themes identified, most conversations included parolee contact with the justice system, housing, and employment. Analysis of the tone of comments as neutral, positive, or negative suggested that nearly nine out of 10 notes were neutral containing simple descriptions of the parolee's behavior and status. while home visit interactions were primarily with parolees, parents/grandparents were the second most mentioned participants. Implications for supervision through the lens of therapeutic jurisprudence are discussed.
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