• How do I make a complaint or report a concern about a Probation Department employee?
• What does it mean to be “on probation?”
• What is the Difference between Probation and Parole?
• What happens to juveniles when they enter the juvenile justice system?
• How do I arrange to talk to or visit someone in jail?

How do I make a complaint or report a concern about a Probation Department employee?
Each area office and the main office, located at the County Courthouse in Visalia, have complaint forms available as required by law.  We would encourage anyone that has a complaint or concern about an issue or an employee to contact the closest area office and speak to a supervisor.

What does it mean to be “on probation?”
After an offender is found guilty of committing a crime, the court can suspend the sentence and place the offender under the supervision of a probation officer, or place the offender in a local jail or correctional institution, followed by a period of probation supervision. While on probation, offenders must obey all laws and follow the specific orders issued by the court.

What is the Difference between Probation and Parole?
Probation is a condition of an offender's original court sentence by a judge. An offender can be sentenced to probation only and be required to follow any number of specific stipulations as outlined in the court order. An offender may also be sentenced to jail time plus probation and also be required to fulfill specific stipulations demanded by the court, including regular reporting to a probation officer. Parole is a condition of early release for someone coming out of a prison. There are usually a number of restrictions placed on a parolee and he/she is closely supervised by a parole officer either state or federal, depending on the type of prison.

What happens to juveniles when they enter the juvenile justice system?
After a law enforcement officer has arrested a juvenile and a decision has been made to book him/her into custody, a detention hearing is held before a judge within 2-3 days to determine whether he/she should continue to be held. At that point, there are two different modes of custody, depending on the juvenile's past record and the severity of the crime:

Juvenile Hall -This is a locked detention facility for youth awaiting court hearings, placement, or other dispositions including assessment or short-term incarceration. All such decisions are made by the court. Wards may be committed to Juvenile Hall for short stays as part of a sanction for delinquent behavior.

Home Supervision - Some juveniles are allowed to stay in their own homes, under the supervision of probation officers, pending a final court hearing. Some may be monitored with electronic sensors daily to see that they are obeying the law.

How do I arrange to talk to or visit someone in jail?
For information on visiting hours at the County's correctional facilities call the Sheriff's Office at 559-733-6218, or 559-733-6900.  If you are inquiring about a juvenile, call 559-740-4475.