Our Culture
CSRA's Ginny Kent sat down with "Augusta CEO" recently to discuss the private probation industry.
Ginny Kent, President and Chief Executive Officer of CSRA Probation Services, Inc., discusses the need to improve the image and stigma that private probation companies have developed.
Georgia's Largest Private Probation Company
(Excerpts as seen in USNews & World Report and The Augusta Chronicle)
CSRA Probation Services, Inc., after more than 20 years in business, now has more than 150 employees at 33 offices around the state of Georgia; and has contracts in roughly one-third of Georgia's 159 counties which includes over 170 courts around the state.
Georgia has the nation's largest probation population and is quadruple the national average; partly because the state treats all infractions — including traffic tickets — as misdemeanors that can carry fines of up to $1,000 and one year in jail.
CSRA Probation Service’s primary goal is getting people to successfully complete the terms of their probation, which happens roughly 85 percent of the time. Each of the company’s offices displays resource material for people in need of help finding a job, seeking substance abuse counseling or help obtaining their GED.
Quotes from article, by Mike Popplewell, former President of CSRA Probation Services, Inc:
“I have what I think is the most unique perspective in the industry, and that is customer service. A customer is someone who receives services and pays for them. Our probationers are customers. For the most part, we are dealing with regular people just like me and you.”
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“We're not dealing with murders and rapists. These are people who have never been in trouble before and they'll never be in trouble again. They're embarrassed they made a dumb mistake and they learn their lesson.”
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“The most common probation violation is repeated failure to report to a probation officer. Our company makes it easy for people to report without having to take time off work through a smartphone app that enables them to videoconference with their officer and make payments online.
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“The most common probation violation is repeated failure to report to a probation officer. Our company makes it easy for people to report without having to take time off work through a smartphone app that enables them to videoconference with their officer and make payments online.
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“The single most important element to successful probation is communication. Even though there's a perception through media attention that people are getting thrown in jail left and right for not paying their fees, the reality is more warrants are issued for failure to report than any other reason.”
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“We want to help people get their lives on track," he said. "The probation officer and the probationer are looking for the same thing: to get through this as quickly and easily as possible."
Brochure Content
A Standard Of Excellence
CSRA Probation Services, Inc. has demonstrated a “standard of excellence” in the field of court services. We are uniquely qualified to provide a wide array of community supervision options to local courts, counties, and cities. From managing a hands-on supervision program to assisting with administrative support, we strive to provide a direct benefit to the court, the offender, and the community.
CSRA Probation Services, Inc. is registered with the Misdemeanor Probation Oversight Unit. We meet or exceed all qualifications and standards established for private probation providers. We maintain liability insurance and all employees are bonded.
Supervision
Basic Probation: Offenders receive community based supervision as imposed by the sentencing court. This supervision may include: office visits, fine/fee/restitution collections, counseling, community service, substance abuse testing, and/or other conditions as deemed necessary by the court. We monitor each condition and provide status reports to the court as needed.
Pretrial Diversion: An alternative for qualified offenders to divert from the traditional court process without the imposition of a criminal conviction. We provide close supervision of these cases without the tenets of basic probation supervision.
Bond Supervision: Conditions of Bond Supervision programs set by the releasing judge normally have conditions specific to the offense for which an individual is charged. We can monitor these conditions to ensure compliance until each case is disposed of.
Accountability Courts: Common accountability courts include DUI Courts, Drug Courts, Family Violence Courts, and Mental Health Courts. The combined efforts of intervention, counseling, and supervision are the components that work together to rehabilitate offenders, reducing the probability of recidivism.
Monitoring
Smartphone Supervision App:
Statistics show that the most common probation violation resulting in a warrant is failure to report, and that the most common reasons for failure to report are lack of transportation and conflict(s) with a probationer's work schedule. In an effort to assist probationers in overcoming these challenges, we have developed Georgia probation's first smartphone application. Our app allows probationers to report-in and make payments directly from their smartphone.
Drug Testing:
Drug Testing, a valuable tool in identifying drug users and as a deterrent to drug use has always been a high priority at CSRA Probation Services, Inc. We provide the latest in technology and training in order to battle a constantly evolving drug abuse problem.
Global Positioning Satellite:
GPS provides for the constant monitoring of an offenders whereabouts, allowing a home confinement option with the possibility of allowing offenders the opportunity to travel to verifiable destinations (ie: work, school, medical treatment. We have the experience and state-of-the-art equipment for the extremely beneficial and cost effective option.
Alcohol Monitoring:
We have the capability of performing alcohol testing at various supervision levels, from traditional breathalyzer screens, to urine detection of alcohol levels, to constant monitoring through a Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring System (SCRAM).
Client Resources
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
Smartphone Supervision App
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
Employment Opportunities and Frequently Asked Questions
PAYMENTS ONLINE
Smartphone Supervision App
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
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Smartphone Supervision App
Smartphone Supervision App
Smartphone Supervision App
Our app allows probationers to report-in and make payments directly from their smartphone.