Ginny Kent, the President and Chief Executive Officer of CSRA Probation Services, Inc., addresses the crucial need to enhance the public perception and reduce the stigma surrounding private probation companies.
(Excerpts from USNews & World Report and The Augusta Chronicle) CSRA Probation Services, Inc. has been serving the community for over 20 years and now employs more than 150 staff across 33 offices in Georgia. The organization has established contracts in approximately one-third of Georgia's 159 counties, which includes over 170 courts statewide. Georgia holds the distinction of having the largest probation population in the nation, a figure that is quadruple the national average. This is partly due to the state's classification of all infractions—including traffic tickets—as misdemeanors, which can result in fines up to $1,000 and a year in jail. The primary objective of CSRA Probation Services is to assist individuals in successfully completing their probation terms, achieving a success rate of around 85 percent. Each office provides valuable resources for those seeking employment, substance abuse counseling, or assistance in obtaining their GED. Quotes from Mike Popplewell, former President of CSRA Probation Services, Inc., highlight this commitment: “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 you and me.” He adds, “We’re not dealing with murders and rapists. These are individuals who have never encountered trouble before and are unlikely to again. They feel embarrassed about their mistakes and learn from them.” Popplewell notes, “The most common probation violation is repeated failure to report to a probation officer. Our company simplifies the process for individuals to report without needing to take time off work, thanks to a smartphone app that facilitates videoconferencing with their officer and allows for online payments.” He emphasizes, “The single most important element to successful probation is communication. Despite the media's portrayal that individuals are frequently jailed for not paying their fees, the truth is that more warrants are issued for failure to report than for any other reason.” Ultimately, he states, “We want to help people get their lives on track. The probation officer and the probationer are both aiming for the same outcome: to navigate this process as quickly and smoothly as possible.”
CSRA Probation Services, Inc. has exemplified a "standard of excellence" in court services. We are uniquely qualified to offer a diverse range of community supervision options tailored for local courts, counties, and cities. Whether managing an effective hands-on supervision program or providing essential administrative support, our goal is to deliver direct benefits to the court, the offender, and the community.
Registered with the Misdemeanor Probation Oversight Unit, CSRA Probation Services, Inc. meets or exceeds all qualifications and standards set for private probation providers. We hold liability insurance, and all our employees are bonded.
Basic Probation: Offenders receive community-based supervision as mandated by the sentencing court. This supervision can include various elements such as office visits, collections of fines, fees, restitution, counseling, community service, substance abuse testing, and other conditions that the court may consider necessary. We diligently monitor each condition and provide status reports to the court as required.
Pretrial Diversion: This serves as an alternative for qualified offenders allowing them to bypass the traditional court process without facing a criminal conviction. We offer close oversight of these cases, differing from the standard basic probation supervision.
Bond Supervision: The conditions of Bond Supervision programs, established by the releasing judge, are typically tailored to the specific offense for which an individual is charged. We ensure compliance with these conditions until each case is resolved.
Accountability Courts: Common types of accountability courts include DUI Courts, Drug Courts, Family Violence Courts, and Mental Health Courts. The collaborative efforts of intervention, counseling, and supervision in these courts work together to rehabilitate offenders, effectively reducing the likelihood of recidivism.
Smartphone Supervision App:
Statistics indicate that the most prevalent probation violation leading to a warrant is failure to report. Common reasons for this failure include lack of transportation and conflicts with a probationer's work schedule. To assist probationers in overcoming these obstacles, we have launched Georgia probation's first smartphone application. This innovative app enables probationers to report in and make payments directly from their smartphones, streamlining the supervision process.
Drug Testing:
At CSRA Probation Services, Inc., drug testing remains a top priority as it serves as a valuable tool in identifying drug users and deterring drug use. We offer the latest technology and training to effectively address the ever-evolving drug abuse challenges in our community.
Global Positioning Satellite:
Our Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) system allows for constant monitoring of an offender's whereabouts. This technology facilitates home confinement options while enabling offenders the ability to travel to verifiable destinations such as work, school, or medical treatment. We possess the experience and state-of-the-art equipment to provide this highly beneficial and cost-effective solution.
Alcohol Monitoring:
We are equipped to perform alcohol testing at various supervision levels, including traditional breathalyzer screens, urine detection for alcohol levels, and continuous monitoring through a Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring System (SCRAM). Our comprehensive approach ensures effective supervision and compliance.
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Our app enables probationers to easily report in and make payments directly from their smartphones.
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