Conditional imprisonment with supervision

Before trial, the prosecutor or the court requests a probation office to prepare a pre-sentence report, which includes an assessment of the suspect's need for supervision. The aim of supervision is to promote and support the supervised persons’ social coping and prevent recidivism by increasing their abilities to lead a life without crime.

At the beginning of the supervision, the supervisor assesses in more detail the supervised person’s current risks, needs and abilities. Based on the assessment, the supervisor prepares a specified sentence plan together with the supervised person. When needed, the sentence plan is coordinated with other plans drawn up by cooperation partners, such as the social welfare services.

Content of supervision

Supervision includes regular appointments with the supervisor. Their purpose is to improve the supervised persons’ abilities to take responsibility and act in a manner acceptable in society. The appointments are confidential.

During the appointments, the supervisor or a supervision patrol instructor address factors contributing to criminal behaviour. The supervisor also assists the supervised persons in contacting, for example, other authorities or services, which could support their current situation. If needed, the supervised persons are referred to support services, such as social welfare, substance abuse, health care, dept counselling or other similar services.

The aim of supervision is to support sentenced persons in their own efforts to change. The appointments with the supervisor or the supervision patrol instructor may include discussions, tasks and exercises on various topics based on the sentence plan. Participation in group activities or courses may also be possible during the supervision period. Supervision may involve cooperation with the supervised persons’ family, different authorities or other parties.

Obligations

The regulations and obligations concerning the supervision period are included in the sentence plan. Supervised persons are required to participate in the preparation of the sentence plan and maintain contact with their supervisor as specified in the plan. Typically, contact is more frequent at the beginning of supervision and may be reduced over time based on need.

Supervised persons are required to provide necessary contact details and information about their work, housing, education, studies and financial situation during appointments or whenever the supervisor requests. Other information on the circumstances of supervised persons may also be necessary for carrying out the supervision. The supervised persons must inform the supervisor of any significant changes in their circumstances and comply with the regulations issued by the supervisor that are necessary in regard the supervision.

If supervised persons breach their obligations, they may be issued sanctions, such as a reprimand or warning. In addition, the police may be asked to bring them in to the next appointment. In the case of a serious breach of obligations, the court may extend the supervision period by up to six months. The court may also convert the supervision period of a sentenced person aged 21 or over into unconditional imprisonment.

More about the enforcement of community sanctions

More about conditional imprisonment