Supervision of conditional release

The decision on conditional release is made by the Prison and Probation Service in accordance with the law. A conditionally released prisoner is placed under supervision if:

• the part of imprisonment not served in prison is longer than one year;
• the offence was committed when the person was under 21 years old;
• the prisoner so requests;
• the prisoner is placed in probationary liberty under supervision before the actual release and committed to pharmacotherapy aimed at preventing new sexual offences;
• the risk of a prisoner sentenced for murder, manslaughter, or attempted murder to commit a new violent offence is assessed to be high; or
• the risk of a prisoner, who is serving a prison sentence for a violent or sexual offence and has previously been sentenced to imprisonment for a similar offence, to commit a new violent or sexual offence is assessed to be high.

The supervision continues for the duration of the probationary period, which may last up to three years. For justified reasons, the supervisor may propose that the supervision be discontinued earlier.

The aim of supervision is to prevent recidivism by enhancing the released prisoners’ abilities to lead a life without crime. The probation office and the sentenced person prepare a specified sentence plan designed to support social coping. The plan includes an assessment of the sentenced person’s risks, needs and abilities, which forms the basis for the goals of the supervision period and the means to reach them. When needed, the sentence plan is coordinated with other plans prepared by partner organisations, such as social welfare services.

The probation office starts the preparation for release well in advance together with the prisoner and relevant support networks.

Content of supervision

Supervision includes regular appointments with the supervisor. Their purpose is to improve the supervised persons’ abilities to take responsibility and behave 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 measures or 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 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, warning or notification to the prosecutor. In addition, the police may be asked to bring them in to the next appointment. In case of a serious breach of the obligations, the court may order 4–14 days of the remaining sentence be enforced.

More about the enforcement of community sanctions

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