Probation

Offenders in the community can be sentenced to probation as an alternative to being incarcerated.  A sentence of probation can be no less than 12 months and no longer than three years. There are mandatory and optional conditions for all probation orders from the Courts, and each order is specific to the offender.

Can I travel if I am on probation?

You can usually only travel if you have written permission from a manager. You have to

 and give it to the supervising Probation Officer four weeks in advance.  You must have all required documentation and support from the supervising officer along with your application.

Parole

Parole is the conditional release of offenders who have served at least one third (1/3) of their term of imprisonment. The Parole Board grants or revokes Parole Orders.

Can I travel while on parole?

You are granted permission to travel by the Parole Board generally only for exceptional circumstances related to educational, medical and compassionate reasons. You need to

 at least six weeks in advance to the supervising officer, and the supervising officer provides information to the Board on the application to travel.

When is an offender eligible for parole?

A parolee has to serve at least one third of their sentence to be eligible for parole.  They also must be deemed to be suitable and open to be supervised in the community with minimal risks to re-offend. The Probation Officer makes recommendations to the Parole Board, who then determines whether an offender in a correctional facility should be released from prison earlier under supervision. 

Generally, an individual who has been incarcerated for longer than twelve months can be considered for parole after carrying out one third of their sentence.  An individual serving a life sentence must serve at least fifteen years, unless otherwise stipulated by the Courts, before being considered for release.

Eligibility time does not guarantee release on parole. There are mandatory and optional conditions of parole orders. (find more information in the Criminal Code section 70 O-S). Provisions for anyone under the age of 18 years old falls under the Young Offenders Act.

Where are people placed to perform community service hours?

People perform community service hours at community organizations, non-profit organizations, adopted parks, and government agencies. The minimum number is 40 hours and max 1000 as means of reparation..The level of supervision and their placement is based on the person’s skills, risk level, and the type of tools they would be using to complete the task.  If you would like to be considered as a community service organization, please contact the Department of Court Services.