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Probation Services



INTRODUCTION

The first Probation statute in New Jersey was passed in 1900. The principal duties for Probation defined by that law (L.1900, C,102) were to perform investigation into the character of criminal offenders to be sentenced by the court and to supervise offenders sentenced to Probation. These two functions are those which are most readily acknowledged as the traditional core activities of Probation, in New Jersey and elsewhere.

From the original functions of investigation and supervision of adult offenders, Probation's responsibilities have steadily been increased by the Legislature and by the Courts to the point where Probation represents a large and complex enforcement and service delivery agency. Probation staff have responsibilities in the supervision area that are complex and difficult. They are charged with enforcement of the court order and are often involved in counseling and rehabilitative services as well.

Another substantial role for Probation in supervision is the collection of court ordered payments for fines, restitution, penalties, and, largest of all, child support.

Probation Services has a long history of serving the citizenry and providing optimum client services.

What Is Probation?

Probation is sentence served while under supervision in the community. Some judges may use Probation as a supplement to a period of prison or jail.

Divisional Vision Statement

We envision a partnership with the courts, community and clients based upon mutual respect, integrity and dignity. We strive for excellence and the highest level of service to community and clients. We are dedicated to:

Incorporating progressive ideas and actions
Assuming a leadership role in prevention and education
Exploring and implementing new technologies and innovative programs
Developing an organization which values open communication, agency-wide participation and teamwork

Divisional Mission Statement

The Morris/Sussex Probation Services Division is committed to:

Working with the courts, in a professional manner, by implementing court sanctions to promote law-abiding behavior.

The belief that individuals are capable of positive change and that we can be instrumental in directing that change.

The safety of the community while recognizing the necessary balance between community protection and assistance to our clients.

Recognizing and responding to the needs and concerns of victims of crime and families entitled to child support and other services.

All staff by providing the training and resources to deliver quality performance and service, providing a safe, healthy and positive work environment, treating each other with dignity and respect, and providing open, inclusive and participative management.

Divisional Organization

The Probation Division is overseen by a Vicinage Chief Probation Officer, (VCPO), who has overall responsibility for both Morris and Sussex counties. In Morris County, the VCPO oversees a staff of 101. Morris County Probation Services has its principal office in Morristown and satellite offices in Dover and Boonton. In Sussex County, the day-to-day administration and supervision are handled by a Vicinage Assistant Chief Probation Officer (VACPO) who oversees a staff of 28. The VACPO reports to the VCPO in Morris County.



Adult Post-Dispositional Services Section

Vicinage 10 Probation Services Division and is divided into Administration and three major services delivery sections. These sections include:

Adult Post-Dispositional Services Section
Developing an organization which values open communication, agency-wide participation and teamwork

Support Enforcement Services Section

Adult Supervision and Field Services Section
Morris County (973) 656-3504
Sussex County (973) 579-0633

Probation of an adult is a privilege which offers an individual an alternative to incarceration as well as providing support and guidance. The Offenders have the opportunity to prove themselves under the guidance of a Court appointed Probation Officer.

The Probation Officer helps to enforce Court orders and special conditions that the Court has placed on the individual while assisting in identifying and resolving problem areas in the Probationer's life. Some examples of Court sanctions are drug testing, community service, fines, restitution and penalties as ordered by Superior and Municipal Courts. Probation Services has initiated Project F.O.R.C.E., (Financial Obligations Recovery and Collections Effort) a component to enhance collection of Court imposed financial obligations. Probation Officers may even supervise people on orders from out-of-county and out-of-state Courts.



Juvenile Services Section

Juvenile Services Section
Morris County (973) 656-3504
Sussex County (973) 579-0633

The Juvenile Services Section monitors young people in a community setting and ensures compliance with any special conditions required of the juvenile by the Court. Rehabilitation is the major goal of the Juvenile Justice System and Probation Officers are a vital part of the rehabilitative process since it is the officer who has an ongoing relationship with youth and assists them in achieving a law-abiding lifestyle.



Support Enforcement Services Section

Support Enforcement Services Section
Morris County (973) 656-3500
Sussex County (973) 579-0607

This section of Probation monitors and enforces child support cases that have been ordered by the Court. It also enforces Court Orders that provide for alimony payments. Responsibilities are varied, caseloads diverse, and frequent contact with other community agencies is required.



SPECIAL PROGRAMS

S.T.O.P Program/School Talks on Prevention/Morristown

Courthouse Program #: MORR0559
PO Box 9
Hours: Upon request
Phone: For Morris and Sussex Counties: (973) 656-3567
Fees: None
Procedure: Contact Agency
Eligibility: Civic groups and schools
Details: Promotes a better understanding of the justice system, through a series of presentations on shoplifting, vandalism, substance abuse, hate crimes and an overview of the juvenile justice system. The programs are available to all Morris County school districts, parent and community groups.
Client Age: No restrictions
Service Area: Morris and Sussex Counties

Community Service Program/Probation
Courthouse Program #: MORR0563

PO Box 910 Morristown, NJ 07963-0910
Hours: 8:30 am - 5: pm, Monday - Friday
Phones: (973) 656-3572 Morris County
(973) 579-0634 Sussex County
Eligibility: Male/Female offenders
Details: Screens, places and monitors juvenile and adult offenders who have been ordered to perform community service by the court. Coordinates placements of sentenced offenders to appropriate work assignments in lieu of or in addition t fines and short term incarceration. Available to some non-profit, community- based agencies.
Client Age: No restrictions
Service Area: Morris and Sussex Counties

Pass Program/Morris County Probation

Morristown, NJ 07960-0000
Hours: 8:00 am - 2:00 pm, Sunday
Eligibility: Male/Female juvenile offenders
Details: A court ordered program for juvenile offenders who have failed to comply with previous community service orders. Juveniles participate in ground maintenance, litter pick-up, graffiti removal and other community service projects at parks, churches, synagogues, schools and other local work sites. Provides rehabilitative activities, pos. social interaction.
Client Age: Juveniles
Service Area: Morris County

LOCATIONS:

Probation/Morristown

Morris County Courthouse
PO Box 910
Morristown, NJ 07963-0910
Telephone: (973) 656-3500
Fax: (973) 656-3531

Probation/Dover
91-93 Bassett Highway
Dover, NJ 07801-0000
Telephone: (973) 973-659-3500
Fax: (973) 659-3515

Probation/Sussex
Sussex County Judicial Center
43-47 High Street, Newton, NJ 07860
Telephone: (201) 579-0600
Fax: (201) 579-0641



Complementary Dispute Resolution (CDR)

The Probation Services Division in Morris County also administers a Complementary Dispute Resolution (CDR) program known as Probation Violation Program that helps keep cases from having to go to Court. This program was established under the authority of the Legislature and Supreme Court and is subject to the rules and regulations found in the New Jersey Court Rules. This practice involves conducting administrative hearings to resolve certain probation violations rather than a formal court violation hearing. The Assignment Judge has authorized the Vicinage Chief Probation Officer or his designee to serve as the Hearing Officer in these types of matters. Probationer participation in this program is voluntary, and any changes negotiated in the terms and conditions of probation are consensual.


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