Probation & Parole in Wyoming

The Wyoming Department of Corrections manages probation and parole.

Probation and parole, both types of community supervision, grant offenders supervised release in the community. At sentencing, a judge may offer a defendant probation instead of prison. If a criminal is released early from prison, he is granted parole.

History

In 1941, Wyoming organized the state Department of Probation and Parole with one officer. In 1991, the name was changed to the Department of Corrections. In 2009, the department supervised almost 7,500 individuals.

Officer Job Duties

In addition to the supervision of offenders, The Wyoming Department of Corrections (WDOC) directs probation and parole officers to write reports, maintain case notes, testify in court if needed, attend training and work with families, victims, law enforcement personnel and the public.

Community Supervision Rules

Probation and parole supervision in Wyoming enforces some of the following rules: do not leave the State of Wyoming without permission, do not possess any weapons, pay court fees and complete counseling and community service hours as directed.

Programs

Probation and parole in Wyoming offers a variety of services to offenders. These include substance-abuse treatment, mental-health counseling, sex-offender treatment, reentry programs, intensive probation, education and drug and DUI court programs.

Careers

All probation and parole officer in Wyoming must complete Peace Officer Standards and Training through the WDOC. Four increasingly advanced levels of training enhance officer competence.

References

• Wyoming Department of Corrections: About the Department of Probation and Parole
• Wyoming Department of Corrections Annual Report--2009
• Wyoming Department of Corrections: Strategic Plan FY 2010-2012
• Wyoming Department of Corrections: Philosophy
• Wyoming Department of Corrections: Adult Community Corrections

Resources

• Wyoming Department of Corrections: Peace Officer Standards and Training Information