Probation

Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Operating under the Chief Judge of the Third Judicial Circuit, in Bond County, the Bond County Probation Department administers a wide range of programs covering standard probation and pretrial services.  Most offenders are assigned to a standard caseload for supervision, while others are placed with specially trained officers who work with sex offenders, DUIs, and domestic violence cases.  Throughout the court process, the department has the ability to provide the court with pertinent information and access resources which decrease the likelihood offenders will be involved in another offense, while enhancing public safety.

The majority of Department resources are dedicated to probation supervision.  While on probation, offenders are required to comply with very specific conditions of supervision while residing in the community.  Probation Officers assist offenders in complying with their sentences through guidance, surveillance, and referrals to service providers for treatment, education, and employment training.

For pretrial services, the Department supervises offenders released on bond and preparing pretrial bond reports.  These reports provide the courts with information in making the decision about whether or not to release an offender on bond.  Another function of the Department is to conduct pre-sentence investigations and to submit a report to the Court which is used to make decisions about sentencing an offender.

The Bond County Probation Department is currently staffed by three probation officers and two administrative support personnel.  In addition, there are two part-time staff, one provides additional administrative support and the other is responsible for supervising community service work crews.

Mission

The mission of the Bond County Probation Department is to provide the courts with proven programs and services, which are responsive to constitutional and statutory requirements.  The department’s programs and services will reflect both the offenders needs and the priorities of the county, while reducing risk and increasing public safety.

Purpose

The purpose of the Bond County Probation Department is to enhance community safety while working with offenders using evidence based programs and services, to develop the offender’s competencies which are required to live a safe and law-abiding lifestyle.

Personnel

The Bond County Probation Department is considered a relatively small probation department in comparison with the rest of the state’s probation departments.  Within each county the Chief Judge of the Judicial Circuit hire personnel to operate each probation department.  Although the personnel are all employees of the Court, the operations of each Department are overseen by the Administrative Office of the Illinois Court – Probation Division, who sets policy for all departments.  By statute there is a cost share between the state and each county, provided the county meets minimum standards set for the Department.   Funding is therefore channeled through the county’s budget to fund all probation operations and approved positions.

There are currently three probation officer assigned to the Bond County Probation Department.  One is the Chief Managing Officer and the other two are line officers.  In addition, there are two administrative support positions utilized by the Department.

In addition to the five full-time positions, there are two part-time personnel used to support Department operations.  One individual provides additional administrative support and the other supervises community service work crews.