DIVISION FOR PROBATION AND
CORRECTIONAL ALTERNATIVES

Agency Mission

The Division of Probation and Correctional Alternatives (DPCA) is responsible for ensuring the availability of effective probation services and other criminal sanctions. The Division seeks to develop a more comprehensive and effective system of community-based sanctions by overseeing county probation departments, providing training and technical assistance and reimbursement for a portion of their expenses. The agency also provides a variety of grants to Alternatives to Incarceration programs. These programs provide the criminal justice system with appropriate punishment consistent with the nature of the offense.

Year-to-Year Change

The Executive proposed a total All Funds decrease of $3,134,370, or 3.35 percent in the Division of Probation and Correctional Alternatives. This decrease includes an Aid to Localities funding reduction of $3,060,970 or 3.34 percent.

Legislative Proposals

The Executive proposed a reduction in State Fiscal Year 1998-99 of $4.8 million in alternatives to incarceration funding. The Assembly restored funding for these important programmatic efforts. In addition, the Executive vetoed $2.5 million in funding for expansion of the Juvenile Intensive Supervision Program and $400,000 in funding for other alternative to incarceration programs. The Assembly proposes funding of $7,700,000 to restore these important programs. In addition, the Assembly recommends that the interstate compact for the transfer of parolees and probationers continue as currently administered under law.