PROBATION - When an individual has been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony and released into the community for supervision

PAROLE - A legal status whereby an offender convicted of a felony and sentenced to the New Hampshire State Prison is released into the community by the parole board.

The Division of Field Services supervises New Hampshire offenders who are not currently incarcerated behind bars. Field Services is responsible for the following.

• Approximately 4,000 people on Probation
• Approximately 1,300 people on parole
• Approximately 350 people who are released on bail
• Approximately 2,700 people who have been ordered to pay restitution to a victim
• Approximately 60 individuals on Administrative Home Confinement (sometimes called electronic monitoring or the "ankle bracelet")
• Approximately 500 people for other types of supervision

Field Services is also responsible for conducting Pre-Sentencing Investigations. These investigations are requested by a court of law. It includes a thorough evaluation of the offender's criminal charge, a thorough review of the circumstances including interviews with affected parties, and a recommendation to sentencing judge.

The Division of Field Services also supervises offenders on probation or parole from outher jurisidictions using an Interstate Compact agreement. Please follow this link if you want more information about the Intertstate Commission for Adult Offender Supervision or ICAOS

Academy Program

The Probation Academy program falls under the Division of Field Services. The statewide program began in January 1996 as an alternative sentencing option for non-violent, low-risk offenders. It is a one year long intensive and comprehensive program of both punishment and rehabilitation.

The participant must satisfactorily complete a core curriculum of:

• Living skills
• Parenting
• Stress management
• Money Management
• Nutrition
• Counseling depending on need
• Educational/Vocational courses depending on need
• Substance abuse self-help programs

This program is being de-emphasized as the Department moves toward the development and implementation of the Division of Community Corrections.

District Offices