Centennial of the Probation Act of 1925

Floor Speech

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Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, I rise today to mark the centennial of the Probation Act, which was signed into law on March 4, 1925. The law allowed Federal judges to include probation as part of a person's sentence, leading to the creation of the Federal probation system that we rely on today.

The probation and pretrial services system have become a backbone of the Federal judiciary and the Federal criminal justice system. Over the past 100 years, the Federal probation system has grown to employ around 7,600 personnel who work behind the scenes to assist judges and those involved in the criminal justice system. Through comprehensive investigations and reports, these officers and staff prepare judicial officers to make evidence-based decisions tailored to facts of every case. They also provide essential support and supervision to people returning home from prison, helping to rebuild lives while improving community safety.

At home in Rhode Island, our Federal probation staff is at the heart of two successful programs to put people on path out of the criminal justice system for good. The HOPE Court--Helping Offenders Prepare for reEntry--launched in 2014, is a reentry court program that helps high risk and high needs individuals returning home from prison overcome challenges like substance use disorder that might lead them to reoffend. In 2021, Rhode Island created the Deferred Sentencing Program to offer a creative treatment and supervision program in place of incarceration to effectively address offender behavior, rehabilitation, and the safety of the community. Through both of these programs, probation officers and staff work with stakeholders to connect people with community services and resources that set them up for success.

This week, Federal probation officers from across the country, including my home State of Rhode Island, gathered in our Nation's Capital to celebrate the progress made over the past hundred years and look ahead to its future. I extend my sincere gratitude to our Federal probation workers for dutifully protecting the communities they serve and for their commitment to promoting the fair administration of justice. As we mark this important anniversary, let us reaffirm our commitment to a criminal justice system that is fair, effective, and rehabilitative.

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