What is the difference between parole and probation?

Probation and parole are both methods used by the criminal justice system to supervise and monitor offenders. While they are similar, there are some key differences between the two.

Probation

Probation is a sentence given to an offender that allows them to remain in the community, under certain conditions, rather than being sent to prison. Offenders on probation are supervised by a probation officer, who monitors their compliance with the conditions of their probation, such as meeting regularly, attending treatment or counseling, and refraining from criminal activity. If an offender violates their probation, they may be sent to prison to serve out their original sentence.

Parole

Parole, on the other hand, is a conditional release from prison that allows an offender to serve the remainder of their sentence in the community, under supervision. Offenders on parole are required to comply with a set of conditions, similar to those imposed on probationers, and are supervised by a parole officer. Parole is typically granted after an offender has served a portion of their sentence in prison.

The main difference between probation and parole is the point at which they are imposed. Probation is ordered in lieu of a prison sentence, while parole is granted after an offender has served time in prison.