KCSCD - Basic Rules for Volunteers and Interns

PROBATION: HOW IT STARTED

Probation was actually started by a volunteer about 130 years ago in Boston, Massachusetts. John Augustus, a shoemaker by trade, watched a common drunkard being sentenced to jail. He had the opportunity to convey with the man and became convinced the man could remain sober if given a chance. Augustus stood bail for the man and he was released by the Court and ordered to appear back in three weeks for sentencing. At that time, he seemed so reformed that instead of the usual penalty of imprisonment he was fined one cent and ordered to pay all costs. Augustus was so encouraged that he continued to stand bail for offenders for the next 18 years. Augustus developed many of the features which are characteristic of the Probation System used today. He selected men for probation who were first offenders and he made a thorough examination of each individual history. This is done today by the use of Pre-Sentence Investigation. Offenders under Augustus’ supervision were either sent to school or supplied with honest work. He also made impartial reports to the Court and maintained a careful register of all his cases. Each of these things is to this day part to the procedure of the Probation Office. He opened the door to a new concept of helping offenders rather than merely punishing them.

WHO IS THE OFFENDER?

As a volunteer you will be working with misdemeanors and felonies who are 17 years of age and above. The offenses are various and include such charges as DWI’s, theft, narcotic violations, burglary and robbery. Most offenders are average citizens with normal problems. The way in which they handled their problems have not always been within the law. They are people that we come into contact with on an everyday basis while they are serving time in the community.

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