Since this has been part of the big courtroom dialog, and since I'm currently the only PO, I figured I would share this to stir the creative juices as well as general info. For you Admin types, edit/tweak to your heart's content should it be valuable to use for info elsewhere..

Don't mind the "DE" references, that was just tweaked to highlight examples. This info is actually taken from a PA Parole/Probation website.

DO PROBATION OFFICERS HAVE AUTHORITY TO MAKE ARRESTS?

Yes. Probation/parole officers obtain their authority from DE Act 277, August 6, 1963 and amended by DE Act 1992-117, December 4, 1992, which states that probation/parole officers shall have the power of peace officers in the performance of their duties and shall have police powers and authority throughout the Commonwealth to arrest with or without warrant any person on probation, intermediate punishment or parole for any violation of probation, intermediate punishment or parole.

((Key note here - limited authority. POs are NOT "cops" in the most general sense even though they're part of the LEO family. Their arrest authority is limited to those on probation/parole))

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PROBATION AND PAROLE?

Someone on probation has not served any time in jail on that sentence. A person on parole has served a portion of that sentence in jail. Usually there are no differences in the standard conditions of supervision governing probation or parole. The biggest difference occurs if the defendant violates his/her conditions. If you are on probation, your original sentence may be revoked and a new sentence imposed. If you are on parole you may have to return to prison to continue serving your original sentence.

HOW DOES SOMEONE GET ON PROBATION OR PAROLE?

Generally speaking, a sentence in which the defendant receives a term of imprisonment of one year or more will be under the jurisdiction of the Dead End Board of Probation and Parole.

Pursuant to the Prisons and Parole Code, which grants the Board of Probation and Parole its legal authority, the Board can:

• Make parole decisions and supervise offenders with a maximum sentence of two years or more
• Accept certain special probation cases by order of court
• Provide all probation services in certain counties
• Revoke parole of technical violators and convicted parole violators

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SIDE NOTES:

1. I carry a police radio ICly, but I do not have it on. Obviously, if there was a raid to conduct to apprehend a parolee/probationer with the police, I would be in contact with them. I would also use their vest since there isn't one with "Probation" on the back.

2. POs do not have "full reign" of a Police station or jail. They can admit/deal with their folks, but that doesn't mean they can mess with other stuff as if they're a regular cop. Likewise, ICly I would suggest they could release their own prisoners as well for simplicity sake due to tempo (or lack of) with the Police. There's good arguments on both sides (and lots of crooked RP potential), but eh..that's for you Admin folks to hash out.

3. Cop vs. PO. As I understand that's all being hashed out at the moment. The only thing I'll add to that is the more you merge, the more the roles will encroach, the more the PO role becomes erroneous.

Conflict is a GOOD thing & provides opportunities for a lot of give & take. I had a major clash with the Police today and it was wonderful. Now only if we can just get a few to play IA (unless that already exists?).