The Supervision and Treatment of Offenders on Probation: Understanding Rural and Urban Differences

Abstract

This article presents an analysis of intake survey data from 3,698 adult offenders placed on probation in a midwestern state. The data describe differences between urban and rural adult probation admissions. Included in the analysis and discussion is the identification of drug use and abuse and the ability of probation systems in the state to provide adequate screening and treatment. Other demographic and offense characteristics aid in profiling rural probation offenders, including similarities and differences with their urban counterparts.