Probationer Population

• According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. population stood at 308.7 million in 2010 (see Reference 4). The probation population decreased by 40,079 probationers during 2009, from 4,244,046 to 4,203,967. The number of probationers in comparison to the U.S. population was approximately 1.3 percent in 2009-2010 (see Reference 3.) Note: None of the sources reviewed analyze the data in terms of the demographics of probation violators. Therefore, it is not possible to ascertain figures for violators holding American citizenship as opposed to noncitizens and illegal aliens.
  
  

State Versus Federal Results

• In 2009, the survey year, the probation population showed a slight decline as the number of individuals exiting from probation exceeded those sentenced to probation. The decline is the result of lower numbers in the state parole populations as opposed to the federal parole population. The number of those paroled for federal crimes increased during the survey period.
  
  

The Felony Population

• During the survey period, there was an increase in the rate at which the probation population completed their supervised period. While the felony probation population declined from 2000 to 2008, the trend showed a reverse as the number of probations due to felony convictions increased in 2009. The percentage of felony probations increased from 49 percent to 51 percent of the population of probationers in 2009, the survey year.
  
  

Probation Violation Numbers

• One of the main reasons for the rapid growth of prison populations in the U.S. is the incarceration of offenders who violate the terms of either probation or parole. Nearly one-half of the U.S. prison population is the result of failed probation or community supervisions. More than 230,000 parole violators were admitted to prison in 2005. In 2004, 330,000 probationers were sent to jail for violating the terms of their probation. (See Reference 5.) In Florida, it is estimated that nearly half of all probationers violate the terms of their sentence. In New Jersey, half the probationers violate the terms of their sentence and more than 40 percent are rearrested for new felonies. (See Resources 3 and 4.)