Probation

History

The concept of probation, from the Latin, probatio, "testing," has historical roots in the practice of judicial reprieve. So probation began as a humanitarian effort to allow first-time offenders a second chance. In other words probation is a sentence which may be imposed by a court in lieu of incarceration.

One Native American Tribe has set up a program designed to take a participant through four phases; Coyote, Bear, Deer, Eagle.

Phase 1: Coyote. In this phase, the Coyote is symbolic of a trickster. The key to this phase is for the participant to recognize his defects. In this phase, the participant must learn that he is powerless, that his life is unmanageable, and that he is in denial about his condition.

Phase II: Bear. In this phase, the bear symbolizes being resistant to all that surrounds the participant. The key to this phase is to recognize the conflict of power within and turn it over to "The Creator" or "Higher Power".

Phase III: Deer. In this phase the deer is symbolic, in some cultures, of medicine people. The key to this phase is to learn to form fellowships, to become gentle, swift, alert, and aware of one's surroundings. In this phase, participants learn to be conscious of the world in which they live.

Phase IV: Eagle. In this phase, the eagle is symbolic of wisdom, honor, and respect. The key to this phase is to learn to earn back self-dignity, honor and respect.

What is Probation?

The goal of probation is to reduce recidivism by individuals convicted of an offense in Tribal Court. The role of the Probation Officer is to monitor offender's compliance with court-ordered terms and conditions of release from detention, and thereby bring about positive change in the offender's lives.  The Probation Officer will make recommendations to the court based on an assessment of each offender's need for health and social services, and of the circumstances leading to and at the time of committing an offense. Recommendations and compliance reports will be required throughout an offender's contact with the tribal justice system, from arrest to post-conviction and sentencing supervision. The Probation Officer also represents the Tribal court system in a positive and constructive manner with key stakeholders including Tribal and Community members, the Tribal government, Court staff, Police Officers, and other governmental agencies, social services agencies and community groups.

Additional Roles of the Probation Officer

1. Complete written reports on each client's progress and compliance and provide to Prosecutor and Tribal Court on a regular basis and prior to any scheduled court date.
2. Issue citations for Violation(s) of Lawful Court Orders and/or prepare Orders to Show Cause, including making recommendations for the revocation of a client's probationary status, and making arrests when necessary.
3. Monitor client compliance and progress in all court-ordered treatment programs, including contact with providers and counselors.
4. Demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the principles of reducing recidivism, including integration of evidence-based principles in collaboration with community and justice partners, and methods of treatment for such problems as substance abuse and domestic violence.
5. Serves as the court Bailiff.

The Probation Officer is one small part working with all others, so that the Tribe's Vision and Mission statement can be accomplished.

Contact Us

Probation Department
Gary Herron, Probation Officer
(509) 447-7172 direct
(509) 290-7163 cell
(509) 445-4039 fax