Frequently Asked Questions about Adult Probation

1. What are the rules for reporting to my probation officer?
2. What should I bring to my appointment with my Probation Officer?
3. What if the weather is bad?
4. What should I NOT bring to my appointment with my Probation Officer?
5. Why is it important that I participate in treatment?
6. Why do I have to sign a release of information?
7. How can I get information about services in the community?
8. Am I responsible to pay for my treatment services?
9. What do I do if I am arrested?
10. Can I travel to another state?
11. Can I carry a firearm?
12. What is a Violation of Probation? (VOP)
13. What if I have a “No Contact” order?
14. Do I have to give a DNA sample?
15. Is there a fee for probation services?
16. Can I vote?
17. What are my rights as a probationer?
18. What do I do if I feel my rights have been violated?
19. What employment services are available?

 

#1  What are the rules for reporting to my Probation Officer?
You must report on the day and time your Probation Officer tells you to. If you have an emergency or illness that prevents you from keeping your appointment, call and speak directly to your Probation Officer or their Supervisor and get a new appointment.

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#2  What should I bring to my appointment with my Probation Officer?

• Photo ID (Driver License or State ID Card).
• Proof of where you live (utility bill, business mail, etc.).
• Proof of employment (pay stub, note from employer).
• Proof of changes, if any, to your name, address, phone, etc.
• Proof of any completed treatment, community service, restitution and charity contributions.

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#3  What if the weather is bad?
In the event of a blizzard or other weather emergency that renders the roads unsafe, you are to follow the rules set by the Sheriff’s department with respect to road travel.  If the roads of the county remain open but the administration of the Probation & Community Justice Department deems them unwise to travel, then an announcement will be made on the radio instructing that clients not report. To hear these announcements, please tune into any of the following: WSQG 90.9 FM, WTKO 1470 AM, WYXL 97.3, WQNY 103.7 FM, WHCU 870 AM. If you have any questions you can and should always call your probation officer.

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#4  What should I NOT bring to my appointment with my Probation Officer?
You will be asked if you are carrying any weapons or prohibited items and you may be searched so you should not bring the following:

• Drugs and/or Paraphernalia
• Firearms
• Knives
• Box-Cutters
• Multi-Tools
• Aerosol Defense Sprays
• Any item Carried with the Intent to Bring Harm to Another Individual
• Any Weapons Determined to be Contraband, Dangerous, or Unnecessary
• Recording Devices or Camera Cell Phones ( All regular cell phones must be turned off)

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#5  Why is it important that I participate in treatment?
Your probation officer may refer you to a treatment program. There are many different types of treatment. These programs will help you improve your situation—they are not a punishment. However, failure to cooperate with treatment may result in a violation of probation. You may not want to go to treatment. This is normal. Programs require your time and effort. The most important first step for you is to attend. Once there, if you approach treatment as an opportunity, you will get the most out of it—give yourself the best chance for success.

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#6  Why do I have to sign a release of information?
It is necessary for you to sign the release of information so that your Probation Officer can find out if you attended and completed the program.

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#7  How can I get information about services in the community?
Tompkins County residents can now dial 2-1-1 to find health care, services for seniors, programs for people with disabilities, mental health services, legal assistance, addiction treatment, employment,
housing, food resources, consumer information, transportation, day care, youth programs, and other community services.

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#8  Am I responsible to pay for my treatment services?
You may have to pay for your treatment. In some instances third party funding (private insurance, Medicaid, etc) may be available to you. Also, many services are offered on a sliding scale.

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#9  What do I do if I am arrested?
If you are arrested, charged with any offense, or have any police contact, contact your Probation Officer within 48 hours of the incident.  You may do this in person or by telephone.

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#10  Can I travel to another state?
You may not travel or move out of state without permission from your Probation Officer. To do so you will need to apply for, obtain and carry with you a travel permit. PLAN AHEAD. You will need to give your Probation Officer a minimum of 48 hours notice to approve and prepare your permit.

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#11  Can I carry a firearm?

• No probationer may possess any firearms if on probation for a felony or a misdemeanor crime of illegal possession of drugs, domestic violence involving the user or threatened use of physical force or convicted for having a deadly weapon.
• If you are subject to a Protective and/or Restraining Order or other court orders not to possess any weapons, you are expected not to own, possess or purchase any weapons or items that could be used as a weapon.

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#12  What is a Violation of Probation? (VOP)

• When you fail to follow the conditions of your probation your actions may rise to the level of a
• violation of probation. (VOP)
• A VOP is a legal means to return you to court to face the judge who sentenced you. If you fail to follow any of your conditions or you get arrested, your Probation Officer may return your case to court.
• There will be a court hearing and if found in violation of your probation, you may be sentenced to alternative programs, or your probation sentence may be revoked and you may be sentenced to jail or prison.

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#13  What if I have a “No Contact” order?
You must not have or attempt to have any contact with the person or place. If that person tries to contact you, do not agree to make contact and tell your Probation Officer immediately.

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#14  Do I have to give a DNA sample?
If you are notified by letter to give a DNA sample, follow all of the instructions in the letter about who to contact for an appointment and where to go for the appointment. You will need to bring two forms of identification to the appointment. Your refusal to give a DNA sample is a Class A Misdemeanor and can be a violation of your probation.

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#15  Is there a fee for probation services?
There is a sliding fee charged to individuals for drug screens and a supervision fee for those who are on Probation as a result of a conviction under VTL 1192 and 1193 (DWI, DWAI, Drugged Driving).

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#16  Can I vote?
Yes, but first you must be registered in the town where you live.

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#17  What are my rights as a probationer?
You have the right to be treated in a respectful and professional manner that is free of any form of harassment, bias or discrimination because of your race, age, religion, gender, sexual orientation, place of birth, disability and political views.

 

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#18  What do I do if I feel my rights have been violated?

• First, talk to your Probation Officer and try to resolve your concerns.
• If you feel that you can’t resolve your concerns with your Probation Officer, ask to speak to their supervisor.
• If you still cannot resolve the problem you can call the Probation Director or Deputy Director
• Failing that, you may contact the NYS OPCA at 4 Tower Place, 8th floor, Albany, NY 12205 or call 518-485-7692
• Your probation will not be negatively affected just because you filed a complaint.
• Filing a complaint does not relieve you from your responsibilities to the court.

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#19  What employment services are available?
The Tompkins County Probation Department recognizes the importance of sustained employment for individuals under community supervision. Employment provides individuals a means to self-sufficiency, the ability to support their families, and an opportunity to become contributing members of our community.

Probation also understands the needs of area employers to ask questions of the probation department about potential employees, their work schedules and other work related issues. Accordingly, the Tompkins County Probation Department has designated a single point of contact or Probation Employment Liaison to communicate with area employers.

Please feel free to contact Kathy Lind at 607-274-5012, klind@tompkins-co.org if you are an area employer who has any general questions about probation conditions relating to employment, employment opportunities for individuals on probation, or if you have any other specific employment related questions or concerns.
 

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