Massachusetts Probation Service – Boston, MA

Massachusetts Probation Service: Promoting Justice and Safety

Agency Overview

The Massachusetts Probation Service (MPS), headquartered at Ashburton Place, holds the distinction of being the first probation service established in the United States 🇺🇸. As a critical arm of the Massachusetts Trial Court system, it focuses on the supervision of individuals placed on probation by the courts. The agency is dedicated to maintaining community safety while providing opportunities for rehabilitation and positive behavioral change among offenders.

• Electronic Monitoring (ELMO): Manages GPS and alcohol monitoring for high-risk individuals.
• Community Corrections: Provides intermediate sanctions and support services as an alternative to incarceration.
• Record Sealing and Expungement: Assists eligible individuals in sealing criminal records to aid in reintegration.
• Victim Services: Offers support and certification services for victims of crime involved in probation cases.

Core Responsibilities

Probation officers within this department work closely with the courts to enforce orders and supervise clients. This involves risk assessment, regular check-ins, and connecting individuals with substance abuse treatment, educational programs, and job training resources. The goal is to reduce recidivism 📉 and assist probationers in becoming productive members of society. The central office in Boston coordinates policy, training, and administration for probation departments across the Commonwealth.

Security and Access

Located in the Ashburton Place state office building, visitors must adhere to strict security protocols. Valid photo identification 🆔 is required for entry, and all guests must pass through security screening. The facility houses administrative offices and is not typically a venue for walk-in probation reporting unless specifically directed. It serves as the administrative headquarters for the Commissioner of Probation.