An Analysis of the Impact of Georgia’s SB105 on Community Supervision Officer Caseloads

• In Event: Evaluating Probation and Parole Practices and the Impact of Probation Reform in Georgia

Abstract

Georgia’s Senate Bill 105 (SB105) expanded the early probation termination reform legislation from SB174, shortening the time for judicial review and clarifying the criteria for inclusion. Meant to offer a pathway for early termination of probation sentences, SB105 not only has the potential to impact those on probation but also to reduce the caseloads and workloads of community supervision officers (CSO). This study employs interrupted time series (ITS) analyses using segmented regression to evaluate changes in CSO caseloads in Georgia, focusing on officers with CSO1, CSO2, and CSO3 titles during the COVID-19 pandemic and following the implementation of SB105. Weekly data on officer caseloads for traditional supervision levels, spanning from 2017 to 2024, are used to assess the impact of these key events. Models predicted reductions in CSO1 and CSO2’s active caseloads following the pandemic and SB105, with caseloads rebounding in the weeks post-policy. We also assess impacts on administrative and specialized officer caseloads. These analyses are supported by focus groups providing nuance on the substantive impact of SB105 of caseloads. Findings highlight the complex interplay between legislative reforms and external factors like the pandemic on probation officer workloads, providing important insights for policy and practice improvements in community supervision.

Authors

• Kristin Bechtel, RTI International

• Pranav Athimuthu, RTI International

• Christopher Inkpen, RTI International

• Emily Burtch, RTI International

• Pam Lattimore, RTI International