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1. How do I find out if someone is on probation?

If the person is an adult, their basic information (name and crime they’re convicted of) is a matter of public record. 

However, since several different agencies supervise adult offenders in Riley County (Community Corrections, Court Services, Manhattan Municipal Court Services, and State Parole) finding out if someone is on supervision may take several phone calls.  

If the agency you call has the person on supervision, you will be given the basic information.  If they don’t, they can usually tell you which agency to call based upon the conviction you think the person may be on probation for.

2. Isn’t probation too easy and just a slap on the wrist for the criminals?

Community Corrections has supervised over 1000 adult offenders since we began operations in 1982 and rarely has any probationer said their probation was “easy”. 

In fact, we’re often told we expect “too much” from probationers. For example, on our highest level of supervision, over a period of twelve months, the average probationer will have over 75 face-to-face contacts with their ISO (Intensive Supervision Officer) with about 20 of those contacts taking place outside of our office/in the community (unscheduled home visits or employment visits). 

 In addition, Community Corrections probationers are assigned to a random “Color Code” UA system, which requires them to call in five days a week and report for a drug test whenever their color is called.  

ISO’s also monitor our probationers’ employment, if probationers are unemployed they’re required to attend our Job Club weekly until they find a job.  

Finally, if an offender has been court-ordered to abide by “Special Conditions” as a part of being granted probation (obtain substance abuse or mental health evaluation, participate in any recommended treatment, refrain from contact with victims, and/or pay costs and restitution) ISO’s monitor compliance with those requirements. 

If offenders fail to comply with their conditions of probation, a variety of intermediate sanctions can be imposed or violations can be reported to the Court for further action.

3. What about more specific information about sex offenders?

In a statewide effort to allow the general public more information about convicted sex offenders who reside in their communities, all sex offenders are required to register with their local law enforcement agency.  

In turn, this information is available to the general public through a number of sources. You can visit the Kansas Bureau of Investigation website to learn about registered sex offenders in your community.

4. What drugs do you test probationers for?

We have the ability to provide on-site testing for 13 different drugs; including alcohol, amphetamines, barbiturates, cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, opiates and several others, with immediate results. 

If a field test is positive, the sample is forwarded to a federally licensed laboratory for more extensive testing, with GC/MS confirmation available in just a few days.  

We also have saliva tests and PBT’s (portable breath tests) available.

5. What is the difference between community corrections intensive supervision and regular probation?

The biggest difference is in the frequency of contact between the probationer and our staff. 

In general, a probationer assigned to Community Corrections will have about four times as much contact with their officer as compared to regular probation.  

In addition, Community Corrections is required to use Evidence-Based Practices (EBP) in supervising offenders assigned to our program, which have been proven to bring about positive change and help those offenders who successfully complete our program become productive, law-abiding citizens.