Duluth approves contract for probation services

Legislation was enacted in 2015 and 2016 by the Georgia General Assembly that significantly affected felony and misdemeanor probation in Georgia courts. Among other things, this legislation created a new state agency designated as the Department of Community Supervision. This agency is tasked with supervising the provision of misdemeanor probation services to the courts.

The legislation establishes certain minimum requirements for agreements for probation services. By DCS Rule, all agreements must be in compliance by Jan. 1. As a result, the Duluth Municipal Court, working with its current private probation provider, Southeast Corrections, LLC, developed a new agreement, which has been reviewed, and approved by DCS. The agreement outlines services provided by Southeast Corrections including interviews of probationers at the time of their sentencing, supervision guidelines, classes and services available to probationers, and fees that can be collected.