The imposition of special conditions of probation should be based only on specific, individual needs/risk assessment information.

As a way to provide incentives while enhancing public safety, a working group shall be formed of representatives from the Division of Probation Services, district court probation departments, prosecutors, defense attorneys, victim representatives, and judges to develop an earned time schedule that links specific behaviors, such as completing drug treatment and maintaining "clean" urinalysis tests, to specific reductions in the term of the probation sentence.

Judicial and probation officer training should be expanded to develop curricula that promote a culture of successful supervision of probationers.

Research shows that positive reinforcement is an important component of behavior modification. The use of incentives to facilitate successful completion of probation should be encouraged. Such incentives should be interpreted as evidence-based efforts to encourage the offender's positive performance for the purpose of enhancing public safety and preventing victimization.

To increase consistency across the state in the response to probation technical and criminal violations, the Division of Probation Services should work with district probation departments to develop a range of probation sanction guidelines that hold offenders accountable while working toward successful completion of probation. These guidelines will be adopted and consistently implemented with the assistance of the court in each jurisdiction.

Minimize court review hearings and appearances to reduce docket overload and interruptions to the offender's employment. Educate judges and probation officers on the necessity of prioritizing support for the offender's employment since research shows that stable employment is linked to recidivism reduction. This does not apply to specialty courts or dockets.

Resolve new county court cases as soon as possible because unresolved cases may interfere with the success of district court probation.

Implement existing statutes (C.R.S. 16-5-206 and 16-5-207) encouraging the use of a summons rather than arrest for probation revocations.

Encourage the use of "cash only" bonds rather than arrest and incarceration for offenders on revocation status for nonpayment when the total amount of fees and costs owed is minimal. The judge can convert the cash bond into costs owed should the offender fail to comply with conditions of supervision.

When appropriate, and considering public safety and the safety of the victim, expand the use of home detention in lieu of jail, as a condition of probation or for a probation revocation.

To reduce the number of offenders with probation violations resulting in a prison sentence, the Division of Probation Services should implement a technical violations program that focuses on these offenders and encourages them to become compliant with probation supervision.

The Commission supports the efforts of the Division of Probation Services and district probation offices to enhance the consistent use of appropriate incentives and intermediate sanctions, in court and out of court, particularly in response to technical violations.

The 19 standard conditions of probation should be reviewed by the Probation Advisory Committee. The Probation Advisory Committee should consider requiring only those conditions that are tailored to each individual, and based on criminogenic risks/needs, and victim and community safety. The PAC should invite members of the CCJJ Re-Entry Probation Task Force to participate in this review. The condition to remain crime-free is reasonable for all offenders.

Because the loss of a driver's license is a significant barrier to employment, and because employment is linked to crime reduction, abolish those portions of a statute that require the mandatory revocation or suspension of the defendant's driver's license for a conviction/adjudication of non-driving offenses. This recommendation does not apply to child support enforcement.