Chapter 10: Judiciary-Related Offices
Security
The Office of the District Court Executive requires duress alarm devices near the
receptionist at the main entrance door and selected inner areas.
U.S. Probation/Pretrial Services Offices
Functions/Activities
The U.S. Probation Office counsels and supervises persons placed on probation or
supervised release by the court, as well as persons conditionally released from prison.
In addition, Probation Officers conduct pre-sentence investigations, prepare reports,
and make recommendations for consideration by judicial officers. As part of its
supervision activities, the office also performs urinalysis drug testing.
The Pretrial Services Office conducts background investigations on all defendants
charged with federal criminal offenses and provides judicial officers with reports and
recommendations for bail and release conditions. The office also supervises released
defendants, performs pretrial diversion investigations, and supervises persons assigned
to the diversion program. As part of its supervision activities, the office also performs
urinalysis drug testing. In some locations, the Probation Office performs the functions
of the Pretrial Services Office.
Adjacency and Circulation
Both the U.S. Probation Office and Pretrial Services Office require public access to
reception areas during the day and in the evenings. Restricted access for office staff is
also required during these times; staff must be able to enter and leave the office
without passing through the public reception/waiting area or extensively using the
public circulation system. If the office is located in a facility where weapons screening
is not conducted at the entry, public access to the office must be provided with a
weapons screening facility.
The U.S. Probation Office requires proximity to the main public entry area, after the
security screening point. If the Probation Office requires off-hours access for staff and
clients, the most desirable location is on the main public entry level, with separate
off-hours controlled access.
12/19/97
10-21
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