The probation and parole division is tasked with collecting monies ordered by courts and/or dictated by Louisiana statute. Collection practices should focus on victim restitution with less emphasis placed on the collection of monies that have little bearing on public safety.

Key points

– Community supervision is costly, often for reasons unrelated to supervision or the offense committed.

– The ability to pay determination as recommended by the Justice Reinvestment Initiative reforms has been delayed for nearly five years.

– Community supervision should focus on the collection of victim restitution over other legal financial obligations.

– The 10% collection fee that is added to victim restitution should be eliminated to allow for increased monies to victims.