Feature: Promising Probation in Hawaii

A few years ago, the probation system in Hawaii was like many probation systems — too many convicted felons on probation were failing. So criminal justice professionals started collaborating on a swift-and-sure-punishment program that became known as Hawaii's Opportunity Probation with Enforcement (HOPE).

High-risk probationers received "warning hearings" and learned that the courts would strictly enforce the rules of probation. A judge told probationers that everyone in the system hoped they would succeed on probation, but to remain out of jail they would have to follow the rules.

Those who violated the terms of probation were immediately arrested, appeared in court and went to jail — typically for a few days.

The program appears to be working; participants are more successful than those in the traditional probation system.

Read a 2-page summary of the HOPE program (pdf, 2 pages).

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