The court may order a presentence investigation report prior to imposing sentence on a criminal offense. During a presentence investigation, the probation officer will gather information such as offense data; criminal, social, education, and substance abuse history; impact of the offense on victim(s); and the defendant's risk for re-offense.

The officer will then verify the information and prepare a formal report for the court with recommendations regarding sentencing. This report is delivered to the court, district attorney, and the defendant or defense attorney at least three days prior to sentencing. 

Probation provides supervision to adults placed on regular probation by the court. Clients are assessed for risk and need and supervised accordingly. The probation officer makes referrals to outside agencies for any needed resources, such as for substance abuse evaluation and treatment, employment assistance, etc. The probation officer assists the offender in complying with any special conditions ordered by the court.

Intensive Supervision Probation (ISP) is designed to deliver intensive case management that includes daily contact with the offender, increased levels of drug testing, curfews, electronic monitoring, home visits, required employment or education/vocational efforts, and attendance in treatment as deemed necessary.

For information regarding Interstate Compact, visit Interstate Commission for Adult Offender Supervision.

Offenders convicted of domestic violence crimes are screened and assessed to determine the most appropriate level of supervision based on their assessed risk and needs. Supervision attempts to balance the victim and public safety with offender treatment needs. Probation officers supervising domestic violence offenders collaborate with law enforcement, victim services and treatment providers, and the greater community.

Juveniles placed on probation supervision by the court are supervised by probation officers who generally only supervise youth. Regular juvenile caseloads consist of juveniles who have committed varied offenses and are assessed as high, medium, or low risk to re-offend. The probation officer works together with school counselors, treatment providers, parents, foster homes, etc., to assist the juvenile in completing the court-ordered sentence.

Juvenile Intensive Supervision Probation (JISP) is a sentencing option for selected high-risk juvenile offenders and is designed to deliver intensive case management to include monitoring of school progress, referral for remedial educational assistance, home visits, electronic monitoring, drug testing, and skill building and treatment services, as required.

The Alcohol and Drug Driving Safety Program conducts alcohol and drug evaluations and makes treatment recommendations for offenders convicted of driving under the influence of, or impaired by, drugs or alcohol. The probation officer then provides supervision to ensure the offender completes court-ordered education, treatment, community service, and any other conditions ordered by the court.

The Probation Department's Victim Services Officer provides services for victims when their offender is placed on probation. Consistent with the Colorado Victim Rights Amendment, victims are notified of the defendant's sentence to probation and are invited to request notification of significant events during the period of probation. The Victim Services Officer provides referrals for victims, as well as general assistance.

• Victim Services Officer: (719) 253-5627
• Victim Services Supervisor: (719) 253-5611

The Sex Offender Intensive Supervision Probation Program (SOISP) provides the highest level of supervision to adult sex offenders who are placed on probation. In 2001, a statutory change required all felony sex offenders convicted on or after July 1, 2001, to be supervised by the SOISP program.

The State of Colorado has adopted a model of containment in the supervision and management of sex offenders. SOISP officers work closely with specialized treatment providers and law enforcement to manage supervision of the offender in the community. Depending on the offender, elements of containment may include severely restricted activities, daily contact with a probation officer, curfew checks, home visits, employment visits, drug and alcohol screening, and sex-offense-specific treatment, including the use of polygraph testing.

The Female Offender Program (FOP) provides intensive supervision for high-risk, substance-abusing female offenders, emphasizing assessment and case management strategies that address special needs. Without this level of intervention, the probability of failure while on probation is significant for this population.

Behavior health treatment Court (BHTC) is a specialized court that seeks to craft a meaningful response to the problems faced by defendants with co-occurring substance use and mental illness in the criminal justice system. The program aims to improve the court system’s ability to identify, assess, evaluate, and monitor offenders with mental illness, create effective linkages between the criminal justice and mental health systems, and improve public safety by ensuring that participants receive high quality community-based services.

Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) is a specialized court program designed to handle cases involving veterans who have become involved in the criminal justice system. The main goal of Veterans Treatment Courts is to provide a supportive environment where veterans who have been charged with certain types of offenses can receive treatment, rehabilitation, and support services rather than incarceration.