Our Mission

To assist the federal courts in the fair administration of justice, to protect the community, and to bring about long-term positive change in individuals under supervision.
Charter For Excellence (pdf)

Who We Are

The U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services System is

• the community corrections arm of the federal judiciary.
• part of the U.S. district courts.
• a key player in the federal criminal justice process at both the pretrial and post-conviction stages.
• a national system of employees, who include probation and pretrial services officers; information technology, budget, and human resources professionals; and support staff.
• a national system with a shared mission, professional identity, goals, and values.

What We Do

U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services officers, considered the "eyes and ears" of the federal courts, investigate and supervise persons charged with or convicted of federal crimes.

Officers

• gather and verify information about persons who come before the courts.
• prepare reports that the courts rely on to make release and sentencing decisions.
• supervise persons released to the community by the courts and paroling authorities.
• direct persons under supervision to services to help them stay on the right side of the law, including substance abuse treatment, mental health treatment, medical care, training, and employment assistance.

The Judiciary

The federal judiciary is comprised of 94 districts nationwide, which are divided into 11 circuits.  The District of Utah is part of the Tenth Circuit and covers the entire state of Utah.  The District of Utah is a combined district (both pretrial services and probation) with headquarters in Salt Lake City.  There is also a satellite office in St. George.  The office plays an integral role in the administration of justice and serves as the community corrections arm of the Federal Court system.

There are five major functions performed by probation and pretrial services offices at various stages of the justice process:

1. Prior to prosecution and only at the request of the U.S. Attorney’s office, the probation and pretrial services office submits reports to the U.S. Attorney’s office on a person’s suitability for supervision and subsequently supervises persons approved by the U.S. Attorney’s office to be diverted from formal prosecution pursuant to an established pretrial diversion agreement.
2. After charges have been filed, the probation and pretrial services office investigates persons who have been charged and submits a bail report to the court. The reports provide information to the court about what, if any, conditions are necessary for the person to remain free during the pretrial phase based on the assessed likelihood the person will appear as directed by the court and does not pose a danger to another person or the community.
3. After bail decisions, the probation and pretrial services office supervises defendants during the pretrial phase as directed by the court.
4. After a person has been convicted of a crime and prior to sentencing, the probation and pretrial services office investigates the person and submits a presentence report to the court to assist them in crafting the most appropriate sentence.
5. After sentencing, when a person is allowed to remain in the community or is returning to the community, the probation and pretrial services office supervises the person for the duration of time specified by U.S. District Court order or by the paroling authorities.