IL SB3539

Illinois Supreme Court may establish Division of Probation Services to develop uniform standards for probation services statewide, including qualifications, training, compensation schedules, and program evaluation.

Chief judges must provide full-time probation services for all counties in their circuit and appoint chief probation officers and probation officers from qualified applicant lists supplied by the Supreme Court.

State provides reimbursement to counties for probation personnel salaries and expenses based on approved annual plans, with 100% reimbursement for chief managing officers and probation officer positions approved after April 1, 1984.

Beginning January 1, 2011, probation officers must complete at least 30 hours per year of approved training or continuing education; requirement increases to 40 hours per year beginning January 1, 2014.

Probation officers are designated as peace officers and may arrest probationers statewide who violate conditions of probation, conditional discharge, or supervision.