What should I do if I know an offender who has violated the terms of his/her probation or has an active warrant for their arrest from the Probation Department?
Violations of probation vary on a case by case basis, as all offenders do not have the same conditions to abide by. If you believe that someone you know has violated probation or has an active warrant, you may call that offender's probation officer at 614-462-3700. As violations of probation must be documented and verified, please be aware that probation officers must take certain steps before acting on the information you provide.

I am a victim of crime and am owed restitution. How do I collect what is owed to me?
Follow this link Victim's Information

How many offenders are on probation?
The Franklin County Adult Probation Department supervises approximately 5,300 offenders, with 85% of them being felony offenders.

What is the difference between probation and parole?
The main difference between the two is that probation (or Community Control) is a court sanction of community supervision in lieu of a prison sentence. Parole (or Post-Release Control) is granted after an offender has served a set prison term, and then released under certain guidelines.

What are the requirements to become a Probation Officer?
The qualifications for employment as a Probation Officer are: graduation from an accredited four-year college or university in social sciences, psychology, or criminology. Experience in probation, parole, social casework or counseling is preferred. Good written and oral communication skills, as well as knowledge and application of computer systems are necessary. Knowledge of the criminal justice system is also preferred.

How does one find out which Probation Officer supervises a particular offender?
In order to determine an offender's Probation Officer, you must call the Probation Department at (614) 462-3700 during regular business hours. It is necessary that you know the complete proper spelling of the offender's name. It is also helpful if the offender's date of birth and/or social security number is known.

What are the Probation Department's hours of operation?
The Franklin County Adult Probation Department's normal business hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The department is closed for business on the following holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans' Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

How can one get access to Court entries relating to a case or find out an offender's court date?
These questions can be answered by contacting the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas Clerk's Office at (614)462-3650.