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1. Do probation officers have authority to make arrests?

Yes. Probation/parole officers obtain their authority from PA Act 277, August 6, 1963, and amended by PA Act 1992-117, December 4, 1992.  The law states that probation/parole officers shall have the power of peace officers in the performance of their duties and shall have police powers and authority throughout the Commonwealth to arrest with or without warrant any person on probation, intermediate punishment, or parole for any violation of probation, intermediate punishment, or parole.

2. What is the difference between probation and parole?

Someone on probation has not served any time in jail on that sentence. A person on parole has served a portion of that sentence in jail. Usually there are no differences in the standard conditions of supervision governing probation or parole. The biggest difference occurs if the defendant violates his/her conditions. If you are on probation, your original sentence may be revoked and a new sentence imposed. If you are on parole you may have to return to prison to continue serving your original sentence.

3. May someone on probation/parole or intermediate punishment have a firearm?

Defendants under active supervision may not have any weapons, including but not limited to, rifles, shotguns, or handguns on their person, in their residence, or in their vehicle. Additionally, if someone is convicted of a crime that could have carried a maximum penalty of more than two years, or involved a firearm or explosive, they are prohibited from owning or possessing any firearm(s) under the provisions of the Federal Gun Control Act Of 1968 and 1986.

4. May someone on probation/parole or intermediate punishment leave the state?

Someone under active supervision may only leave Pennsylvania with a temporary travel issued by their probation officer. Offenders should request a travel permit well in advance of their anticipated departure date. Defendants who travel outside of Pennsylvania without a valid travel permit may be subject to arrest by any state they travel to.

5. How does someone get on “state” probation or parole?

Generally speaking, a sentence in which the defendant receives a term of imprisonment of one year or more will be under the jurisdiction of the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole.

6. How are fines, court costs, and restitution determined?

Some of the fines are mandated by law, while others are determined by the Court. Costs are mandated by law or local rule. Restitution is determined based on the amount of damage incurred.

7. Where are fines, court costs, and restitution paid?

Fines, costs, and restitution are paid in the Clerk of Courts office located on the second floor of the East Wing Annex of the new Courthouse.
Payments may be mailed to:
Clerk of Courts
1 Courthouse Square, Room 205
Carlisle, PA 17013

8. Can I pay my court costs with a credit card?

The Clerk of Courts contracted with a third-party vendor so court costs may be paid on the internet at Official Payments.com using American Express, MasterCard, Visa, or Discover credit cards. There is three percent processing fee charged by the vendor.

9. How can I find out how much I owe for costs, fines, and restitution?

The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System has a website that lists all outstanding amounts due by docket number at the following address: http://ujsportal.pacourts.us/docketsheets/cp.aspx You can do a search either by “Common Pleas Docket Number” or by name by clicking on “Search Type” and entering the requested information.

10. Who do I contact if cannot make a payment on time?

All cases are split up alphabetically based on the defendant's last name: A-H 717.240.6275 or 1.888.697.0371 ext 6275 I-Q 717.240.6260 or 1.888.697.0371 ext 6260 R-Z 717.240.7897 or 1.888.697.0371 ext 7897 The Adult Probation and Parole Office hours are Monday thru Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

11. What are the requirements to become a Cumberland County Adult Probation and Parole Officer?

Any individual desiring to become an Adult Probation and Parole Officer must possess a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in the field of criminal justice or behavioral science. A resume, a copy of your college transcript, a completed Cumberland County Employment Application available from the Human Resources Department, and letter of intent must be sent to the following address: Cumberland County Human Resources Department One Courthouse Square, Suite 204 Carlisle, PA 17013 Applications are retained for six months. DO NOT send applications directly to the Adult Probation and Parole Department.