In cases of probation, someone is placed directly under the supervision of a probation officer, for a specific period of time. In cases of parole, someone is placed under the supervision of a parole officer for a specific period of time following a set period of incarceration.

Some conditions that all probationer or parolees must abide by are: maintaining a valid address, not leaving the state without permission, paying on costs and fines and remaining arrest free. Other special conditions are set based on the nature of the offense that an individual is being set for. Conditions may included: undergoing appropriate evaluations, participating in treatment programs, submitting to drug testing, attending educational programs or being under GPS monitoring.

Costs and fines are paid to the Northampton County Criminal Division.

Probation officers are always willing to speak to the public or to family members of an offender. It should be noted, however, that confidentiality laws prevent the sharing of personal information of a client.