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Samantha Hayes Reporting It's their job to keep track of criminals out of prison, but the doors they knock on are often revolving. One man had only been out for a few months. Now he's behind bars again.
Adult Probation and Parole invited Eyewitness News for an exclusive look into what it takes to supervise dozens of criminals living in just about every Utah neighborhood. That information uncovered a problem in the correctional system judges and parole boards have to deal with every day.
We'll show you what happens when AP&P officers confront a man who hasn't returned their calls and has not shown up at required meetings. Eyewitness News found out each officer has an average of 80 probationers and parolees to try to keep an eye on.
The man they are after this time no one has heard from in weeks. First, Adult Probation and Parole officers suit up in bullet proof vests because when they have to come knocking, the result is often dangerous.
Steven Brough, Supervisor, Utah Dept. of Corrections: "Number of times I've drawn my weapon in the last 14, 15 months? What do you think Craig? Eight, ten times?"
At the door one officer stands back, another guards the other side of the house. Jeremy Davis was released from prison in November. He was convicted of possessing drugs, theft, forgery, and burglary. It's the drugs that worry officers.
Steven Brough: "When people are using illegal drugs, meth or heroin, their personality is not what it would normally be and they could become quite violent."
For probation officers, it's often the same story, just a different person.
Steven Brough: "We really try to work with these people and get them to re-enter society and stay in society rather than go back into prison."
The average officer handles 80 cases. The Utah Department of Corrections told Eyewitness News that's why the Board of Pardons frequently releases criminals months early.
In Davis' case it's up to the parole board as to whether he will go to prison for drug possession. Because the system is crowded, the Dept. of Corrections says often it will give the offender the choice of going through rehab first.
