Adult Probation Department

The Maricopa County Adult Probation Department plays a central role in how the local justice system balances accountability, rehabilitation, and community safety. If you or a family member has been placed on probation, is facing sentencing, or is trying to understand how supervision works in Maricopa County, it can feel overwhelming. This guide walks through what the Adult Probation Department does, how its services are organized, what to expect at each stage of the process, and where to find official help and contact information—so you can navigate probation with clarity and confidence.

Get Oriented to the Maricopa County Adult Probation Department

The Adult Probation Department is part of the Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County. It supervises adults on probation, supports their rehabilitation, and helps ensure that court orders are followed while protecting the community.

Core Mission, Vision, and Values in Plain Language

The Adult Probation Department describes its mission as enhancing community safety through service, accountability, and influencing change. Its vision emphasizes:

A diverse team of professionals
Proven resources for personal change
Support for people harmed by crime
Strong support and development for staff

To get there, the department follows core values such as fairness, respect, integrity, innovation, and safety. In practical terms, this means:

People on probation are held accountable but also offered realistic opportunities to change.

Victims’ voices and safety are taken seriously.

Staff are expected to treat everyone with respect while enforcing court orders.

If you want to review the department’s mission and overall structure, the Judicial Branch provides the main overview on the official Maricopa County Adult Probation Department page at this Adult Probation Department site.

Understand How the Adult Probation Process Works in Maricopa County

Probation in Maricopa County is not just “checking in” with an officer. It is a structured process that often begins long before a person’s first meeting with a probation officer.

Presentence Investigations and Reports

In most Superior Court cases where a judge has discretion over the sentence, the Court orders a Presentence Report. That report is prepared by the Presentence Division of the Adult Probation Department.

Here’s how that stage typically works:

Presentence Screeners meet with the defendant to gather personal background and complete a risk assessment.

Probation Officers in the Presentence Division then:
Investigate further details as needed.
Contact victims to collect statements, including financial losses.
Explain the process to victims and give them a chance to be heard.

The final Presentence Report includes:
Case details and defendant information
Risk assessment results and screenings
Victim statements
A sentencing recommendation for the Court

The judge uses this report to help decide whether probation is appropriate and, if so, under what conditions.

Transition From Sentencing to Supervision

If probation is granted at sentencing:

The individual returns to the Presentence Assessment Center.

Staff confirm that required assessments are complete.

The person receives:
Referrals for treatment or services, if ordered
Their assigned probation officer’s information
Instructions on how and when to report

From this point on, the person moves into the supervision phase—either under standard supervision, intensive supervision, or a specialized program, depending on their needs and risk level.

Explore Adult Probation Supervision Services and What They Expect

The Adult Probation Department uses several supervision levels and program types, all aimed at balancing community safety and rehabilitation. An overview of these services is available on the official Adult Probation Supervision Services page at this supervision services site.

Standard Probation: The Most Common Path

Standard probation focuses on three core goals:

Accountability – Following court orders, paying financial obligations, and obeying laws.

Change – Addressing substance use, thinking patterns, and behavior that contributed to the offense.

Community – Supporting positive connections to work, family, and pro-social activities.

Under standard probation, individuals can expect:

Reporting instructions from their officer (in person, phone, or other approved methods).

Financial responsibility, including:
Restitution to victims (if ordered)
Fines and fees ordered by the court
Possible supervision or program costs

Treatment and programs, such as:
Counseling or classes
Substance use treatment, if ordered
Other programs tailored to risk level and needs

Drug and alcohol restrictions, where use is prohibited and monitored when ordered.

The supervision level is tied to the assessed risk of reoffending. Someone assessed as higher risk may have more frequent contact and tighter conditions than someone assessed as lower risk.

Intensive Probation: When Close Monitoring Is Needed

Intensive Probation Supervision (often called IPS) is a stricter alternative to standard probation. It is used when the Court decides that a person can remain in the community only with very close monitoring.

Key features of intensive probation:

Frequent contact with the probation officer, including:
Home visits
Work or treatment site visits
Regular check-ins

Tighter structure, such as curfews or more detailed schedules.

Step-down levels – As the person shows progress and consistent compliance, the frequency of contacts can be reduced, and they may eventually move to standard probation with Court approval.

IPS is demanding, but it can be a critical alternative to jail or prison when someone needs a high level of supervision.

Specialized Supervision Programs for Specific Needs

Some probationers participate in focused supervision programs designed for their situation, including:

Domestic Violence Program
Aimed at ending abusive behavior and creating safer relationships.
Includes at least a 32-week offender intervention program.
Emphasizes victim safety, accountability, and progress monitoring.

Sex Offender Program
Increases supervision and surveillance for individuals convicted of sex offenses.
Uses intensive treatment and a “containment” approach that:
Promotes internal controls to prevent new offenses
Holds individuals accountable for the harm they caused
May involve family members or victims when appropriate

Unsupervised probation
Reserved for low-risk individuals with lower-level offenses.
Monitoring is often handled through mail, email, or phone rather than regular in-person visits.
Still requires compliance with all court orders and conditions.

These specialized supervision tracks allow the department to align its approach to both public safety and individual rehabilitation needs.

Dive Into Adult Probation Specialized Services and Support Programs

Many people on probation face serious challenges such as addiction, mental illness, and the difficulty of returning to the community after incarceration. The Adult Probation Department’s specialized services are designed to address these issues directly. You can review these programs on the Adult Probation Specialized Services page at this specialized services site.

Cognitive Intervention Programs: Changing Thoughts and Choices

Cognitive intervention programs focus on how people think, not just what they do. These programs are evidence-based and aim to reduce the chances of future offenses.

They include:

Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Thinking for a Change (T4C)

Participants work on:

Recognizing risky thinking patterns
Building healthier coping skills
Working through trauma or past experiences
Practicing problem-solving and decision-making skills

These programs can be challenging but are often one of the most important tools for long-term change.

Substance Use Treatment and Ongoing Monitoring

For individuals with substance use disorders, the Court may order treatment as part of probation. Under Adult Probation:

Individuals are referred to a contracted treatment provider in their area.

Treatment is based on “best practice” guidelines, often using CBT-based approaches.

Progress is monitored regularly and reported to the probation officer.

There is ongoing coordination between the:
Treatment provider
Probation officer
Assessment Center

Those in treatment may have:

Required group or individual sessions
Drug and alcohol testing
Written treatment plans and progress reviews

Community Reintegration and Prison Reentry Support

Reentry is a critical moment. To support people coming out of custody, the department offers:

Community Reintegration Unit (CRU)
Supervises individuals serving jail time as a condition of probation.
Begins reentry planning while the person is still in jail.
Helps with post-release needs such as treatment, mental health support, or housing referrals.

Prison Reentry Units (PRU)
Start contact with the individual before release from prison.
Assist with:
Obtaining identification
Securing housing and employment
Understanding probation expectations ahead of release
Provide continuity of support during the transition back into the community.

These units aim to reduce reoffending by building stability from the moment someone leaves custody.

Seriously Mentally Ill (SMI) Services

People with serious mental illness require specialized supervision and clinical support. The Adult Probation Department offers:

Dedicated SMI Probation Officers with specialized training.

Collaboration with:
Behavioral health clinics
Mental Health Court
County Attorney and Public Defender’s Offices

Support that can include:
Medication management coordination
Housing support
Ongoing treatment and stabilization

This coordinated approach seeks to reduce crises, support recovery, and improve compliance with court orders.

See How Pretrial Services Connects to Adult Probation

Not everyone supervised by the Adult Probation Department has been sentenced yet. The Pretrial Services Unit works with individuals shortly after arrest, before their case is resolved.

What Pretrial Services Does

After a person is arrested and taken to an Initial Appearance:

The Court decides on release conditions.

The Pretrial Services Division provides:
Criminal history information
A risk assessment (Public Safety Assessment, or PSA)

The PSA helps the Court estimate:
Risk of reoffending
Likelihood of appearing for future hearings

If the Court orders supervision by Pretrial Services:

Conditions may include:
Drug and alcohol testing
No-contact orders
Orders not to return to the alleged crime scene
Electronic monitoring (ankle device) in some cases

Pretrial Probation Officers:
Monitor compliance
Provide reminders to attend court
Report to the Court as needed
Prepare bond review reports if the Court revisits bond decisions

While pretrial supervision is not “probation” in the formal sense, it is managed by the same department and follows similar principles of accountability and support.

Understand How the Adult Probation Department Supports Victims

The Adult Probation Department is not only focused on people on probation—it also serves victims of crime.

You can learn more about this work through the Adult Probation Victim Services unit page at this Adult Probation Victim Services page.

Victim Contact During Presentence and Supervision

Victim involvement is built into the process:

Presentence Probation Officers contact victims to:
Explain the Court process
Gather statements about how the offense affected them
Discuss financial losses and restitution

Those statements are included in the Presentence Report so the judge can consider them at sentencing.

During supervision, the department may:

Maintain contact with victims, especially in domestic violence and similar cases.

Monitor compliance with orders that protect victims, such as:
No-contact orders
Restrictions on travel or location

Report concerns or violations to the Court.

Restitution and Financial Accountability

Restitution is a key part of accountability. Adult Probation works with the Court and the Clerk’s Office to support restitution payments.

Victims can review official information about restitution responsibilities and processes on the Restitution information for victims page at this restitution information site.

The Adult Probation Department also encourages probationers to:

Make regular payments when ordered.
Prioritize restitution as part of their financial obligations.

Build Education and Career Skills While on Adult Probation

Probation can be a good time for someone to complete education or build job skills that support long-term success.

Education Opportunities

The department highlights the Frank X. Gordon Education Program, which is available to:

Adults on probation
Other community members age 16 or older with valid U.S. state-issued ID

Through its centers, students can work on:

GED preparation and testing
Cognitive skills development
Job readiness and career planning
Financial literacy and budgeting

Even though you do not have to be on probation to enroll, this program is particularly helpful for people using probation as a turning point to finish school or improve employment prospects.

Career Development for Justice-Involved Individuals

Maricopa County also supports employment through its Arizona@Work Smart Justice Program, which is specifically geared toward justice-involved individuals. This program is designed to:

Connect people to jobs and training
Help them build stable careers
Reduce barriers to employment that often follow a criminal case

Information about this county-run initiative is available on the Smart Justice program page at this Smart Justice program site.

Working with a probation officer to access these programs can make a major difference in long-term outcomes.

Complete Community Restitution (Community Service) Through Adult Probation

Many people on probation are required to complete community restitution—often called community service. The Adult Probation Department coordinates this through its Community Restitution Program (CRP).

How the Community Restitution Program Works

Key points about the CRP:

It partners with certified non-profit and governmental entities that can safely supervise work assignments.

Individuals must register with the Community Restitution Program before starting work so their hours are properly tracked.

Registration is initiated by contacting program staff with the individual’s name and case number (the official instructions are provided through the Adult Probation Department, usually by the officer).

Once registered:

The CRP staff assign an approved work location.
Individuals must follow all directions, attend as scheduled, and perform assigned tasks.

Earning and Applying Community Restitution Credit

Community restitution credit:

Is granted only for hours completed at certified agencies or specially sanctioned projects.

May also be awarded for participation in certain jail-based programs or other approved activities, if pre-approved by the CRP.

Must be documented according to CRP guidelines and confirmed to count toward court-ordered hours.

This program helps probationers give back to the community while building work habits and structure into their lives.

Adult Probation Department Locations Used for Restitution Projects

Projects may be offered at specific Adult Probation Department locations, including:

Black Canyon Building (BCB)
Durango (DUR)
Scottsdale (SCTD)
Southeast Justice Center (SEJC)
Southport (SP)
Southwest Regional Court (SWRCCD)
Sunnyslope (SSO)
Western Regional Center (WRC)

These sites are used to connect individuals to work assignments and support services as needed.

Use Official Court Tools Connected to Adult Probation

Because probation is tied to a court case, it’s helpful to know where to find officially maintained case and payment information.

Look Up Court Case Information

To check on court case numbers, hearing dates, and related details, you can use the official Search for Court Case Information tool provided by the Judicial Branch at this case information site.

This can be especially useful for:

Confirming upcoming hearings

Checking case status

Making sure you have the correct case number for payments, forms, or community restitution questions

Make Court-Related Payments Online

People on probation often make financial payments through the Clerk of the Superior Court. The Clerk provides an official online payment portal where many obligations can be paid by credit card, debit card, or eCheck.

You can access it via the Clerk of the Superior Court online payment portal at this online payment portal.

Always verify which payments you owe and how to apply them correctly—when in doubt, ask your probation officer or contact the Clerk’s Office directly.

Locate Adult Probation Offices and Contact the Right Department

Knowing where to go and who to call is a critical part of staying on track with probation. The Judicial Branch maintains updated contact details for its departments, including Adult Probation.

For a broader overview of department phone numbers and mailing addresses, you can review the official Department contact information page at this department contact information page.

For in-person hearings, probation-related court appearances, and other matters, the Judicial Branch court locations page at this court locations page provides building addresses and location details used by the Superior Court.

Below is a consolidated list of Adult Probation–related departments and offices, using only official contact information provided in the reference material.

Adult Probation Department – Phone: (602) 372-5300; Mailing Address: PO Box 3407, Phoenix, AZ 85030

Adult Probation Victim Services – Phone: (602) 619-2955

Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County Information Center – Phone: (602) 506-3204; Address: Central Court Building, 201 W. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003

Black Canyon Building (Adult Probation Department location) – Address: 2445 W Indianola Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85015

Durango (Adult Probation Department location) – Address: 3355 W Durango Street, Phoenix, AZ 85009

Scottsdale (Adult Probation Department location) – Address: 8230 E Butherus Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Southeast Justice Center (Adult Probation Department location) – Address: 222 E Javelina Avenue, Ste 100, Mesa, AZ 85210

Southport (Adult Probation Department location) – Address: 3535 S 7th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85040

Southwest Regional Court (Adult Probation Department location) – Address: 10420 W Van Buren Street, Ste 106, Avondale, AZ 85323

Sunnyslope (Adult Probation Department location) – Address: 333 W Hatcher Road, Phoenix, AZ 85021

Western Regional Center (Adult Probation Department location) – Address: 6655 W Glendale Avenue #100, Glendale, AZ 85301

Maricopa County Adult Probation Department FAQs

How does standard probation supervision actually work day to day?

On standard probation, you’re expected to follow specific court-ordered conditions while being monitored by a Probation Officer. Supervision focuses on three main goals: accountability, behavior change, and community safety. You’ll receive reporting instructions, may be referred to counseling or treatment programs, and must stay drug-free with testing when ordered. Financial obligations such as restitution, fines, fees, and reimbursements are tracked as part of your progress. The level of supervision is tied to your assessed risk of reoffending, and successful compliance can lead to fewer contacts over time. For an overview of supervision types and expectations, review the county’s Adult Probation supervision services.

What if I need more intensive or specialized probation services?

Some people are placed on enhanced supervision or into specialized programs instead of standard probation alone. Intensive Probation Supervision (IPS) involves frequent contact at your home, work, and treatment locations, with the possibility of stepping down to standard probation as you demonstrate compliance. There are also dedicated units for domestic violence cases, sex offenses, serious mental illness, substance use treatment, prison reentry, and jail-based community reintegration. These programs combine close monitoring with services like cognitive-behavioral groups and coordination with behavioral health providers. You can explore these options on the Adult Probation Specialized Services page.

What should I expect from Drug Court or other problem-solving court programs?

If you are assigned to Drug Court, you must attend regular status hearings where the Court and Probation review your compliance. The program generally lasts at least one year and includes treatment, testing, and close supervision. Successfully completing Drug Court can lead to early discharge from probation and, in some cases, redesignation of a felony drug offense to a misdemeanor. Your eligibility depends on factors like having a drug-related felony, a moderate to severe substance use history, and not being convicted of drug sales.

How does the Community Restitution Program for probationers work?

If you owe community restitution (community service), hours usually must be completed at agencies certified by the Community Restitution Program (CRP). Before starting work, you register through CRP so staff can assign you to an approved site and send you instructions. Credit is given only for work done at certified agencies or special projects authorized by CRP, and sometimes for approved treatment or in-custody programs. Extra credit must be pre-approved. Program locations may operate out of several Adult Probation buildings, and you can find details through Adult Probation community restitution information on the Adult Probation Specialized Services page.

Where can victims find information about restitution and support?

Victims in cases involving adults on probation can access information about restitution, victim-impact participation, and available support services through the court’s victim resources. The Adult Probation Victim Services unit works with victims on issues such as financial losses and safety concerns and coordinates with probation staff during supervision and presentence investigations. For official guidance on restitution and related services, visit the court’s Victim Services and restitution resources.