Traditional Probation & Intensive Supervision ... - Ottawa County

Attachment VParticipant Interview Results• I always had to be restricting in my actions• I got what I deserved. I’ve made the changes necessary to stay out of trouble• It makes you realize that you screwed up. I hate having to pee in a cup and report to someone (probationofficer) that I hate all the time• The counseling and AA meetings made me feel better about myself. Being clean made me feel better aboutmyself• It helped me realize that many aspects of my life made me angry; I made positive changes in my life• It was important for me to complete it and not mess up my job prospects for the future• Standing in front of the Judge was enough one time – it was a scary experience• I would go to jail if I did it again and that is a pretty good deterrent• I have many children so I need to stay out of trouble so I can support them• I changed my lifestyle and I still go to AA• I avoid situations that may lead to trouble• Being on probation causes shame and the idea of going to prison has helped to change my life. I’m listeningbetter now at church to what they are really saying• The group counseling was the reason for my success• You feel like you’re 4 years old and that’s not cool• I know I have to mind my P’s and Q’s• The DUI and fines were horrible. I am staying focused on getting out of debt and more trouble is not the wayto accomplish that goal.• I did not like having to report to someone• It keeps you in line. People have to really figure out how to change on their own, though.• It cost a lot, it went on my record, and I had to do AA – all of which I did not like• I’m taking more time to spend with my family and I want to be a better example for my kids• I didn’t enjoy the 22 hours that I spent in jail. The whole experience was a good one and one that I will neverforget• It was a pain in the butt. The inconvenience it caused in my life is enough to keep me out of trouble• I’ve changed my life because of it• I don’t want to have to report to anyone but my wife – she’s my probation officer now• Probation made my life go from great to a wreck. It brought me down in life and I’d rather go to jail thanprobation any day• They give you lots of good life lessonsAnswer: No• I was not a “trouble maker” to begin with• It’s a personal thing; it’s up to the person to want to change. Drug testing people and checking up on themwon’t keep them out of trouble if they don’t want it.• It could lead to more trouble if you mess up again• I knew better and made a bad judgment. I decided on my own to quit drinking and doing drugs; I decidedenough is enough. It wasn’t my probation that helped me, it was my own decision.• It makes you more depressed because you can’t go anywhere• I wanted to change and did so on my own.• I just learned what a crooked system [criminal justice] it is. I’ve had friends who’ve made contributions toorganizations in the past and then their charges were dropped. I should have done the same and then I wouldhave saved myself the $3000 for the lawyer• I’m staying out of trouble more because of my kids than because of probationDid Not Complete ProbationAnswer: Yes• I like my freedom and I don’t want it taken away from me again (2)• It was a good learning experience• Being locked up is good. In order to change, though, you have to want it, no one else can do it for you