Introduction
Pre-sentence investigation report refers to the kind of investigation report that is carried out to determine the various aspects of the history of a convicted person. The investigation is carried out with the aim of determining the level of education of the person, health (physical and mental) and also the employment of the convicted person. Such kind of investigation is considered useful in that it can help to determine the extent of the sentence which can be imposed on a person. Additionally, this information can also act as exhibit for the kind of crime that is committed by the convicted person. This paper will discuss the purpose, content, and collection of information contained in the pre-sentence investigation report.
Discussion
The pre-sentence investigation report is useful as it provides the basis for a court determine the sentence for a convicted person. This investigation is particularly useful in that it provides the legal and factual issues that are necessary to determine a sentence. As noted by Maveal (1995) “the prison will use information in the report to designate the institution where the offender will serve the sentence and determine the offender’s eligibility or need for specific correctional programs”. The report contained in the investigation report is also considered useful since it can be used to determine the date on which the convicted person can be released depending on the jurisdiction provided. The information contained in the report is also useful in that it helps the probation officer in charge of the convicted person to undertake an assessment of what is needed for the person and what types of risks are likely to be encountered when handling the person. Future research on criminal cases are based on the current cases, therefore, a presentence investigation report can provide the basis for future research (Yates & Herrick, 2001).
The presentence investigation report contains a detailed report about the personal record of the convicted person. To begin with, the report contains the identification data of a person; this is the information about the gender, physical description and the names of the person. In addition to the personal identification data, the report also contains the information regarding to the family of the convicted person. Such information provides information regarding to the characteristics of the other relatives of the convicted person. The economic status of the convicted person is investigated by determining the kind of occupation that the convicted person engages in, during this stage, the person is also questioned about the level of education reached. The health status of the person can also help to determine how the convicted person can be guilty of an offence; the health status can also be influenced by drug and substance abuse and hence it is therefore useful to determine if the person uses such substances (Yates & Herrick, 2001). Finally, an important aspect to be investigated is the past criminal or unlawful cases the convicted person might have been involved in. Such an investigation is carried out be determining if there are pending cases against the convicted person.
The information required to prepare a pre-sentence investigation report can be collected by reviewing records and also by interviewing the convicted person. The probation officer ensures that the evidence of a case is based on the already existing information. Some form of information might be difficult for the probation officer to verify, under such circumstances, the evidence should be clearly identified so that the court can rely on the report that is accurately presented. When reviewing documents, the probation officer should therefore review numerous documents so as to provide a report that contains adequate evidence.
Conclusion
As has been identified, a presentence investigation report is useful in numerous ways. It is therefore important for a probation officer to gather adequate amount of information to be used in the preparation of the report.
References
Maveal, G. (1995). Federal Presentence Reports: Multi-Tasking at Sentencing. New York: Oxford University Press.
Yates, C. & Herrick, L. (2001). Going on Record: The Perils of Discussing Criminal History during the Presentence Interview, Journal of Federal Sentencing. 13 (4): 166-124.