Oklahoma Department of Corrections
Facts - Probation and Parole
What is the difference between “probation” and “parole”?
• Probation is a form of community supervision for someone whose term of incarceration was suspended or deferred by the sentencing court. Someone on probation may not have served any prison time. The Oklahoma Department of Corrections normally reports progress or violations to the District Attorney of the sentencing county for actions relative to the revocation of one’s sentence.
• Parole is the early release of someone from prison to community supervision based on their eligibility and good behavior. The Oklahoma Department of Corrections works closely with the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board, as well as Oklahoma’s Governor, regarding the release of eligible offenders and revocation of those deemed non-compliant. 
Who do I contact to inquire about a pardon?
• The Pardon application process must be initiated with the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board. Their web site is www.ppb.state.ok.us.
Can someone sentenced to a period of supervision be released from such supervision early?
• Oklahoma State Statute Title 21 § 991 outlines mandatory termination guidelines for those offenders who have been successful with supervision, being termination after two years for probation offenders and three years for parole offenders. Other factors, such as court order and progress with programmatic needs can also be a factor in the early termination of supervision.
• Probation is defined as the act of suspending the sentence of a person convicted of a criminal offense and granting that person provisional freedom on the promise of good behavior. Probation may include jail time, fines, restitution, community service, or other sanctions.
•Parole is the release of a prisoner whose term has not expired on condition of sustained lawful behavior that is subject to regular monitoring by an officer for a set period of time.
• Probation and parole officers are responsible for performing routine professional social service and law enforcement duties in the areas of assessment of criminogenic need, transition plan design, treatment referral and ongoing monitoring of offender behavior. Supervision services are provided in the community for probationers, parolees, and offenders in re-entry programs for the purpose of increasing public safety through the reduction of future criminal behavior.
Updated March 1, 2012