Use of Probation as an Alternative to Imprisonment in Nigeria.

Traditionally, the most popular system for punishment, as well as rehabilitation for crimes in all parts of the world is imprisonment. However, over the past few decades, imprisonment seems to have failed in yielding the rehabilitative purpose of prison conviction, particularly in most developing nations that may lack a refined system of imprisonment. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to propose the use of probation as an alternative to imprisonment. Using the utilitiarianism theory and humanitarianism theory as theoretical frameworks for the paper, the paper has demonstrate that the use of probation as an alternative to imprisonment has a lot of benefits in terms of public safety, cost, reduction of recidivism rates, as well allowing offenders to remain in the community and maintain social ties with their relatives while serving their probation sentence. The paper also highlighted some factors that may affect the effectiveness of probation program including Offender characteristics: treatment programs, supervision and monitoring, and available community resources: The study also highlighted some of the concerns and criticism against about probation such as its effectiveness in all cases, potential for deterring crime, and likelihood of creating more problems for offenders. The study therefore concludes that While probation may seem more appealing in place of imprisonment, there is need to take cognizance of the view that it may not be appropriate for certain types of crimes and offenders such as high risk offenders and serious crimes. The paper recommended the need to draw the boundary between offenses that require probation and those that require imprisonment as a punishment.