United States Probation Southern District of Florida

U.S. PROBATION OFFICE OPERATIONS DURING COVID-19 VIRUS

Probation Office is open; however, we have taken precautionary steps due to the COVID-19 virus and will not allow persons on supervision, or the public, access to our offices unless they have an appointment or specifically directed to do so. You must wear a mask when entering all U.S. Probation offices. If you start to exhibit any symptoms of coronavirus (coughing, difficulty breathing, fever), please contact your officer immediately. Anyone exhibiting signs of the COVID-19 virus should not report to the probation office. If you are a new release from custody (i.e. pretrial, BOP, prison, jail etc.), please contact your officer before reporting to the office. If you are not aware of who your officer is, contact the office in the county of your approved residence located at the “Offices” link on this web page and press zero for further assistance or leave a message and someone will return your call to give you reporting instructions.

To submit any concerns or issues about COVID-19, please use this link: COVID-19 Concern & Issues

YOU MUST WEAR A FACE MASK IF ENTERING ANY FEDERAL COURTHOUSE AND U.S. PROBATION OFFICE

COURT OPERATIONS AND COVID-19

Pursuant to Administrative Order 2020-33:

“All persons entering any federal courthouse facility within the Southern District of Florida must wear a face mask at all times unless otherwise directed by the Court. The only exceptions to the face mask requirement are for a medical condition that precludes an individual from wearing a face mask and children under two (2) years of age.” This also applies to all U.S. Probation offices in the Southern District of Florida.

Notice/Requirements Regarding Public Access

Administrative Orders relating to COVID-19

Federal Judiciary COVID-19 Guidelines

Florida Department of Health - Guidelines: Miami-Dade Broward Palm Beach Monroe St. Lucie

Public Access to Video and Teleconference Hearings - Magistrate Duty Court

FDC Miami Updates

Public Notice: Prohibition Against Recording, Photographing or Broadcasting Court Hearings

Mission Statement

The U.S. Probation Office for the Southern District of Florida serves the federal district and magistrate courts by providing investigative services, alternatives to detention and community supervision. We will protect the community by insuring compliance with the conditions of release and provide rehabilitative services as needed.

About Us

Welcome to the United States Probation Office for the Southern District of Florida. Our agency is comprised of several offices spanning geographically from Key West to Ft. Pierce. Our headquarters is located in the Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. U.S. Courthouse in downtown Miami. The United States Probation System was created when Congress passed the Federal Probation Act of 1925.

Supervision

As a component of the federal judiciary's responsibility for community corrections, the federal probation and pretrial services system is fundamentally committed to protecting the public and assisting in the fair administration of justice. United States Probation Officers are community corrections professionals who serve as officers of the Court and as agents of the United States Parole Commission. They are responsible for the supervision of persons conditionally released to the community by the Court, the United States Parole Commission, the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), and military authorities.

Assessments, Fines and Restitution Payments

For Southern District of Florida cases only: Payments should be in the form of a cashier's check or money order ONLY. PERSONAL CHECKS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Please reference your docket number on each payment so that they are properly credited and posted. Monies are to be made payable to: Clerk, United States Courts U. S. Clerk’s Office, Attention: Financial Section 400 North Miami Avenue, Room 8N09 Miami, FL 33128-7716

Public Outreach

The Community Outreach Committee was established to coordinate the agency’s outreach initiatives. The committee provides structured collaborations with civic groups, educational institutions, local law enforcement agencies, and other organizations, which endeavor to make a positive impact in the neighboring communities that we serve.

Investigations

United States Probation Officers conduct court ordered investigations as part of their mission to serve the District and Magistrate Judges in the proper administration of justice. Officers conduct investigations to assist in bail determination in order for judges to determine the feasibility of release after arrest while ensuring appearance for court and protecting the public.

Community Service

The Community Service Program for the United States Probation Office in the Southern District of Florida is committed to maintaining a quality program that will be valued for its efficiency and integrity. We will serve the Court by appropriately referring, placing, and monitoring Court ordered defendants and offenders at participating agencies, which will benefit all participants, thus achieving a successful outcome.