In 2003, the Department of Corrections established a 'zero tolerance policy' that required its probation officers to report to the court every offender in community supervision who violated conditions of supervision. As a result, offenders who committed technical violations were brought before the court as well as those who committed new criminal offenses. Although this policy increased offender scrutiny, it had several disadvantages including substantially increasing court workload and costs to incarcerate offenders for relatively minor violations.
Since OPPAGA's 2007 report, the department has rescinded its zero tolerance policy and has directed its probation officers to report only those technical violations that are willful unless otherwise directed by the courts. The department, Legislature, and circuit courts also have implemented alternative ways to address technical violations, including technical violation notification letters, notices to appear, and specialized courts. As a result, the number of offenders brought before the court for technical violations has significantly decreased, as have prison admissions for such violations. The new policy and alternatives are conserving limited resources while holding technical violators responsible for their actions.

Expansion Drug Courts Can Produce Positive Outcomes Through Prison Diversion and Reduced Recidivism
Report 14-02 January 2014
Expansion Drug Courts Serving More Prison-Bound Offenders, but Will Not Fully Expend Federal Funds
Report 11-21 November 2011
Without Changes, Expansion Drug Courts Unlikely to Realize Expected Cost Savings
Report 10-54 October 2010
Department of Corrections Zero Tolerance Policy Increases Offender Scrutiny But Is Not Based on Risk to Public Safety
Report 07-13 February 2007

Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.