About the Indicator: Legal penalties for illicit drugs range from prison time to probation sentences.  It is important to recognize that these data capture the governing offense for which a person was convicted.  Because persons are often not convicted for all offense charged, and this indicator only counts where the most serious offense is the drug conviction, it is likely that these data alone underestimate the role of illicit drugs in all convictions and sentences.

Persons excluded from these data include those participating in pre-trial diversion and pre-trial supervision cases, and juveniles receiving services under a "CHiPS" (Child in Need of Help or Protection) petition.

Data Source: Probation Survey

Description: The probation survey is designed to collect data on Minnesota probationers. The definition of probationer is: “All probationers, regardless of conviction status, who were under the supervision of a probation agent as part of a court order at any time including those ordered to pay restitution, complete community service or monitoring.”

Sponsored by: Minnesota Department of Corrections

Geographic Level: State, County

Aggregated data at the state and county level do not reveal disparities that may exist within a given geographic area.

Frequency: Data collected and reported annually

Characteristics: The probation survey counts offenders only once and may exclude cases that involve drug or chemical offenses or convictions since offenders are counted once in the most serious category. Probation is supervision in the community by probation officers who enforce court-ordered conditions designed to protect the public. Offenders on probation often serve jail time and may be required to make restitution, participate in treatment and/or pay fines. Many probationers are required to meet with probation officers on a regular basis and may be tested for drug or alcohol use.