Which is an advantage of probation and parole?

• A. Increased risk to the community
• B. Provides sentencing options besides prison and probation
• C. Lower cost
• D. Increased social costs

Answer: (C)

Community-based supervision via probation and parole is typically cheaper than confinement behind bars, which is the main advantage. Keeping offenders in the community reduces the expensive costs of incarceration—such as housing, meals, security, medical care, and staff—while still enabling supervision, compliance checks, and access to rehabilitation services. When people on probation or parole can maintain employment, they continue contributing economically and socially, which further lowers overall costs for society. The other ideas describe potential downsides or mischaracterize the purpose of these options, so they don’t represent the benefit as clearly as the cost savings do.