Which of the following is a disadvantage of parole and probation?

• A. Relative lack of punishment
• B. Increased risk to the community
• C. Increased social costs
• D. More community resources

Answer: (B)

Parole and probation supervise offenders in the community, aiming to balance rehabilitation with public safety. The main drawback is the possibility that individuals under this supervision will violate conditions or commit new offenses, which can place the public at risk and may lead to sanctions or revocation back to incarceration. This increased risk to community safety is the central reason it’s viewed as a disadvantage of community supervision.

Other options describe trade-offs or resources that aren’t as directly tied to safety: lighter punishment reflects a philosophical trade-off rather than a direct safety risk, and while resources and costs matter, increased social costs aren’t the typical result of parole and probation since these measures often reduce costs compared with incarceration.