My man isn't due to get out until February 2007. At visitation we were discussing how great his homecoming will be when he reminded me of his probation. He has a year and a half IPS probation. He says IPS is the worst probation that can be given. He said he could violate if he takes cold medicine or drinks a beer or even if he gets caught in traffic and can't get home from work on time. Is anyone familiar with this type of probation?

Kristi in Tucson

Yes, and what he told you is basically how it works. Also, he will have a curfew he must meet daily with no excuses. He must have permission from his PO to go ANYWHERE other than his job, He has to call his P.O. at certain times every day, and a surveillance officer will be stopping by unannounced, whether it be at your home or where he works. They have the right to search where he lives without benefit of a warrant. It's basically house arrest, without calling it that. They can demand he take a UA whenever they wish, the rules are very strict, and if he violates them, he can be sent back to prison. I know it sounds pretty impossible to live with, but it's an alternative to spending the rest of his time incarcerated. Hope this helps.

No wonder he says he almost wishes they would just let him finish his time. There is no way he will not have a beer at the end of a difficult workday. He'll probably buy a 6-pack for spite and tell them "Bring it on!" I guess we'll just have to take it one day at a time. Thank you for your response.

Kristi in Tucson

Hey Kristi....so far you have heard right. IPS is extreme...especially here in Tucson. I have had a lot of friends here on IPS and I don't think a single one of them made it past 3 weeks without violating some stupid rule and being shipped back to prison. There is a curfew..usually of like 6 pm....and they most likely will put an ankle bracelet on him. One friend of mine got put back in because he didn't call his PO before walking to his mailbox...which set off the alarm. Depending on the PO and the cause of his incarceration, it can be pretty mellow, or one hell of a bitch...usually the latter. If you need anymore info, send me a message. Unfortunately, I am VERY educated on the different forms of probation here in Tucson. Good luck with all!