Well I received a card from Harvey's probation officer asking me to call her tommorow to setup the home visit I'm assuming. I would like to know what to expect from anyone who has been through this. Do they go through each room of the house? Look through closets/drawers/cabinets etc? I want to be as prepared as possible.
Thanks
Ellen

Hi Ellen . . .

My wife and I actually had a home visit from my PO last night.

Yes, they went through every room in the house including my children's rooms and our very messy basement. They did not open any closets, drawers or cabinets however my wife opened about half the closet doors in the house to prove we had nothing to hide.

The house tour was the first thing the PO did when she arrived. Then the PO sat at the dining room table with my wife for 2 1/2 hours asking questions about me, our marriage, the family and what my wife thought about everything. The PO was very nice and cordial however I believe the PO's pleasant demeanor was very fake. At one point during the house tour, the PO began discussing Martha Stewart type decorating ideas for our bathroom. I think she did this in an effort to get my wife to "let her guard down" and to tell the PO everything she wanted. They pretend to be your friend when in fact they could care less.

My advice:


Clean the house before the PO arrives
Be honest but not outwardly forthcoming when answering questions
Keep your answers short & direct (less is more in this situation)
Don't be disturbed by peculiar questions (ie: does your mother-in-law have a drug addiction, is there any pornography or weapons in the house ?)
Don't be confrontational, be polite and respectful
Don't bother offering coffee, tea or food as the PO will not accept

Hope this helps . . .

Zakk

Well I received a card from Harvey's probation officer asking me to call her tommorow to setup the home visit I'm assuming. I would like to know what to expect from anyone who has been through this. Do they go through each room of the house? Look through closets/drawers/cabinets etc? I want to be as prepared as possible.
Thanks
Ellen

I am fortunate in the fact that I have a very nice PO. She has been nothing but kind to me. She did come to my house but she said she is not allowed to open any drawer, closet, etc. All that they are allowed to do is to confiscate any contraband or paraphenalia that is out in the open.

Sorry I can't help you with this one but I wish you the best and good luck.

Well I spoke with the PO this morning. We set the visit up for next Friday morning. She said she would need about 15 minutes of my time just to check the house and ask some background questions. We shall see. Hopefully all will go well.

What's the purpose of this visit or at what point does it happen? Does everyone go through this?

Thank you in advance.

Release planning, transfer for release purposes and/or home confinement.