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The Court Services units of the Nevada Department of Public Safety,
Division of Parole and Probation (Division) conduct detailed
investigations of persons convicted of felony or gross misdemeanor
offenses and make sentencing recommendations to the District Court
Judges through a legal document called a Presentence Investigation
Report. (NAC 213.580; 213.590; 213.600 and NRS 176A.100(3); 213.10988)
The reports detail crimes that
vary from the most serious offenses that include murder, sex offenses,
crimes against children, to the less serious offenses that include
theft and substance abuse.
In order to more effectively utilize sworn officers for peace officer
functions, civilian staff called Division Specialists (Court Services
Specialists) conducts the Presentence Investigations and prepare the
reports. These Specialists are part investigator, part Para-legal, and
part report writer. Each Specialist attempts to personally interview
each offender and conduct a thorough investigation, which includes
interviewing victims to determine the impact the crime had on them
physically, emotionally and financially. Contacting the victim of a
crime is taken very seriously by the Division; our mission includes
doing everything possible to make the victim whole.
NRS 176.145 mandates that the report of any Presentence Investigation
contain the following information to help the District Court in
imposing a sentence:
- Any prior criminal record of the defendant;
- Information concerning the characteristics of the defendant,
his financial condition, the circumstances of the offense;
- Information concerning the effect that the offense had upon
the victim, including physical of psychological harm and
financial loss;
- Information concerning the defendant's child support
obligation, if applicable, and if he is in arrears in
payment;
- Any evaluation outlined in NRS 176.145; and is applicable
a psychosexual evaluation;
- A recommendation of a minimum and maximum term of imprisonment,
or other term of imprisonment authorized by statute;
- A recommendation, if the Division deems appropriate, for a
regimental discipline program; and
- Any information required by the court or any information the
Division believes would be helpful to the court in imposing a
sentence, in granting probation, or in correctional treatment.
The Presentence Investigation Report is more than a powerful tool for
judges at sentencing. It serves many important and useful purposes:
- It is used by the Division officer when the offender is
released to either probation or parole
- It is used by the Nevada Department of Corrections for
inmate classification and designation
- It is used by the Parole Commission in evaluating the
granting of parole for inmates
- It is used to locate fugitive or absconders, and in the
investigation of a new crime
- It is used by correctional treatment agencies in the
rehabilitation of offenders
- It is used by other states if the offender is approved
for transfer under the Adult Interstate Compact agreement
The Specialists play a vital role in the criminal justice system. They are expected to
be objective and thorough in their investigation and report. The Presentence
Investigation Report will be a document that will affect an individual's life for
years to come and in many cases their entire life.
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