South Dakota's probation system has been getting more efficient even as the system expands under the state's new criminal justice reforms, says Chief Justice David Gilbertson. The Sioux Falls Argus Leader reports that since 2010, the number of felons on probation has risen by more than 1,000, but the percentage of those who commit a serious violation while on probation has fallen.
Gilbertson called the numbers “quiet, yet impressive” yesterday in his State of the Judiciary address to the Legislature. Rep. Marc Feinstein said he was impressed by the news, especially because probation is much cheaper than incarceration.