Probation as a Necessity in the Republic of North Macedonia

Abstract As a result of the shortcomings that accompany the enforcement of institutional measures and sanctions on perpetrators of criminal offences, a system of community-based sanctions and measures has emerged. These are intended to relieve the criminal and penal system, maximize the principle of individualization, improve the reintegration of offenders into society, reduce recidivism, and protect society. The organizational units that implement such measures and sanctions are known as probation services. This paper analyses international standards, the emergence and development of probation, a comparative analysis, and the establishment of probation under the Law on Probation in the Republic of North Macedonia, as well as perspectives for the full and effective functioning of the probation service. The probation service is a special organizational unit formed within the Administration for the Execution of Sanctions under the Ministry of Justice. The probation service is tasked with implementing community-based penalties, including measures such as suspended sentences under supervision, community work, and home confinement. It also follows the enforcement of conditional release decisions issued by the courts. Through its activities, the service assists offenders in their social reintegration and rehabilitation, contributing to public safety and the reduction of the prison population. In addition, the service prepares assessments of the risk level of defendants during ongoing criminal cases and provides the court with recommendations regarding the appropriate form of sanction.