Jim is a convicted sex offender who has been placed on intensive probation. As a condition of his probation, he is required to keep a sign on his front lawn that openly and very visibly states "Convicted Sex Offender Lives Here!" Over a six-month period he has met all terms and conditions of his probation in an exemplary manner. However, he has noted to you, his probation officer, there is a group of youth who constantly pester him and yells at him, calling him names such as "scum," "dirt bag," "loser," and worse. Additionally, his neighbor across the street has vocalized that he would like to see Jim get arrested and get sent to prison. One of the youths that has been harassing Jim is the son of this neighbor who lives across the street. Jim asks you if he has any recourse since he believes that what the neighbor and the youth are doing are illegal.

 

Explain how you would handle this situation as Jim's probation officer. Explain which formal and informal steps you would take to resolve the issue. Additionally, which of the sentencing goal discusses in this week readings were utilizes in Jim's sentence. Was it a wise choice or do you support this method of punishment? Why or why not?