Probation supervision may begin even before a court decision enters into force if a probation officer is assigned to prepare a pre-sentence report. This document is prepared at the request of the court or the prosecutor's office. In cooperation with the probationer, the probation officer responds to the questions raised in the request and makes recommendations regarding the length of the period of probation, the probation supervision, and possible obligations. From the moment the request is received until the report is completed, the person is considered a probationer.

When the prison prepares for the possible early conditional release of a prisoner, probation supervision services provide an opinion. The probation officer plays an important role in assessing the convicted person's needs, risks, and strengths in avoiding further offending, as well as their capacity to take responsibility. Along with the opinion, the probation officer also proposes possible obligations and activities.

The pre-sentence report and early release opinion are stages that precede probation supervision.

Probation supervision begins once the court decision has entered into force. Probation supervision is a case-management-based approach focused on the individual needs and risks of the probationer, aiming to support successful reintegration into society or lawful coping while preventing further offences.

Another key function of probation supervision is monitoring that the probationer complies with the supervisory requirements and obligations imposed upon them. Probation supervision is not a separate type of punishment; it is based on a primary sentence, such as imprisonment or a financial penalty.

When a person is placed under probation supervision, a period of probation is set and they are subject to behavioural monitoring for a defined term. During this period, the probationer must comply with all assigned requirements and obligations.

If the probationer violates conditions or fails to fulfil obligations, legal consequences may follow:

• written warning;
• additional obligations;
• extension of the probation period by up to one year;
• enforcement of the original sentence.

A probation officer is a prison service official responsible for implementing court- and prosecutor-imposed sanctions and ensuring that the probationer complies with their obligations. The probation officer uses both supervisory and support measures in their work. Supervisory measures ensure that probation supervision is conducted properly and safely and that the probationer complies with the conditions. Support measures aim to assist the probationer, promote the goals of probation supervision, and encourage positive changes in thinking and behaviour.

During probation supervision, the probationer is subject to control requirements and obligations and is also granted certain rights.

The control requirements set out in the court decision include: living at the court-designated residence, fulfilling registration requirements, submitting to supervision at their place of residence, providing information on compliance with obligations and sources of income, obtaining prior permission from the probation officer to leave the territory of Estonia for more than 15 days, obtaining prior permission to change place of residence, work, or study, and obtaining prior permission to leave Estonia and stay outside the country.

The probationer may also be subject to additional obligations and prohibitions, such as prohibition on alcohol and drug use, participation in social programmes, fulfilment of maintenance obligations, and/or requirement to undergo treatment.

The probationer has the right to be treated with respect for human dignity, to participate in decisions concerning them, to receive explanations about their obligations, and to provide feedback on the probation officer's work.

After the court decision enters into force, a probation officer is assigned and will contact the probationer by phone, email, or letter. During the initial contact, an introductory meeting is arranged, usually within five working days.

At the first meeting, the functioning of probation supervision, the rights and obligations of the probationer, and the meeting arrangements are explained. The court decision forming the basis of probation supervision is reviewed, and any questions raised by the probationer are answered. The probation officer listens to the story and thoughts of the probationer, and together they begin building a cooperative working relationship. A risk assessment and supervision plan are then developed, forming the individual action plan of the probationer for successful completion of probation supervision.

This is an opportunity for the probationer to share their story and thoughts. The probation supervisor introduces the probation portal and its functions (including fulfilling obligations). If electronic monitoring has been imposed upon a probationer, its conditions are explained to the probationer and the device is installed. If community service has been ordered, the probation officer presents possible placements and prepares a preliminary schedule.

Meetings usually take place at the probation department office, but depending on the need they may also be held online or by telephone. The probation officer takes the needs of the probationer into account when arranging the time and format of meetings, considering, where possible, their work schedule, school hours, travel costs, and other relevant circumstances – provided this supports the aims and successful completion of probation supervision. Meetings are generally arranged jointly, taking both parties into account.

At the beginning of probation supervision, meetings take place at least once a week until the supervision plan is approved. The frequency of later meetings depends on the individual circumstances, progress, and needs of the probationer.

Involving relatives always takes place in cooperation, with consent, and with respect for all parties.

A probation officer may invite relatives to meetings. If the probationer is a minor, their legal representative is informed and, where possible, invited to meetings. The probation officer may also request information from relatives about the situation of the probationer and, during home visits, may speak with family members.

The support of relatives is one of the most important factors in successfully completing probation supervision. A supportive and stable family helps a person maintain motivation, fulfil obligations, and make positive choices. A relative can encourage the probationer to attend meetings, comply with obligations, and accept help when needed.

In case of questions, relatives of a probationer may contact the probation supervision department or the probation officer – their contact details can be requested from the probationer or the probation supervision department. The probation officer can provide general information about how probation supervision works, but due to confidentiality they cannot share all details without the consent of the probationer.

Those who need emotional support or counselling can contact a local municipality social worker, victim support services (telephone 116 006), or a family counsellor.

It means that the convicted person is not in prison but lives in the community under court-imposed conditions. They are assigned a probation officer who monitors compliance with the court-ordered requirements and obligations and supports them towards a law-abiding life. Probation supervision does not mean that the offence is ignored – it is a court-imposed sanction that includes specific requirements, obligations, and restrictions for the offender.

The victim has the right to receive information about the progress of probation supervision. If needed, they may contact the probation supervision service for information.

Under the Imprisonment Act, the victim has the right to receive information about the start of the sentence, compliance with court-ordered obligations, and the execution of probation supervision requirements.

The probation officer does not disclose sensitive personal data (such as health, religious beliefs, etc.) or other information from which such details could be inferred. To obtain information, the victim must submit a written request to the probation officer or attend an in-person meeting at the probation department.

The victim has the right to:

• provide the probation officer with information about the behaviour of the probationer;
• receive advice from the probation officer.

The probation officer will inform the victim in two cases: if a restraining order with electronic monitoring has been applied to the probationer, or if the probationer has been convicted of offences against a person. In these cases, the probation officer will contact the victim directly – usually by telephone – in order to establish direct and secure communication. If necessary, a written notice is also sent, including the probation officer's contact details so that the victim can contact them if needed.

The purpose of communication with the victim is to increase safety and the sense of security for the victim of the offence, and at the same time to obtain feedback on the behaviour of the probationer.

In the case of a minor victim, their legal guardian is informed.

In the event of damage to health, personal injury, invasion of privacy, or violation of other personal rights, everyone has the right to apply for a restraining order in their defence. The imposition of a restraining order is decided by the county court. The exact content of the restraining order is determined by the court. For example, the court may decide that the person subject to the restriction may not:

• be in the vicinity of the protected person;
• be near a building where the protected person lives, studies, works, or otherwise frequently stays.

A temporary restraining order imposed in criminal proceedings and a restraining order imposed by a conviction can be applied with electronic surveillance. If electronic monitoring has been imposed on the probationer, the probation officer ensures that the probationer complies with the court-ordered restraining order and does not violate it.

During probation supervision, the behaviour of the probationer and their compliance with supervision requirements and obligations are monitored. In the event of a breach, the probation officer is required to respond – either by issuing a warning or submitting a report to the court.

In the event of an immediate threat, the victim should call 112 (Emergency Response Centre) immediately.

If there are concerns about personal safety but no immediate danger, the victim should contact their local police officer. If there are questions related to probation supervision, the victim should contact the probation officer, who can assess the situation and respond if necessary.

For emotional support and counselling, there is a free 24/7 victim support crisis helpline at 116 006. It is also possible to contact a local municipality social worker. If a child needs assistance, the child helpline 116 111 can be called and/or the child support website can be visited.

• Imprisonment Act
• Probation Supervision Act
• Penal Code
• Procedures for the Enforcement and Supervision of Electronic Monitoring
• Procedures for the Preparation, Performance, and Supervision of Community Service
• Procedures for the Preparation, Implementation, and Supervision of Addiction Treatment and Drug Treatment Applied in Cases of Conditional Release from Punishment or Conditional Early Release from Imprisonment
• Procedures for the Preparation, Implementation, and Supervision of Comprehensive Treatment for Sex Offenders