Attorney in Augusta takes on privatized probation

An attorney in Augusta is suing to end Georgia's privatized probation system.

Jack Long says state courts should not outsource probation services to people convicted of misdemeanors.

Long says the process is a money maker for the companies handling probation services, and that clients often face expanded probation terms, which are more costly. So, he's asked a court in Richmond County to declare the practice unconstitutional.

"There's an economic incentive that I think does not need to be involved in the judicial system," says Long. "Suppose we have police officers and we said we're not going to pay you a salary, we'll give you 20 percent of your tickets."

Private probation companies can charge people with misdemeanor violations more than $30 per month as a service fee. Company officials say they are providing a valuable service that reduces correctional costs at the individual county levels.