Appendix 1

Primer on Terms Associated with
Connecticut’s Criminal Justice System

Criminal Justice Position Titles

Bail Commissioner: A person employed by the Connecticut Judicial Branch who makes recommendations to judges about releasing people from jail while they have pending charges. Bail Commissioners oversee people released on pending charges to assure they are complying with the conditions set by the judge.

Case Manager: The Connecticut Department of Correction and Judicial Branch collaborate with many non-profit organizations to provide an array of services for people under their supervision. Most non-profit organizations have case managers who work one-on-one with criminal justice-involved clients to help them address their medical, employment, housing, and transportation needs.

Parole Officer: A person who works for the Connecticut Department of Correction and who
supervises people under parole, special parole, transitional supervision, or halfway houses
after their prison release. In addition, the Board of Pardons and Paroles also employs parole
officers to compile information on inmates under consideration for parole.

Probation Officer: A person who works for the Connecticut Judicial Branch and supervises convicted people in the community who have been sentenced to a term of probation.

Re-Entry Counselor: Most Connecticut correctional facilities have Re-Entry Counselors on staff to help incarcerated citizens re-enter their communities after prison release. Reentry Counselors assist with providing the following services: reentry guides for various cities/towns across the state; referrals to community agencies and programs; information on job fairs and other employment services; locating assistance for basic needs; services for veterans; 211 calls for those with housing needs; bus passes; and referrals to vital programming

Community Programs and Resources