Probation is the action of suspending the sentence of a person convicted of a criminal offense and granting supervision on the promise of good behavior and abiding by certain court-ordered Conditions of Probation. The Adult Probation Department provides presentence investigations and community supervision of persons placed on probation by the Limited and Superior Courts.

The purpose of probation supervision in Yavapai County is the protection of society and to reduce recidivism through evidence based practices. Defendants are assessed utilizing various instruments and are supervised according to their potential risk to re-offend. The Superior Court and Adult Probation Department provide numerous programs and services to meet the needs of each individual that is granted a term of probation. The Adult Probation Department is funded by the State and County and through defendant-assessed Probation Service Fees.  

The Adult Probation Department employs 102 employees and supervises over 2287 probationers in the community (statistical information as of June 2009).