Probation began in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1841 when John Augustus convinced a Court Judge to release a "public drunkard" into his custody. He took the man into his home, found him a job and made him sign a pledge that he would stop drinking. The Judge was so impressed that the man remained sober and had a dignified appearance that when he returned to Court for sentencing, the Judge waived the usual penalty -- 30 days in the House of Correction. Instead, he levied a Fine of one cent plus Court Costs of $3.76. In 1878, Massachusetts enacted the world's first Probation Law.

In 1907, Probation was regulated by Indiana State Statute. In 1945, Porter County hired its first part-time Probation Officer and in 1950, a full-time Probation Officer was hired.