AP: Top Ohio judge wants probation change

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio’s newly sworn-in chief justice says the state needs to reform its probation system, which has been criticized as fragmented, expensive and ineffective.

A study last year found Ohio spent $189 million in 2008 alone on inmates with an average sentence of just nine months.

Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor told The Associated Press in an interview today that changes are needed to save money and reduce the number of offenders who return to prison.

Justice O’Connor says the time is right to explore changes because of Ohio’s dire budget problems. She acknowledges reforms would require a statewide, collaborative effort.