When an offender is supervised by a parole officer in the community, an assessment is completed to determine both what needs the offender has and what level of supervision the offender needs. The level of supervision reflects the level of risk the offender poses to re-offend. Levels of supervision range from "low" supervision to "high" supervision. Factors considered in the assessment include:

• Criminal History
• Education/Employment
• Financial
• Family/Marital
• Accommodation
• Leisure/recreation
• Companions
• Alcohol/drug problems
• Emotional/personal
• Attitudes/orientation

The goal of classifying offenders in the community is to reduce the risk of the offender committing new crimes and creating more victims.