Final answer:
Approximately 70% of individuals under state (option A) or federal supervision in the United States are on probation or parole. In 2018, about 2.3 million people were incarcerated, yet the total correctional population was around 6.4 million, including those on probation or parole.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the United States, the percentage of persons under state or federal supervision who are on probation or parole is approximately 70%. This figure reflects the total correctional population, which includes not only those incarcerated but also those on parole or probation. As of 2018, there were about 2.3 million people incarcerated, which includes those in state and federal prisons and local jails. However, when considering the entire corrections system, including those on probation and parole, the number is much higher, at 6.4 million people.
It's important to understand the distinction between terms such as probation and parole. Parole refers to the release from prison under supervision before the full sentence is served, while probation is an alternative to prison, serving supervised time within the community. A majority of individuals under correctional supervision are neither in prison nor jail but are instead on probation or parole, measures that can include counseling, regular meetings with a probation officer, and adherence to strict guidelines to enable their successful reintegration into society.