Community control is the strictest form of probation. Effectively a jail sentence without the jail, an offender on community control will be monitored at all times. Typically this is achieved through use of an ankle monitor. The offender wears the ankle monitor for the duration of his probation and his whereabouts can be tracked at all times. Additionally, all of the other requirements of probation still apply, including payment of fines, counseling and maintaining employment. Some states have more restrictive types of community control programs including electronic surveillance for sex offenders.

Shock probation came to prominence in the late 1990s. In a shock probation scenario, the judge sentences you to the maximum prison or jail sentence allowable under the law. Then within a short period, typically around 30 days, the judge brings you back into court and releases you to a standard supervised probation program. The rationale behind shock probation is that the brief stay in jail or prison will literally shock you into complying with the terms of your probation.

Diversion courts are not exactly probation but they operate in the same manner. Rather than being placed on probation post-conviction, you enter the program before going to trial. If you complete the requirements the charge against you is dropped. Diversion typically involves all of the same requirements as supervised probation.