Determining offender eligibility under the Compact requires a multi-prong analysis beginning with the broad definition of offender. An “offender” means “an adult placed under, or made subject to, supervision as a result of the commission of a criminal offense and released to the community under the jurisdiction of courts, paroling authorities, corrections or other criminal justice agencies, and who is required to request transfer of supervision under the terms and conditions of supervision.” See Art. II; Rule 1.101. If an offender is an “offender” for purposes of the Compact, qualification for transfer of supervision is determined by the nature of the offense and the nature of the supervision.

In interpreting the definition of “offender,” the Commission affirms that the type of supervision to be carried out in a receiving state is not a factor in determining whether an offender is eligible for transfer. See Advisory Opinion 9-2004: Additionally, because of the broad definition of offender, the Compact covers those under the supervision of probation and parole officials, departments of corrections, courts, related agencies, and private firms acting on behalf of the courts and corrections authorities.