Ordinarily, probationary programs similar to Brown's are under the supervision of the Richmond Sheriff's Office. However, Brown wouldn't be eligible to perform community service under normal circumstances due to the nature of his conviction, according to sources familiar with probation policies. Brown committed a violent felony when he assaulted Rihanna in August 2009 on the day before the Grammy Awards. Felons aren't allowed to serve community service according to Richmond Sheriff's Office protocols. Instead, a judge granted a request by Chief Bryan Norwood to supervise the superstars probation.