JOHN AUGUSTUS REVISITED - THE VOLUNTEER PROBATION COUNSELOR IN A MISDEMEANANT COURT

• NCJ Number: 11435
• Author(s): J D JORGENSEN
• Date Published: 1970
• Length: 7 pages
• Corporate Author: National Information Ctr on Volunteers in Courts
• Publication Format: Document
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

THIS STUDY BY THE DENVER COUNTY FOCUSES ON THE USE OF VOLUNTEERS TO PROVIDE SUPERVISORY PROBATION SERVICES FOR SELECTED YOUNG PROBATIONERS.

Abstract

VOLUNTEERS ASSUMED TOTAL SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR CHARGES AND SUBMITTED MONTHLY REPORTS TO THE PROBATION OFFICERS MAKING THE ASSIGNMENTS. STATISTICS INDICATE THAT VOLUNTEERS HAVE HAD CONSIDERABLE SUCCESS IN REDUCING ARRESTS. THEY ARE UNHAMPERED BY THE DISADVANTAGES INCURRED BY PROFESSIONAL PROBATION OFFICERS WHO HAVE PUNITIVE POWERS AND SOPHISTICATED KNOWLEDGE OF DEVIANT BEHAVIOR. NOT HAVING PRECONCEIVED NOTIONS OF DEVIANCY, THEY CAN RESPOND TO THE OFFENDERS' NEED FOR A FRIEND. IT IS ALSO FELT THAT THE SUPERVISORY WORK OF THE VOLUNTEER FREES THE PROFESSIONAL FOR DIAGNOSTIC AND PRESENTENCE WORK.