PROBATION BREAKDOWNS AND THE CONCEPT OF FAILURE

• NCJ Number: 7618
• Journal: British Journal of Criminology Volume: 12 Issue: 4 Dated: (OCTOBER 1972) Pages: 390-399
• Author(s): J L HESKETH; P J HEWITT
• Date Published: 1972
• Length: 10 pages
• Corporate Author: Fred B Rothman & Co
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Statistics
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

STATISTICAL STUDY OF 100 PROBATION FAILURE SITUATIONS, FOCUSING ON INTERACTION BETWEEN THE PROBATION OFFICER AND THE COURT.

Abstract

NINE PROBATION OFFICERS COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRES RELATING TO PROBATIONERS IN THEIR CHARGE WHO HAD BEEN CONVICTED OF A FURTHER OFFENCE. THE QUESTIONNAIRE INCLUDED DETAILS OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES LEADING UP TO AND INCLUDING THE FRESH OFFENCE, THE RECOMMENDATION THEN MADE BY THE OFFICER, THE COURT'S RESPONSE, AND THE TYPE OF DISPOSAL. RESULTS SUGGESTED A RELATIVELY HIGH RISK OF BREAKDOWN IN THE EARLY STAGES OF PROBATION. IN SPITE OF THE COMMISSION OF FURTHER OFFENCES BY THEIR CHARGES, THE PROBATION OFFICERS CONCERNED ARGUED THAT TREATMENT - IN THE BROADEST SENSE - WAS BEING EFFECTIVE OR - GIVEN TIME HAD THE CHANCE OF BEING EFFECTIVE. INCLINATION OF THE COURTS WAS TO FOLLOW THE RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE PROBATION OFFICERS IN THE EARLY STAGES OF PROBATION.