NCJ Number
51010
Date Published
1978
Length
9 pages
Annotation
THE WORKING CONTEXT FOR PROBATION AS A DISPOSITION FOR ADJUDICATED OFFENDERS IS PRESENTED, AND THE FUNCTIONS AND ROLE EXPECTATIONS INHERENT IN THE JOB OF PROBATION OFFICER ARE DESCRIBED.
Abstract
IT IS NOTED THAT PROBATION IS A DISPOSITION AND NOT A SENTENCE, SINCE PROBATION IS OFFERED AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE SENTENCE PRESCRIBED FOR THE OFFENSE. THE ROLES OF PROBATION OFFICERS IN PRECONVICTION INTERVENTION AND PRESENTENCE INTERVENTION ARE CONSIDERED. IN MOST COURT SYSTEMS WHERE BUDGETS ARE TIGHT, A PROBATION OFFICER CONDUCTS THE INVESTIGATION THAT WILL DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT THE DEFENDANT WILL BE RELEASED WITHOUT BAIL WHILE HE AWAITS PROCESSING. THE PRESENTENCE INVESTIGATION, WHICH PROVIDES EXTENSIVE INFORMATION ON THE OFFENDER, IS ALSO FREQUENTLY CONDUCTED BY A PROBATION OFFICER. THE INVESTIGATION PROCEDURE AND THE MEANS BY WHICH THE REPORT IS HANDLED IN THE DISPOSITION HEARING ARE DESCRIBED. DISTINCTIONS BETWEEN JUVENILE AND ADULT SUPERVISION ARE IDENTIFIED AND DISCUSSED. EXAMINATION OF THE SUPERVISORY ROLE OF PROBATION OFFICERS INDICATE THAT THEY FREQUENTLY FUNCTION AS COMMUNITY RESOURCE COORDINATORS, ACTING AS BROKERS OF COMMMUNITY SERVICES ORCHESTRATED ACCORDING TO THE NEEDS OF PARTICULAR CLIENTS. IN ADDITION, OFFICERS MAY ACT AS COUNSELORS TO THEIR PROBATIONERS AND/OR THE PROBATIONER'S FAMILY. COUNSELING TECHNIQUES EMPLOYED BY THE OFFICER ARE MOST OFTEN DIRECTED TOWARD HELPING THE PROBATIONER TO WORK THROUGH PROBLEMS STIMULATED BY INTERACTION WITH SPECIFIC PERSONS AND TO EXAMINE ANXIETIES AND SELF-DEFEATING BEHAVIOR IN PARTICULAR SITUATIONS AFFECTING HER OR HIS WORK AND COMMITMENTS TO CONFORM TO THE LAW. (RCB)