NCJ Number
106688
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 51 Issue: 2 Dated: special issue (June 1987) Pages: 20-23.
Date Published
1987
Length
4 pages
Annotation
An experienced probation officer discusses 14 axioms that probation officers should not do when dealing with probationers and the community.
Abstract
Among these recommendations are that (1) probation officers should never forget that probationers are human beings, (2) probationers' confidences should not be abused, and (3) probation officers should not procrastinate in developing a treatment plan or in initiating action. Officers are advised to not forget that they are agents of the court and community, to not abuse their authority, to not forget that delinquency and crime are expressions of habit, and to not forget that the locale of the delinquent is the neighborhood or community. In addition, the author recommends that (1) probation officers never forget that probationers are social entities, (2) officers not neglect to practice what they preach, (3) work without record is of little avail (officers must keep accurate records), (4) officers should not take anything for granted (officers must develop scientific inquiry), (5) officers should not resent criticism, and (6) officers should not neglect keeping up with current developments in their field.