NCJ Number
89386
Date Published
1982
Length
336 pages
Annotation
This study examines the relationship of probation and parole organizational structure to the procedures used to accomplish goals vis-a-vis clients.
Abstract
In this study, Perrow's definition of technology is adapted to correctional agencies to mean 'actions an officer or agent performs with or without respect to offenders to bring about a change in either attitude, behavior, image, or ability in the offender.' The technologies of community supervision are distinguished by three groups of activities. Control technology involves activities by the supervising officer which have the effect of depriving or curtailing the client's liberty. The technology of mental health consists of activities associated with the manipulation of affect and cognition in the client. The third technology consists of activities that manipulate the environment on behalf of the offender. Eight groups were included in the study: four parole offices and four probation agencies. A time sheet was used to collect a representative sampling of each officer's activities, and a questionnaire was used to obtain information on perceptions of clients, organization search processes, bureaucratic structure of the organizations, and the amount of shared responsibility for policy in the organizations. A precoded interview was used to measure the degree of discretion experienced by the officers as well as to validate some of the data on the questionnaire. A major finding was that organizations structured for control and mental health technologies are effective in fulfilling both these technologies, but activities geared to environmental manipulation are not suited for organizations structured for control and mental health technologies. Study instruments are appended, and 84 bibliographic entries are provided.