Blueprint for Effective Parole Supervision

• NCJ Number: 206425
• Journal: Community Corrections Report Volume: 11 Issue: 5 Dated: July/August 2004 Pages: 53-54,67,68
• Author(s): Christopher Walsh M.S.
• Editor(s): Carl Reddick
• Date Published: July 2004
• Length: 4 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article recommends and outlines effective parole practices in the areas administration, probation and parole officers, classification and assessments, and programming.

Abstract

Parole agencies can be an integral part of the community where parolees reside and where parole agencies are one of the many players in the vital societal mission of reducing crime. Defining effective parole practices has been attempted from many perspectives. Recently, research has identified many promising correctional approaches. The recommendations presented are based on direct experience and are intended to supplement what has been presented elsewhere. The recommendations in the area of administration include: (1) pan agency should adopt and take seriously American Correctional Association (ACA) Standards for Administration; (2) officers’ performance should be rated on objective performance measures based on extensive case reviews; and (3) promotional candidates should enter an in-house management training program. Recommendations in the area of probation and parole officers include: (1) officers should have 2 years of relevant experience and a relevant college degree; (2) the hiring process should include a written test to demonstrate literacy and sound judgment; (3) provide an understanding that the officer is capable of playing many roles and knowing what role to use; (4) officers must be well read in criminology to provide effective supervision; and (5) the officer must become adept at interpreting and administering classification and assessment tools. Recommendation in the area of classification is to provide all information developed in prison and presentence investigations to the classifying parole section. Lastly, for effective parole supervision, the program characteristics of the ACA Probation and Parole Field Services Standards for Supervision must be followed.