NCJ Number
83846
Date Published
1978
Length
139 pages
Annotation
This assessment of New York City Probation Department recordkeeping found no standardized format or content for case records, which ultimately hampers the effectiveness of probation services.
Abstract
Data for the assessment were obtained from visits to every branch office of the department, where case processing was monitored from reception by the branch to final disposition. All forms which the branch personnel identified as actual or potential parts of the case record were collected, along with copies of all index cards and sheets. Flow charts of the case processing were constructed. Because no standardized format or content for case records was found, records are difficult to understand and use when probation officers or cases are transferred to another office. Other client based records lack standard format as well. There are no standard methods for filing, handling, or securing records, making them vulnerable to loss. Among the products of the department are counseling, recommendations, and reports, but the process by which information is transformed into these products is not getting sufficient management effort. The study's major conclusion is that managerial emphasis is on the concept of probation services, issues of human behavior, points of law, and program funding, while there is less emphasis on the process of producing services at both department and branch levels. The adoption of recommended procedures and forms is expected to (1) produce greater uniformity in all branches performing comparable functions; (2) improve efficiency and economy by reduction of duplication, number of forms, and clerical time; and (3) improve file storage capability. Greater accessibility to records and improved potential for exchange of information among branches should also result. Data are presented in tabular form.