NCJ Number
136407
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 20 Issue: 1 Dated: (1992) Pages: 13-24
Date Published
1992
Length
12 pages
Annotation
The Klofas-Toch measure was used to analyze sources of professional orientation, that is, attitudes toward offenders and toward interaction with offenders, among 108 line probation and parole officers employed by the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles who responded to a May 1984 mail survey.
Abstract
Regression analysis suggests that the Alabama probation and parole officers were very pro-rehabilitation and opposed to punishment. Fewer than 10 percent of the respondents agreed that rehabilitation programs should be left to mental health professionals, that counseling is not a job for officers, and that officers who want to do counseling should change jobs. From 68 percent to 95 percent of the officers disagreed with the four punitive orientation items, and from 84 percent to 97 percent identified a preference for closeness between themselves and offenders under supervision. Those officers who reported greater participation in decisionmaking indicated more favorable attitudes toward rehabilitation, a less punitive orientation, and less fear of corruption of authority. 2 notes, 3 tables, and 57 references (Author abstract modified)