Identifying High Risk Probationers for Supervision in the Community: The Oregon Model

• NCJ Number: 111583
• Journal: Federal Probation Volume: 50 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1986) Pages: 42-49
• Author(s): T R Clear; C Shapiro
• Date Published: 1986
• Length: 8 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: This article is based on a paper presented to the American Society of Criminology, San Diego, California, November 1985. For microfiche, see NCJ-111578.

Annotation

The Oregon Probation Development Project is seeking to develop a probation unit that is capable of providing enhanced supervision of offenders and reform sentencing practices so that courts will use this option.

Abstract

A preliminary audit of the probation unit in Multnomah County identified several impediments to effective supervision: lack of resources, strict and complicated supervision requirements, and lack of intrinsic rewards in fieldwork. In an attempt to alleviate some of these problems, the project has established a community advisory board and developed a mission and policy statement. In addition, research was conducted to identify the target group for enhanced supervision. A screening model was developed that considers offender substance use, juvenile conviction, victim-offender relationship, needs, harm to victim, prior probation or parole revocations, and age at first conviction. It was decided to focus program efforts on higher risk offenders (class 2-4 felony offenders), providing a pool of about 400 eligible offenders from which a target caseload of 100 to 150 offenders could be drawn. An intensive supervision unit has been formed consisting of four probation officers and a supervisor. Three officers will handle caseloads of 25 each, while the fourth officer will work closely with the judiciary and coordinate the screening process. 1 figure and 4 tables.