NCJ Number
170259
Journal
Prison Journal Volume: 77 Issue: 3 Dated: (September 1997) Pages: 295-312
Date Published
1997
Length
18 pages
Annotation
The attitudes of probation and parole officers in two agencies were studied to determine the extent to which attitudes of the intensive supervision officers differ from those of regular supervision officers in terms of their focus and style of supervision.
Abstract
Each research site had recently implemented a prototypical model of intensive supervision developed by the American Probation and Parole Association. The model encouraged a balanced approach to supervision and was based on principles of effective correctional intervention. Prior to implementation, the intensive supervision officers at each site took part in comprehensive training and development activities. The survey of officer attitudes was conducted as part of an evaluation sponsored by the National Institute of Justice. The sites were located in the northeast and the midwest and were selected because of their successful implementation of the prototypical program. Seventy-two officers completed the survey. The participants included 11 intensive supervision officers and 61 regular supervision officers. Results revealed that the intensive supervision officers who had experienced comprehensive training had a much stronger focus on the rehabilitative function of probation and parole and on strategies for promoting behavioral change than did regular supervision officers. Results suggested that a comprehensive approach to training and development can effectively instill in probation and parole officers the supervision attitudes that are most conducive to promoting change in offenders. Tables and 43 references (Author abstract modified)