NCJ Number
65541
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 42 Issue: 1 Dated: (JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1980) Pages: 14,34,42,44
Date Published
1980
Length
4 pages
Annotation
THE OBJECTIVES FOR PROBATION AND THE FUNCTION OF THE PROBATION OFFICER ARE DISCUSSED.
Abstract
PROBATION IS INTEDED TO PROVIDE CONTROL OVER THE BEHAVIOR OF AN OFFENDER TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC AND ACCOMPLISH REHABILITATION OBJECTIVES FOR THE OFFENDER WHILE IN THE COMMUNITY DURING THE SANCTION PERIOD. THE GENERAL CONDITIONS OF PROBATION SHOULD BE PART OF THE COURT RECORD AND BECOME THE BASIS FOR PROBATION SUPERVISION. THE PROBATION OFFICER IS AN INTERPRETER FOR THE PROBATIONER OF THE PROBATION CONDITIONS, AND HE/SHE ASSISTS THE PROBATIONER IN MEETING THOSE CONDITIONS. THE PROBATION OFFICER SHOULD MEET WITH THE PROBATIONER AT THE OUTSET OF THE PROBATION PERIOD TO EXPLAINE FIXED PROBATION CONDITIONS AND DEVELOP SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND SERVICES TAILORED TO EACH PROBATIONER. DECISIONS MADE IN THIS INITIAL MEETING CONSTITUTE THE CONTRACT UNDER WHICH THE PROBATIONER IS TO FUNCTION AND BY WHICH THE OFFICER IS TO SUPERVISE. PROBATION MUST BE FLEXIBLE ENOUGH TO HANDLE VIOLATIONS OF THE CONTRACT WITHOUT EFFECTING REVOCATION AND INSTITUTIONALIZATION OF THOSE WHO MAY HAVE COMMITTED TECHNICAL VIOLATIONS OF THEIR PROBATION BUT DO NOT POSE A THREAT TO THE PUBLIC. THE OFFICER SHOULD ANTICIPATE PROBLEMS LIKELY TO ARISE WITH EACH PROBATIONER AND GEAR SUPERVISION PATTERNS ACCORDINGLY. THOSE INDICATED TO HAVE SERIOUS BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS WOULD LOGICALLY REQUIRE GREATER SUPERVISION. WHERE THE OFFICER FORESEES PROBLEMS LIKELY TO BE BEYOND HIS/HER COMPETENCY, SPECIALIZED COMMUNITY SERVICES SHOULD BE USED. WRITTEN MONTHLY REPORTS FROM THE PROBATIONER AND REGULAR FIELD CONTACTS BY THE OFFICER ARE IMPORTANT FOR EVERY CASE. REFERENCES ARE PROVIDED. (RCB)