NCJ Number
106363
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 49 Issue: 5 Dated: (August 1987) Pages: 122,124,126-127
Date Published
1987
Length
4 pages
Annotation
An interview with the chief probation officer for the Adult Probation Department in Maricopa County, Ariz., covers probation officer preparedness for supervising felons, the probation model for felons, whether or not a probation officer should carry a gun, electronic monitoring of probationers, intensive supervision, and officer recruitment.
Abstract
The Maricopa County Adult Probation Department has always managed a significant number of felon probationers, so the increase in felon probationers over the past few years has not been a significant adjustment problem for the department. A control surveillance model is used with felon probationers. This involves monitoring probationers' movements and controlling their behavior. Restitution monies are collected and drug tests are conducted. The department does not permit officers to carry guns, believing that arming officers would put them and the public at greater risk of harm. Officers are taught how to manage conflict and avoid dangerous situations. Electronic monitoring is not used by the department, although an effective system is apparently more cost effective than imprisonment. Sixteen intensive supervision teams operate in the county under State funding. Officers are primarily recruited from the college of justice at Arizona State University.