NCJ Number
84373
Journal
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology Volume: 26 Issue: 1 Dated: (1982) Pages: 18-26
Date Published
1982
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the impact of the 1966 decision to put probation officers inside British prisons to act as welfare officers and suggests reforms in the corrections system.
Abstract
A basic assumption underlying probation is that relationships with other human beings influence individual behavior. However, the first task of any prison is security, and the decision to place probation officers inside prisons was received by both the probation service and prison staffs with mixed feelings. The intent of this move was to have the probation service assist the prisoner from the moment of sentence through planning for release. In the last decade, prisons have become more crowded, and the casework approach has been criticized. The probation service was experimented with many intervention programs such as community service and day centers, and budget restrictions have stimulated discussions over service priorities. Many of the probation service's effective innovations can be attributed in part to the direct knowledge of prison life gained by officers posted to prisons for limited periods. Studies have shown that prison officers' and probation officers' contacts with prisoners result from inmates' initiatives or crises. The probation officer who has direct contact with prisoners can often help them deal with feelings in a constructive manner, although their approach may be undermined by prison officers. Thus, cooperation is vital. Future strategies should involve increased use of probation services and diversion along with shorter prison sentences. The paper provides 21 references.