NCJ Number
84895
Editor(s)
A W Cohn
Date Published
1969
Length
311 pages
Annotation
A series of 13 papers addresses issues bearing upon contemporary corrections management, with particular attention to probation.
Abstract
The opening piece notes the current confusions in corrections theory and practice and suggests the application of the scientific process and the discarding of ritualism as a means of bringing improvement in corrections effectiveness. Another paper reviews research studies on various aspects of probation, followed by a discussion of types of evaluative research designs for corrections programs and policy considerations involved in selecting research designs. A study considers the variables of prior labels attached to the probationer and the threat posed by the probationer to the probation officer as factors in probation officer decisionmaking; and findings are presented from a study designed to clarify the role of the corrections administrator, the problems encountered by the administrator, and the knowledge and skill required for the effective performance of administrative duties. An assessment of the services of community corrections agents focuses on conflict in goals, professionalization, and the inadequacy of relying solely on individual treatment. Other papers focus on probation and parole supervision, probation services and the violent offender, old and new legal issues in probation, corrections and minorities, organizational consolidation in corrections, and the information explosion and social control. For individual entries, see NCJ 84896-84907.