NCJ Number
77393
Date Published
1981
Length
33 pages
Annotation
Findings are reported from a program audit of the Joint State/County Training Project for adult probation and parole personnel in Pennsylvania.
Abstract
The project period was from October 1979 through January 1981. To measure the effectiveness of the project in its second year of funding, a survey questionnaire was mailed to each county and State department; about 84 percent of the county departments and State district offices completed the survey. A total of 1,365 State and county participants attended 74 training courses provided, of which 54 percent were State Parole Board personnel. About 57 percent of the respondents felt their training needs were being met, compared to 42 percent in 1979. The comparison group unanimously indicated that more training is now available through the training project, and nearly 80 percent of the respondents thought the training was helpful in interdepartmental interaction, as well as in exchanges between agencies. Moreover, 86 percent expressed satisfaction with the overall effectiveness of the training program, and overwhelming support (98 percent) was shown for the project's continuation. Before-and-after comparisons showed statistically significant increases in the proportions of respondents answering several assessment questions. On the basis of these findings, it is concluded that the training project has met its objectives of delivering training opportunities and services to county and State departments of probation and parole, as well as information and training resources exchange. Tabular data and a sample questionnaire are provided. (Author abstract modified)