NCJ Number
92862
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 47 Issue: 4 Dated: (December 1983) Pages: 3-7
Date Published
1983
Length
5 pages
Annotation
It is important that probation offices inform the public as well as clients and criminal justice professionals about the philosophy, activities, successes, and needs of probation, and this can be accomplished through an organized public relations program that works through television, press, radio, local colleges, and intern programs.
Abstract
The effectiveness of probation depends upon the cooperative support of clients, criminal justice personnel, and the community. Such support is mobilized through public relations programs initiated by probation offices. One method of organizing such a program would be the establishment of a staff committee to consider public relations projects. The media for public relations programs are many and varied, and they should all be used. Persons should be prepared to speak to various community organizations about the work of probation and how citizens can contribute to its effectiveness. Further, community organizations should be informed about the availability of such speakers. Local television stations should be contacted to initiate communication about how this medium might be used to inform the public about the work of probation. Newspaper public interest stories about probation cases, including the use of Sunday supplement articles, should also be pursued. Correctional internship in a probation office is another avenue of public relations. The student interns should have a daily activities schedule outlined from the beginning which incorporates the gamut of various functions and exposes the student to a variety of agencies. A student self-evaluation can provide important input for improving the program. Eleven footnotes are provided.