NCJ Number
182817
Journal
Community Corrections Report Volume: 7 Issue: 4 Dated: May/June 2000 Pages: 53-63
Editor(s)
Todd R. Clear
Date Published
2000
Length
3 pages
Annotation
The "reinventing model" for probation calls for meaningful supervision of offenders in the community, community partnerships, and a management approach that considers organizational culture and change.
Abstract
The role of the probation officers needs to be redefined away from a casebook approach toward an approach that is based on collaboration and partnerships with a wide variety of individuals, groups, and organizations. Probation managers must revise procedures and design adequate training programs. In addition, probation managers must take into account the organizational culture of probation, but assessing organizational culture is not always easy. In some ways, changing the culture of a probation agency is similar to the work probation officers do in changing offender behavior. Any organizational culture change strategy must address attitudes, values, and beliefs, and changing organizational culture requires strong leadership. Fundamental change is needed if probation is to achieve its largely untapped potential.