NCJ Number
60669
Date Published
1975
Length
52 pages
Annotation
THIS MANUAL IS DESIGNED TO SERVE AS AN INSTRUCTOR'S GUIDE FOR THE TRAINING OF VOLUNTEERS TO CONDUCT PRESENTENCE INVESTIGATIONS OF ADULT OFFENDERS AND PRESENT FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE COURT.
Abstract
THE MANUAL IS LARGELY BASED ON THE EXPERIENCE IN THE USE AND TRAINING OF VOLUNTEERS BY THE HENNEPIN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF COURT SERVICES IN MINNEAPOLIS. THE TRAINING PROGRAM USES A GROUP PROCESS APPROACH WHICH EMPHASIZES DISCUSSIONS AND INFORMATION SHARING AMONG GROUP MEMBERS, USE OF SMALL GROUPS (15 MEMBERS OR LESS) AND USE OF ROLE PLAYING AND SIMULATIONS. CONTENT AREAS NECESSARY TO EFFECTIVE PRESENTENCE INVESTIGATIONS INCLUDE (1) UNDERSTANDING THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM, (2) DEVELOPING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONAL RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN PAID AND NONPAID STAFF, (3) UNDERSTANDING THE OFFENDER'S BEHAVIOR, (4) USING COMMUNITY RESOURCES, (5) DEVELOPING AND IMPROVING COMMUNICATIONS AND INTERVIEWING SKILLS, AND (6) EFFECTIVE REPORT WRITING AND PRESENTATION TO THE COURT. SUGGESTED TEACHING PROCEDURES AND RESOURCE MATERIALS ARE PRESENTED FOR EACH OF THESE SIX INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES. VIDEO TAPE RECORDERS AND AGENCY ORIENTATIONS FOR VOLUNTEERS ARE RECOMMENDED. SAMPLE EXERCISES, READINGS, AND PHOTOGRAPHS ARE INCLUDED. (CFW)