NCJ Number
171612
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 61 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1997) Pages: 76-80
Date Published
1997
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The author describes what it was like to be a Federal probation officer some 50 years ago.
Abstract
Fewer officers meant larger caseloads and considerably greater distances to cover. Within most districts, work assignments were based on geographical areas rather than on specialties such as a supervision caseload, presentence investigation load, or employment development. The creation of a narcotics caseload was not even considered. Many of the cases were comparatively simple. Prosecution under the Dyer Act (interstate transportation of stolen motor vehicles) accounted for a large part of the courts' and probation officers' loads. Training sessions were held on university campuses, with some instructors drawn from local faculty. Training included lectures and workshops on presentence investigation methods and practices, counseling and supervision techniques, and case recording. Probation revocation was a straightforward process. The accused and his/her counsel rarely challenged the allegations at hearings, but often pleaded for leniency; most such matters were handled in a few minutes. Probation officers viewed themselves primarily as helping professionals; the focus was on trying to help probationers remake their lives, compared to the current strong law enforcement orientation.