NCJ Number
223942
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 47 Issue: 3 Dated: 2008 Pages: 220-247
Date Published
2008
Length
28 pages
Annotation
In applying Klockars’ theory of effective supervision, this paper compares three contemporary models of probation supervision: surveillance (protecting community safety), treatment (promoting offender rehabilitation), or hybrid (both surveillance and treatment).
Abstract
The weight of the evidence for both types of probationers (general probationers and probationers with mental disorders (PMDs) supports the hybrid model. Hybrid approaches are represented by hybrid intensive supervision programs, “risk-needs- responsivity” programs, and specialty mental health caseloads. These approaches share a near-equal emphasis on public safety and rehabilitative goals. They also involve an officer who synthesizes rehabilitation and surveillance efforts; the programs fit Klockars’ hybrid prototype. Klockars’ theory (1972) essentially describes how the synthetic officer reconciles rehabilitative and surveillance goals to achieve effective supervision. The theory suggests two mechanisms for effective supervision. First, the successful reconciliation of dual roles is a means toward achieving both surveillance goals and therapeutic goals. Second, a positive officer-probationer relationship may be therapeutic in itself. This paper applies Klockars’ theory to three models of supervision: protecting community safety model (surveillance), promoting offender rehabilitation model (treatment), or both. It is hypothesized that the hybrid approach will outperform both the surveillance and treatment approach. Beyond Klockars, these results suggest that the treatment model included in hybrid programs must explicitly target key criminogenic needs. Figure and references