NCJ Number
193700
Journal
Perspectives Volume: 25 Issue: 4 Dated: Fall 2001 Pages: 34-39
Date Published
2001
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article argues that probation officers must emphasize their law enforcement role in order to reassure the public that they can effectively protect the community from offenders on probation.
Abstract
The article suggests that, as a first step to modify the public perception of leniency, probation officers should change their name to "probation enforcement officer" in order to recast their primary role as guarantor of community protection and law enforcement. Changing the public's negative perception of probation will take years. However, the article claims that a name change can go a considerable way in altering the "slap on the wrist" perception of probation and put some distance from the pro-offender, anti-victim perception that the public now holds of probation officers. Changing their name and becoming more like cops will enhance the probation officers' image, credibility, and effectiveness. This enhanced image may translate into increased legislative support. It is much more cost effective to place offenders on probation than to send them to prison, a significant consideration in a time of increasing concern with the enormous expenditures involved in support of the prison system. References