Fear of Violence as an Indicator of Risk in Probation Work: Its Impact on Staff Who Work with Known Violent Offenders

• NCJ Number: 204193
• Journal: British Journal of Criminology Volume: 44 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2004 Pages: 113-126
• Author(s): Maria O'Beirne; David Denney; Jonathan Gabe
• Date Published: January 2004
• Length: 14 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

This study examined fear of violence and its management among probation officers in the United Kingdom.

Abstract

In 2001, the Home Office implemented the Offender Assessment System (OASys), a joint prison and probation officer assessment system designed to predict the risk of reoffending among violent offenders and the risk of harm to staff and others. The assessment of fear of harm among probation workers has been a neglected area in a system in which predictions of future offending has become routine. As such, the current study analyzed data from a large-scale 1999-2000 victimization survey of 714 probation officers and in-depth interviews with 25 of these officers in order to assess how fear was experienced and managed by those working with violent offenders. Four central questions were addressed by the research: (1) who felt fear of violence while at work; (2) how did probation officers deal with their fear; (3) how was fear recorded; and (4) how did management handle the fears of their staff? Analysis of the data indicates that reported fear of violence at work varies by the age, gender, and year of recruitment for officers. Fear was greatest among females, those between the ages of 30 and 39, and those who were recruited during the 1960’s and 1990’s. Officers reported handling their fear by seeking assistance, accepting fear as part of their job, improving their safety, or reorganizing work to minimize their risk. The findings also revealed that fear is not formally recorded or accounted for within the probation system. Finally, it was found that management deals with employee fear in much the same way fear is recorded; there is no formal mechanism through which supportive actions or measures may be taken on behalf of employees in an effort to resolve their fear. Given the impact of probation officer fear on work practices and relationships with colleagues, management, and clients, it is suggested that offender risk assessments take into account the extent to which fear signals a warning to management of staff vulnerability and their capacity to work with clients who induce fear. Tables, references