NCJ Number
162823
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 59 Issue: 4 Dated: (December 1995) Pages: 34-40
Date Published
1995
Length
7 pages
Annotation
A retired Illinois probation officer describes the characteristics of low-risk offenders under probation supervision and offers suggestions about how probation officers can help this population do well on supervision.
Abstract
Low-risk offenders have been convicted of nonviolent offenses such as mail fraud or filing false tax returns and have no backgrounds that include an intensive prior criminal record, mental illness, violent behavior, criminal associations, or current drug abuse. They wish to be thought honorable and often do not regard themselves as criminals. Probation officers with low-risk caseloads often have 100- 200 cases and can feel stymied. However, although often problematic, low-risk offenders are also often promising. For some, doing well entails making behavioral and attitudinal changes and acquiring some knowledge and skills. Many low-risk offenders are extremely resistant to necessary change. They need both hope and a sense of discomfort to be willing to change. Many supervisees have problems in managing their money. They also want to put the offense behind them and be trusted again. Probation officers can help them make improvements in their lives by reminding them to avoid trouble, develop a good record in the probation department, acquiring needed skills in money management or other areas, and doing their best to make restitution. Reference notes