NCJ Number
105338
Date Published
1987
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This 1983 study used participant observation and survey questionnaires to examine program perceptions, job satisfaction and stress, and burnout among 35 officers assigned to a supervised intensive restitution (SIR) program in Alabama.
Abstract
The survey questionnaire also was administered to 108 regular probation/parole officers. Officers' perceptions of the SIR program were overwhelmingly positive. Their positive reactions to both increased offender contact and increased contact with law enforcement personnel suggests that they enjoyed a clearly defined emphasis on surveillance that does not exclude the service aspects of the job. Some dissatisfaction was expressed with the need to cut corners because of workloads and the lack of resources to help offenders with concrete adjustment problems. Compared to regular officers, SIR officers showed higher overall job satisfaction, primarily related to intrinsic factors (personal contacts, autonomy, flexibility), significantly lower job stress, and less job burnout (emotional exhaustion). Overall job satisfaction of SIR officers remained high at 1-year followup. Recommendations for program improvements are made. 41 references.