NCJ Number
143597
Journal
Justice System Journal Volume: 14 Issue: 1 Dated: (1990) Pages: 78-94
Date Published
1990
Length
17 pages
Annotation
The Adult Probation Department of Harris County (Texas) conducted a 1-year field study of the effects of computer- generated performance feedback on the collection of supervision fees from probationers.
Abstract
Data were gathered from 152 probation officers, some of whom received standard feedback reports and others of whom also received two additional reports that increased the amount and specificity of feedback information. The probation officers who received enhanced feedback also received monthly training in the form of group and individual meetings with the project director. Data for 1987, the year before the procedures were implemented, were compared with those for 1988. Consistent with the hypothesis, enhanced feedback procedures led to improved supervision fee collections. However, results provided only a limited indication that the training given to probation officers increased the benefits of performance feedback. Results suggested the desirability of examining improved uses of computer technology, including making information accessible on computer terminals rather than only on printout reports, to provide information to decisionmakers at all levels. Tables, appended tables, and 17 references (Author summary modified)