NCJ Number
184416
Date Published
May 1995
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This paper reports on findings from the National Institute of Justice's National Assessment Program survey regarding probation and parole workload problems, agency initiatives, special issues, and research and evaluation priorities.
Abstract
Questionnaires were sent to more than 3,300 criminal justice professionals in 13 types of agencies in 411 counties nationwide. Responses were received between October 1993 and February 1994 from 2,585 people. Regarding workload problems, approximately 92 percent of the responding probation and parole directors indicated that they needed more field officers to handle the increased caseloads, primarily because of the increase in substance abuse cases. The directors were especially concerned about the adequacy of substance abuse treatment programs in their jurisdictions. Regarding agency initiatives, more probation and parole agency directors expressed concern about boot camps than about other alternative sanctions. Probation and parole agency directors were much more likely than other groups surveyed to state they did not want or need them. They were particularly concerned about the additional staff time required to supervise boot camps when their effectiveness has not been proven conclusively. Regarding special issues, many probation and parole agency directors said they felt responsible for providing mental health services to probationers and parolees who need them. Respondents recommended alternative sanctions and dealing with sex offenders as key topics for further research and evaluation.