Probation Work in Small Agencies - A National Study of Training Provisions and Needs

• NCJ Number: 90451
• Author(s): D Thomson; D Fogel
• Date Published: 1980
• Length: 377 pages
• Grant Number(s): AN-9
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Corrections
• Corporate Author: University of Illinois, Chicago Circle
• Sale Source: University of Illinois, Chicago Circle; National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Issued in two numbered volumes

Annotation

A survey of over 800 small (1 to 9 staff members) State, Federal, and local probation agencies handling adult offenders and field visits to 35 sites provided a data base for studying agencies' personnel training methods and for developing recommendations and curriculum suggestions for staff training.

Abstract

A variety of data were gathered, such as agency size, locus of administration, rural or urban location, firearms authorization, court disposition patterns, enforcement policies, workload, and professional efficacy issues: anomie, training, embattlement, complacency or resignation. Profiles of probation officers were developed also, and data were gathered on officers' age, sex, race, experience in probation work, current position, image of probation work, age at entry to probation work, training experiences, and training needs. Survey data were then used to develop a framework for considering small probation agency staff training. The research suggests three major conclusions about existing training: (1) although provided by organizations cognizant of urban/rural, large/small agency differences, notable gaps occur; (2) consequential differences appear between small agencies and larger ones, but some of the more significant ones are subtle; (3) probation officers in small agencies tend to be independent, self-sufficient, and frequently innovative. They appear to be doing their work in ways comparable to that of their counterparts in larger agencies. Some particular training deprivations should be resolved. General work skills training, especially in managing community resources, could be improved to reach agencies now deprived of it. Law and legal issues and counseling knowledge and techniques could be a valuable part of a training curriculum, as could drugs and alcohol, supervision methods, and presentence investigations. The National Institute of Corrections should strengthen its technical assistance and advocacy role. Study data are included. An appendix, NCJ 90452, presents the survey questionnaire, and reviews strategies for training, indicating possible directions which an exemplary training component might follow.