Skills, Knowledge and Qualities in Probation Practice (From Criminal Justice System: A Central Role for the Probation Service, P 105-117, 1989)

• NCJ Number: 121362
• Author(s): G Boswell
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 13 pages
• Corporate Author: University of Cambridge
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom
• Note: Proceedings of the Clarke Hall Residential Conference held at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, in July 1989.

Annotation

Studies were conducted to identify the skills which probation officers need to perform their job.

Abstract

The first study consisted of a roughly equal sample of graduates and nongraduates who had attended between them a total of 49 course centers and had been employed for 1 to 2 years. Three quarters of the sample considered their courses lacking in the works and interests of the Probation Services, however, they felt their fieldwork placements provided a good foundation for Probation practice. Another study of 785 experienced Probation Officers revealed that almost half of them are now employed in specialisms. Results show that the vast majority have little or no difficulty operating within the existing framework of the penal system. The two major research findings in all these studies were that training is not sufficiently practice relevant and that the unique role for which qualifying Probation Officers need to be trained and equipped is that of holding the balance between court and client. The future of training includes adapting the existing framework to current needs and changing the framework. 5 references