NCJ Number
185838
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 64 Issue: 2 Dated: June 2000 Pages: 51-59
Date Published
June 2000
Length
9 pages
Annotation
A national survey conducted in 1999 gathered information about Federal probation and pretrial service officers’ concerns for personal safety on the job, experiences with victimization, satisfaction with training, and effects of orientation regarding these issues.
Abstract
The research used a systematic random sample of 539 names from the officers listed in the national directory. Responses came from 300 officers ranging from chief probation/pretrial services offices to probation/pretrial services officer aids. The study used the SPSS statistical research software for data analysis. Results revealed that 96 percent of the participants were concerned for their personal safety when making field contacts. More than 75 percent of the field work had become more dangerous in the past 5 years. More than 60 percent reported that they have been intimated by the threat of violence or by other means during their careers; 75 percent of these participants reported being threatened more than once. Almost 9 percent had experienced physical assaults. Only 12 percent indicated that the reporting of critical incidents in their districts was significant. Forty-six percent reported that the lack of safety training and equipment has a negative effect on their productivity. Ninety-three percent believed that officers should receive safety training at the start of their careers. Findings suggested the need for national officer safety training, standards, and policies. 13 references