NCJ Number
197812
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 66 Issue: 2 Dated: September 2002 Pages: 38-42
Date Published
September 2002
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Using the "broken windows" paradigm, this article proposes strategies for redesigning offender supervision.
Abstract
The "broken windows" metaphor refers to an innovative approach to community policing that attends to the problems of social disorder, especially in public spaces, by engaging the citizenry in the mission and practice of policing. In its more progressive forms, this style of policing views citizens as partners in crime control, as well as customers of the services police provide. When applied to probation and parole, the "broken windows" metaphor states that the work of probation and parole must move beyond the management of individual caseloads to engage the community in the business of community supervision. Probation and parole officers thus become willing partners in working with community residents to improve the quality of community life. A primary concern under this paradigm is public safety. This means that probation and parole supervision must focus on rehabilitative programs that have been proven through evaluation to reduce recidivism. If programmatic interventions are to be effective, field staff and administrators must ensure a consistent and sustained focus on "therapeutic integrity." Programs that work must continue over a significant period of time and accomplish what they intend. Community cooperation is required in monitoring offenders under community supervision to ensure that any violations or offenses are reported and addressed. Public safety and the monitoring of offenders is the responsibility of the community, and it is up to probation and parole officers to contact and educate strategic community residents and groups about how they can help to facilitate effective offender supervision and accountability. 17 references