NCJ Number
85036
Date Published
1981
Length
54 pages
Annotation
This study devises an updated work measurement formula for future budgetary requirements for Federal probation offices and allocates positions to districts equitably.
Abstract
Prior to performing the actual work measurement, a detailed and standardized description of all work requirements of the probation offices was developed. This description was used as the basis for measuring the amount of work required in a probation office and the amount of time required to complete the work. Onsite measurements were performed at 24 selected probation offices by the management analysts. The workload and work hour data collected were used to develop nine standard staffing ratios applicable to all probation offices. An additional staffing ratio was developed to account for pretrial services activities at those probation offices providing them. It was determined that the primary workload factors and most reliable indicators of the staffing requirements of the offices are the numbers of clients under high/low activity supervision, presentence and postsentence reports prepared, collateral reports prepared, violation reports prepared, drug aftercare clients, bail reports prepared, and miles traveled during field work. Separate workload factors were developed to account for clerical functions and management and support activities. Work unit time standards for each of the workload factors, except miles traveled, were derived and used as the basis for the development of the staffing ratios contained in the report. Tabular and graphic data are provided. (Author summary modified)