Adult Probation and Parole Officers: Influence of Their Weapons, Role Perceptions and Role Conflict

Abstract

Conventional wisdom asserts that probation and parole officers experience a high degree of role conflict because of the nature of their job. These officers are expected to provide both treatment and supervision services which have opposed philosophies. This study sought to provide empirical evidence to support this contention and to examine the influences of weapon use on role conflict. The data indicate that Alabama state adult probation officers experience relatively low levels of role conflict with a weak association with weapon use. This low level of role conflict may be attributable to the fact that Alabama adult probation and parole officers receive a substantial cash subsidy for carrying a weapon.