Legally Prescribed Functions of Adult and Juvenile Probation Officers

Abstract

Historically, there have been two competing goals of probation: law enforcement and rehabilitation of the offender. Accordingly, the role, functions, and tasks of probation officers are at times in conflict. In this paper we explore the roles of adult and juvenile probation officers and compare their statutorily prescribed duties. In so doing we attempt to uncover what differences exist between adult and juvenile probation officers. We conclude that there are no appreciable differences between the orientation (either law enforcement or rehabilitation) of the tasks adult and juvenile probation officers are mandated to perform. Moreover, the task orientation of probation officers (adult and juvenile) is slanted towards law enforcement.