Role conflict for adult probation and parole officers: Fact or myth

Abstract

The studies reported here examined the nature of role conflict in adult probation and parole officers. The first focused on state probation officers, who were expected to demonstrate high levels of role conflict because of a change in agency policy and because of the mandatory use of weapons. The expected role conflict did not appear in the data. It was suggested that the role conflict did not occur because of a sizable economic incentive that was attached to the use of weapons. The second study collected data from federal probation officers in the same geographical area. Although the federal officers demonstrated higher levels of role conflict than the state officers, the levels observed appeared to be relatively low.