Probation Officers Research Articles

The Cost of Testing

My name is Randall McNeil. I currently work as a Policy Analyst at Arnold Ventures, and I was formerly incarcerated. Released in August 2022 under DC’s IRAA reform after spending 24 years and 4 months in prison, I expected support from my probation officer upon my return to society. However, I encountered unexpected challenges. Initially assigned a probation officer who was temporary, I was subjected to monthly drug testing. Before my first drug test, I was informed of yet another change in probation officers. This cycle continued until I finally received a permanent probation officer, who immediately increased the frequency of drug testing as a means for me to earn trust. Additionally, she insisted on office and home visits instead of accommodating my job schedule, providing no transitional support. Currently residing in Maryland with my wife, I recently faced an alarming situation when I received notice from my probation officer that the judge that released me contacted the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and reported me as non-compliant due to a change of address within Maryland, which I failed to notify. As a former DC prisoner with a prior gun charge, I am obligated to register as a gun offender with the MPD. Despite adhering to all other release requirements, my failure to update my address led to a judge authorizing an arrest warrant. Fortunately, the officer granted me an opportunity to rectify the oversight, which I promptly addressed. This experience highlighted the precariousness of one’s circumstances, where even a minor lapse in compliance could have severe consequences. I am relieved to report that I am now fully compliant with all regulations.

Navigating criminal justice cooperation: A French perspective on EU framework decisions

This article provides a nuanced exploration of the implications of EU criminal justice cooperation, particularly within French probation and judicial services. Focusing on EU Framework Decisions 2008/947/JAI and 2009/829/JAI, the article delves into their impact and adaptation in France, offering insights into challenges, adaptations, and practical considerations from the French standpoint. The article contextualises the implications of EU Framework Decisions by integrating valuable insights from the French probation and judicial services. Statistical data and case analyses illustrate practical challenges and applications within the French criminal justice landscape. The article highlights specific challenges faced within the French criminal justice system, such as prison overcrowding and the treatment of foreign nationals. It emphasises enhanced communication, trust, and collaboration among stakeholders within the European criminal justice system. Addressing the adaptation of EU Framework Decisions in France, the article navigates the complexities involved in aligning European law with national legislation and the delicate balance required to maintain sovereignty while embracing cooperative legal frameworks. The nuanced cultural perspectives permeating the French criminal justice landscape are examined to comprehensively understand the unique challenges and adaptations within the French context. The article also discusses the paradox between establishing European probation standards and the challenges in building trust among probation officers and stakeholders across European nations, offering potential strategies for improvement in European criminal justice cooperation. In conclusion, this article provides valuable insights into the complexities and challenges within European criminal law, offering directives for enhanced collaboration and effectiveness within the European legal landscape. It is a pivotal analysis contributing to informed discussions and policy decision-making within European criminal justice cooperation.

Drug War Dragnet

This paper examines the multilayered dynamics behind the drivers of overdose deaths, criminal legal-system involvement, and the drug war infiltration of people’s everyday lives—especially for people under community supervision. While incarceration receives more media and academic attention because of its particular cruelty, almost twice as many people—3.7 million, or one in every sixty-nine U.S. adults—are under community supervision. Probation and parole are commonly understood as “alternatives to incarceration” or “lenient sentences,” but people on supervision must endure constant monitoring, perpetually under the threat of incarceration. Drug war policies and practices have profoundly shaped probation and parole. Regardless of someone’s original sentence, abstinence from drugs, drug testing, submission to warrantless searches, and court-ordered treatment are routine features of supervision. The putative goal of community supervision is to ensure successful reintegration; yet drug war surveillance enacts extensive barriers, while not reducing drug use or drug-related harms like overdose. In order to ensure health, financial security, and overall well-being of those under supervision, policymakers, probation and parole officers, clinicians, service providers, and researchers must work to identify and remove barriers to care, including routine drug testing, substandard or forced substance use disorder treatment, and poor-quality services and support.

Complaint against the actions of a probation officer

Complaint against the actions of a probation officer

ON CERTAIN ISSUES OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INSTITUTION OF PROBATION IN THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN AND THE SEARCH FOR WAYS TO IMPROVE IT

This article highlights some issues related to the implementation of the institution of probation in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The article presents statistics collected for the period 2019-2022 on suspended prisoners removed from the register in connection with: - with early release; - with a referral to an institution; - with the commission of a crime. To illustrate the problems of applying the material norms of the Criminal Code on probation in the activities of the Kazakh probation service, the author gives examples from the materials of law enforcement practice. The empirical experience of the departments of the probation service of interaction with district courts when sending submissions with a request to resolve the issue of the cancellation of conditional sentences against individual citizens is given. The analysis of court decisions sheds light on a certain problem of criminal legislation affecting the law enforcement practice of the Kazakh probation service when its employees send representations about the cancellation of a suspended sentence. In order to find ways to solve the existing law enforcement problems and improve the institution of probation, the author comes to the conclusion that it is expedient to conduct a survey as experts on the specified professional community of probation service employees, which should be faced with a number of topical questions formulated by him: Based on the illustrated court decisions and materials of the practice of the Kazakhstan probation service, the author presents his vision of the prospects for improving the norms of criminal legislation regulating the implementation of conditional sentences in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The hypothesis is put forward that the identification of the common position of the expert community of probation officers will entail the introduction of appropriate legislative initiatives with the preparation of a package of amendments and the organization of preliminary hearings with interested state bodies on improving the institution of probation in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Conditions of successful treatment referral practices with justice-involved youth: Qualitative insights from probation and service provider staff involved in JJ-TRIALS

IntroductionCompared to the general U.S. adolescent population, young people involved in the juvenile justice system are at greater risk of experiencing substance use (SU) issues. There are critical opportunities across the juvenile justice continuum, at points of interface with community-based treatment services, to screen and assess for SU issues, identify unmet treatment needs, and refer those in need to treatment. The treatment referral process is, however, complex, and contingent on a seamless nexus between juvenile justice operations and the wider treatment provider landscape. Given the lack of successful SU referrals among justice-involved youth and the variable referral rates across jurisdictions, this study's aim is to provide a qualitative, explanatory understanding of the conditions that together contribute to successful referring practices. MethodsThe study is based on an analysis of a qualitative dataset comprising focus group data with probation and community-based behavioral health treatment staff working in 31 sites in 6 different states as part of the clustered randomized trial of an organizational change intervention known as JJ-TRIALS (Juvenile Justice Translational Research on Interventions for Adolescents in the Legal System). The data contain respondents' narratives on the achievements, successes, and challenges with implementing the intervention. The data were analyzed through a combination of strategies to identify the conditions that both facilitate and impede referral processes between probation offices and community-based SU treatment providers. ResultsParticipants across sites discussed the positive impacts that the JJ-TRIALS intervention had on their improved ability to communicate, collaborate, and collect data. From the interviews, seven main conditions were observed to contribute to successful SU treatment referral practices: (1) communication (inter-organizational); (2) collaboration; (3) data-driven practices; (4) family engagement; (5) institutionalized policy and referral documentation; (6) efficient referral policies and procedures; and (7) suitable and accessible system of treatment providers. ConclusionFindings highlight the value of a holistic understanding of successful treatment referrals for justice-involved youth and help inform research and practice efforts to identify and measure the many dimensions of referral-making at the interface of juvenile probation and behavioral health services.

Philosophies in Community Supervision of Gang-Involved Youth and Adults

The wide expansion of community supervision has resulted in large-scale reliance on probation officers to facilitate change among both youth and adults. This is especially true for supervising high-risk populations, such as gang-involved individuals. To understand how probation officers balance the dual goals of public safety and rehabilitation, in-depth interviews with 12 youth and adult officers in Oregon were conducted. Results revealed that both groups had a shared understanding of gang pathways and desistance barriers. However, they held differing views on the factors that drive success and compliance. Youth officers utilize therapeutic philosophies and emphasize restoration through community resources to help youth desist from gang activity. Adult officers endorse law enforcement philosophies, emphasize accountability and personal choices, and center punitive strategies when using interagency collaboration. This study contributes to the literature on role perceptions and decision-making, and suggests that continuity of care in supervision philosophies can yield more successful outcomes for high-risk youth and adults.

Negotiating challenges faced by homicide offenders upon their release from prison: a thematic analysis

This study explored the perceptions of the challenges faced by homicide offenders (HOs) reintegrating into the community after prison. Through interviews with six HOs and 10 Probation Officers in the United Kingdom, three themes were identified in the thematic analysis: Transitioning from life in prison to a new world; societal stigma and media representations; and the psychological aspects of homicide. Reintegrating into a fast-paced society proved difficult for all HOs, who struggled to adapt, carry their licensing conditions, find identity and purpose, and cope with the fear of being recalled to prison. Stigma and negative media portrayal hindered their acceptance by society. Managing psychological factors and self-identity while addressing the gravity of taking a life may provide a sense of individual agency and prevent reoffending. These findings can inform policymakers and practitioners working with homicide offenders in the community.

‘Patience, persistence and proportionality’: Probation officer's perspectives of desistance in practice

Desistance from crime is a priority for criminal justice policy and practice yet the term carries varying definitions across research literature. Contemporary discourses promote a refocusing from desistance's representation as an individual's personal journey, to understanding desistance more akin to a social movement. Research has predominantly focused on the lived experience of those striving to achieve desistance, with practitioner perspectives remaining under researched. This study, conducted post COVID-19, aimed to explore and evaluate how probation officers operationalise desistance in practice. Outcomes evidence that whilst practitioners acknowledge the diverse conceptualisations of desistance, it remains a priority in practice, even where the focus is predominantly risk management. Key practice features emerging as essential to promoting desistance include identifying and cultivating a motivation to change, approaches to forming the supervisory relationship and how practitioner's respond when risks increase. A supporting organisational ethos is critical but challenged in the complex post COVID-19 context.

Procedural Justice in Their Eyes: A Qualitative Interview Study Among Detainees.

The literature on procedural justice has been mainly focused on examining whether a fair and respectful treatment affects justice-involved individuals' legitimacy evaluations and their behavior. It is, however, equally important to examine (a) the role that perceptions of procedural justice play for individuals in their encounters with criminal justice authorities and (b) what makes individuals feel treated procedurally (un-)just. In this qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 35 detainees in a Dutch prison, asking questions about their encounters with police officers, prison staff, judges, and probation officers. The findings showed that the majority of detainees raised issues of procedural justice, indicating that procedural justice plays an important role for them. In addition, five elements primarily shaped detainees' perceptions of procedural justice: (1) trustworthy motives, (2) interpersonal treatment, (3) neutrality, (4) participation, and (5) agency and process information. These elements of procedural justice were mentioned after encounters with most authorities.

Sustainability of Evidence-Based Practices: Risk-Need-Responsivity in Probation 7 Years Later

This quasi-experimental, pre-post study investigated the sustainability of risk-needs assessment (RNA) and the risk-need-responsivity (RNR) practices in five juvenile probation offices across two states 7 years after rigorous implementation. The study evaluated adherence to practices and facilitators of sustainability via interviews with leadership ( N = 10) and probation officers ( N = 84) and a seventh-year cohort of youth propensity score matched to a cohort from the first year of implementation ( n = 730 per state cohort). Probation officers in both states reported relatively high adherence to RNR-based practices, and one state significantly improved adherence to its RNA administration policies and the risk principle. Adherence to the risk principle in placement and service referral decisions regressed in the other state. Essential ingredients for sustainment included maintaining staff training and monitoring, evolving RNR practices through the adoption of complementary evidence-based practices, and having court personnel who enable best practices.

What Factors Contribute to Differential Perceptions Toward Evidence-Based Practices? An Examination of Officer Role Orientation, Job Satisfaction, Confidence, and Skill Proficiency

Training probation officers on evidence-based practices (EBPs) is vital to ensuring that community supervision is maximally effective at reducing recidivism. However, after training, probation officers often have differential perceptions regarding EBPs. Thus, this study surveyed 90 adult probation officers after they participated in a training based on the Risk-Need-Responsivity model and Core Correctional Practices and examined whether their role orientation, job satisfaction, and confidence and skill proficiency using EBPs predicted their perceptions regarding the EBPs’ ease of use, usefulness, and perceived success at reducing recidivism on their caseload. Regression analyses revealed that all predictors accounted for variability in officers’ perceptions regarding the perceived success of using EBPs, explaining 41.2% of the variance, but job satisfaction (Δ R2 = .18) and officer role orientation (Δ R2 = .10) were most critical, solely explaining 28.5% of the variance. We conclude by providing recommendations for improving probation officers’ perceptions of EBPs.

Motywacja do pracy w działalności zawodowej kuratora sądowego

Aim: The aim of the research is to understand the motivation for the work of probation officers. Methods: The research used a quantitative strategy. The diagnostic survey method and analysis of the literature on the subject were used. Results: The research results have shown that probation officers with the highest degree - specialist probation officer - declare that there is no motivation system in their profession. However, professional probation officers indicate that this system mainly covers professional promotion as well as courses and training. In turn, the stimulus that most motivates respondents to work is the opportunity to help other people, as well as employment stability. However, among the demobilizing factors, respondents indicated constant stress that they have to face almost every day. Coclusion: A probation officer is a public official who acts on behalf of another person - an adult, a minor or a minor. The actions he undertakes are extremely important because they affect not only the person under his care, but also the entire environment surrounding him. Therefore, it is worth providing him with an appropriate motivation system that will keep him constantly engaged in his duties. Oryginality: Most studies on the professional activity of a probation officer focus mainly on his qualifications, tasks and responsibilities. However, most attention is paid to methods and forms of work with the clients, both educational, resocialization and preventive. Considering that the probation officer plays an important role in society, it is necessary to ensure an appropriate system that mobilizes him to work, which is rarely considered. Keyword: probation officer, motivation, demotivation, motivating system, work, professional activity, guardianship

Identifying Risk and Protective Factors Influencing Adolescents to Become Involved in Crime from the Perspective of Probation Officers

Identifying Risk and Protective Factors Influencing Adolescents to Become Involved in Crime from the Perspective of Probation Officers

New Research on Veterans Treatment Courts: An Overview of the Community Participatory Research on Veterans in Specialized Programming Project

ABSTRACT Justice-involved veterans return to civilian life with a variety of mental and physical health challenges that often go untreated and increase their risk for self-harm and involvement in the criminal-legal system. Veterans Treatment Courts (VTC) were created to respond to the unique problems of justice-involved veterans by attempting to coordinate services and support with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), local treatment providers, and the VTC. Our research has two distinct phases. In Phase 1, we conducted qualitative interviews with VTC team members in twenty (20) VTCs from each USA region; in each VTC, we gained the perspectives of team members – judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, VJOs, VTC program coordinators, mentors, probation officers, and treatment providers – on the operation of VTCs, with a focus on how to improve service provision for justice-involved veterans. A total of 145 interviews were conducted. We begin by describing the unique problems and treatment needs of justice-involved veterans, and briefly summarize the findings from previous research on the implementation and impact of VTCs. We then present our research study protocol and highlight findings from our phase 1 qualitative interviews with VTC team members. In addition, we describe phase 2 of our project, which will include focus groups with VTC graduates, and quantitative analyses of the service provision networks of three VTCs.

Optimizing Juvenile Probation: A Concurrent Triangulation Study on Supervision Practices and Recidivism in Kenya

The primary objective of probation supervision is to ensure compliance with probation conditions, improve public safety, and rehabilitate and reintegrate offenders back into a pro-legal and social lifestyle. However, statistics in Kenya point to consistently high rates of recidivism in the past two decades. Despite this, limited information exists on the effect of juvenile supervision practices on recidivism in the country. This study aimed to evaluate the existing juvenile probation supervision practices and their outcomes in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study sampled 226 respondents comprising juvenile probationers and probation practitioners. Using a concurrent triangulation mixed-method approach, three probation supervision practices, namely, frequency and mode of supervision, supervision skills and workload, were examined. The outcomes for each of the three practices were varied, with frequency and mode of supervision having a reducing effect on recidivism but not significant. Supervision skills and probation officers’ workload significantly impacted recidivism. Collectively, the centrality of the existing probation supervision practices in curtailing juvenile reoffending behavior was evidenced. However, a number of challenges, including limited specialized training and mentorship in juvenile matters, resource constraints and overwhelming workloads, limited optimal outcomes. The study recommends consistent juvenile-focused training on supervision skills, clear guidelines to sustain manageable caseloads, and leveraging technology for administrative tasks and remote supervision.

Lived Experiences of Probationers towards Community-based Correction Program: A Qualitative Study

This study explores the real-world experiences of probationers who take part in Ozamiz City community programs. The study uses a qualitative approach to investigate the viewpoints, difficulties, and results that probationers experience when participating in community-based projects. The study uses thematic analysis to identify and investigate major themes that surface from the narratives of probationers, providing insight into how they interact with programs for rehabilitation, reintegrate into society, and perceive support systems. The following are the generated themes: (1) Personal Growth and Self-Discipline, (2) Community Integration and Belonging, (3) Guidance and Support from Probation Officers, and (4) Skills Development and Employment Readiness. In this study, the researcher analyzed the data using the narrative and phenomenology methods of Moustakas for the gathering of information through open-ended and conversational communication. The research is to contribute to the creation of more responsive and effective interventions that are suited to the requirements and realities of probationers in Ozamiz City by clarifying these lived experiences.

Career Trajectory: A Longitudinal Analysis of Criminology Graduates’ Attributes and Professional Success in a Private HEI

All graduates aspire for career progression, successful career paths, and maximum professional development. The increasing demand for professionals to address emerging societal issues and new trends locally and globally necessitates continuous adaptation and upskilling to meet the evolving needs of society and personal career trajectories. This research analyzes graduates' attributes and their alignment with professional success. Thirty (30) alumni of BS Criminology in a private HEI, chosen through convenience sampling, are examined using a validated researchers-made questionnaire, pilot tested for reliability (Cronbach Alpha = 0.91 and 0.88) composed of a Likert scale checklist for quantitative and open-ended questions for qualitative. Data gathering utilized semi-structured interviews and computer-assisted techniques using Google Forms, with the observance of ethical research standards. Using frequency, percentage, and mean substantiated with the themes merged through narrative analysis, gathered data revealed that most graduates now work as law enforcers, police officers, probation, and correctional officers (about 80%). This professional success rate, a testament to our graduates' dedication and hard work, is rooted in their dreams and desire to make a difference. In addition, results showed that, as perceived, academic preparedness (x=3.52), self-efficacy (3.68) on performing criminology skills and outcome expectations to all actions made (x=3.80) are highly influential and contribute to professional success, which showcased a high perceived percentage of alignment (about 93%) implied from both quantitative and the theme discovered. With these, a contextualized career trajectory model is recommended to offer a comprehensive visual framework for understanding the stages, transitions, and skill development necessary to support students toward professional success.

Effect of Environmental Conditions on Management of Juvenile Delinquent in Kiambu County, Kenya

The purpose of this study was to determine how environmental conditions affected the management of juvenile offenders at the rehabilitation facilities located in Kiambu County. Through the use of structured questionnaires, interviews, and targeted focus groups, information was gathered from 90 probation officers, 22 instructors, and 12 managers. The centres’ overpopulation, subpar accommodations, and unfavourable environmental conditions were found to be impeding the effectiveness of rehabilitation operations. Adolescents’ negative opinions of staff made matters worse. There is an urgent need for extensive programme reforms because over 93% of respondents thought the institutional environment was unfavorable. The study recommends modernizing rehabilitation programmes through the integration of life skills development, vocational training, counselling, and education will demand immediate action. For a programme to be implemented effectively, staffing and equipment shortages must be addressed. Furthermore, improving the institutional setting is essential to the juveniles’ effective recovery and ultimate reintegration into society.

“Genetics Loaded the Gun,” But My Probation Officer Pulled the Trigger: Regulating Access to Behavioral Genetic Information in the Presentence Investigation Report

“Genetics Loaded the Gun,” But My Probation Officer Pulled the Trigger: Regulating Access to Behavioral Genetic Information in the Presentence Investigation Report