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Supervisor of the Offender

NCJ Number
73362
Author(s)
H B Trestor
Date Published
1981
Length
347 pages
Annotation
Providing a general picture of the function, history, and justification of parole and probation, this text instructs students interested in becoming corrections officers in aspects of professional training, techniques for supervision, and methods of administration.
Abstract
The book begins by making a distinction between parole and probation and by correcting misunderstandings and myths associated with probation and parole (e.g., these ineffective methods squandor taxpayers' money on petty offenders with little result). Then it outlines and explains the place and importance of parole and probation within the criminal justice system. The historical overview explores the direct and indirect influences of Christianity on punishment and rehabilitation theories, and, while recognizing the English legal system as the originator of a type of parole (in the 1600's English offenders were often 'pardoned' to the American colonies), acknowledges the American corrections system as the developer of the concept of probation. The functional aspects of probation and parole are discussed, with a focus on investigation, intervention-mediation, and secondary functions, such as the investigations for personal recognizance bonds. The rights of offenders are highlighted in discussions of civil disabilities, the revocation process, insanity pleas, and related offender rights. Imprisonment is discussed as a poor alternative to probation and parole and as a method of punishment, a form of rehabilitation, and a means of social protection and intervention. Finally, the text turns to the specific role, tasks, training, and techniques of parole and probation officers. Background coursework and experience in the fields of psychology, sociology, social work, and criminal justice administration are examined in relation to their value for officers, and an interdisciplinary approach is recommended. Selective criteria for officers are covered, as are career opportunities, professional ethics, functional duties, and supervision methods and approaches, such as client domination, manipulation, screening and diagnosis, behavior motivation, and working from an understanding of client behavior. Problems and issues in services effectiveness evaluation, community relations, and administration are addressed. The discussions cover public relations, offender tracking, measurement of behavior change, and staff recruitment, training, and use. The final chapter looks at future trends and speculates on the outlook for community-based corrections, split sentences, halfway houses, specialized offender services, and more. Individual chapters contain references. An index is provided.