The study included a random sample of 48 people drawn from 312 individuals who were sentenced to probation supervision in 1987, who completed their sentences in selected probation regions, and who had not been reconvicted of a criminal or major traffic offense as of October 31, 1990. Just over half of the study participants were men, and the average age was 32 years. Participants had moderately serious involvement in crime, with an average of five convictions covering a wide range of offenses. They were asked questions about what they got out of supervision and what their probation officer was like. Very few people spontaneously mentioned the probation sentence as something that helped them go straight. Yet asked directly about supervision, half the participants said they got something out of the probation sentence and one-third of those going straight said the sentence was related to reduced reoffending. Getting something out of the sentence was clearly related to feeling positive about the probation officer, and two-thirds made positive comments about their probation officer. Probationers wanted to be treated and individuals and shown genuine consideration. The relationship between offender and probation officer was a crucial factor in whether people got anything out of the probation sentence. 8 references and 13 notes