NCJ Number: 83846
Title: City Probation Standardized Record Keeping - Report, Volumes 1 and 2
Corporate Author: Economic Development Council of New York City, Inc
Date Published: 1978
Page Count: 139
Sponsoring Agency: Economic Development Council of New York City, Inc
Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/
Type: Report (Study/Research)
Language: English
Country: United States of America
Annotation: This assessment of New York City Probation Department recordkeeping found no standardized format or content for case records, which ultimately hampers the effectiveness of probation services.
Abstract: Data for the assessment were obtained from visits to every branch office of the department, where case processing was monitored from reception by the branch to final disposition. All forms which the branch personnel identified as actual or potential parts of the case record were collected, along with copies of all index cards and sheets. Flow charts of the case processing were constructed. Because no standardized format or content for case records was found, records are difficult to understand and use when probation officers or cases are transferred to another office. Other client based records lack standard format as well. There are no standard methods for filing, handling, or securing records, making them vulnerable to loss. Among the products of the department are counseling, recommendations, and reports, but the process by which information is transformed into these products is not getting sufficient management effort. The study's major conclusion is that managerial emphasis is on the concept of probation services, issues of human behavior, points of law, and program funding, while there is less emphasis on the process of producing services at both department and branch levels. The adoption of recommended procedures and forms is expected to (1) produce greater uniformity in all branches performing comparable functions; (2) improve efficiency and economy by reduction of duplication, number of forms, and clerical time; and (3) improve file storage capability. Greater accessibility to records and improved potential for exchange of information among branches should also result. Data are presented in tabular form.
Index Term(s): New York; Organization studies; Probation or parole agencies; Records management
Note: Prepared by the Economic Development Council's Probation Task Force
To cite this abstract, use the following link: http://www.ncjrs.gov/App/publications/abstract.aspx?ID=83846
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